Start of a transcript of: Inform 7 v10.1.2 Identification number: //5AF5D372-4C1B-46B2-90EF-CD06CDB2628A// Interpreter version 2.1.6 / VM 3.1.2 >get matchbox [You should attend to whatever you're trying to get.] >attend to matchbox You gather the matchbox and tuck it into your pocket. [Now that you're holding the matchbox, you can attend to the candle to light it. You can also attend to the matchbox again to put it down. Instead of typing attend to each time, you can simply type A as a shortcut. For example: a candle.] >x matchbox The brand name ~C&C Matchsticks~ is printed elegantly on the box. >a candle You strike a match and light the candle on the windowsill. Master Bryce recoils with a high-pitched shriek, shielding his eyes before attempting to crawl under the bed. This is precisely why he ought to wear his spectacles, although where his spectacles are is another matter. He has the most perplexing tendency to lose personal items around the manor. >i You're carrying a matchbox in your pocket. >a matchbox You set aside the matchbox. >a bryce Despite your most well-reasoned and polite verbal encouragements, you cannot convince Master Bryce that his clothes belong on his body. You'll have to take things into your own hands, as usual. >x bryce You are careful not to see what might be indiscreet, especially when you can see it very clearly. Master Bryce has such a difficulty keeping himself dressed when he is in these moods. >about The Bat is copyright 2024 by Chandler Groover. It may be distributed for free, but not sold or included in any for-profit collection without written permission from the author. Many thanks to Tabitha, Pseudavid, Val, Vellamo, Toastergraham, strandgames, Edo, Mitali Tase, Michael Russo, Petter Sjölund, Doug Orleans, Josh Lawrence, Robert Eggleston, Brian Rushton, Victor Gjisbers, Saori, Raygan Kelly, Josh Grams, Shelumi, and Murari for supporting me on Patreon during this game's development. Additional thanks to Robert Eggleston, Vellamo, Toastergraham, Tabitha, Josh Grams, Morgan Stang, Chad Powers, and Arthur DiBianca for help with beta-testing! The game's cover image is modified from promotional material for The Bat (1926), Roland West's film adaptation of The Bat (1920), a play by Mary Roberts Rinehart and Avery Hopwood. (While this game may share certain thematic elements ? and a title ? with the movie and the play, it features an original story and is not another adaptation.) The game's background image, available for online play, is modified from The Naturalist's Library (1833) by Sir William Jardine. >w Upstairs Corridor To the west, you could enter the study; to the east, the master's bedroom; and the grand staircase leads down to the first floor. An unlit candle sits on a table by the staircase. >e Master's Bedroom To the west, you could enter the upstairs corridor. Master Bryce is attempting (still unsuccessfully) to scramble under the bed. He can't fit more than his shoulders, but he keeps thrashing. His clothes are strewn around the bed. A candle burns on the windowsill. You can also see a matchbox. >a matchbox You gather the matchbox and tuck it into your pocket. >w Upstairs Corridor To the west, you could enter the study; to the east, the master's bedroom; and the grand staircase leads down to the first floor. An unlit candle sits on a table by the staircase. >a candle On nights like these, Master Bryce detests electric light. He detests any light whatsoever, as a matter of fact. But if there's going to be a party, the guests must be able to see. You strike a match and light the candle by the grand staircase. [Before the guests arrive, you'll need to illuminate the other rooms, as well. Take this time to familiarize yourself with Wyatt Manor. Once the party starts, you'll have quite a few tasks to juggle, and it will be useful to know where everything is located.] >w Study To the east, you could enter the upstairs corridor. Paperwork is cluttered on the master's desk, along with an unlit candle. Beside the desk, a portrait hangs on the wall. >x desk Your eyesight, sad to say, has not improved with age. Although you can still make your way through darkened rooms, it's another matter to attend to the paperwork on the desk without a light. Especially when the fine print is so very fine. >a candle You strike a match and light the candle on the desk. Now you can see well enough to sort through the master's spectacularly disorganized papers. >x desk With this much paperwork loaded onto the desk, it's a miracle the wood doesn't splinter and crack beneath the weight. >x paperwork Tidiness has never been the master's strongest suit, but one might mistake these piled papers for some species of haphazard nest (designed to accommodate a man-sized tenant) if one didn't know better. >a paperwork It would take an expert accountant fortified with the best whiskey to organize this paperwork. (The second-best, unfortunately, wasn't strong enough for the previous accountant.) Perhaps if you were looking for a particular document, you would have a reason to sort through the mess. Right now, however, you have more pressing matters to attend. >x portrait Still sternly observing their scion from beyond the grave, Tomas and Marta Wyatt peer over the master's shoulder whenever he's filing paperwork ? or, more commonly, over your shoulder (the master rarely attends to his own finances). >e Upstairs Corridor To the west, you could enter the study; to the east, the master's bedroom; and the grand staircase leads down to the first floor. A candle burns on a table by the staircase. >d Mosaic Hall To the north, you could enter the foyer; to the west, the dining room; to the east, the drawing room; and the grand staircase leads up to the second floor. Underfoot, the hall is patterned with a massive mosaic. In that mosaic's center stands a gilded compass on a pedestal. Unlit candelabras occupy the room's corners. [Whenever you wish to review your current tasks, simply type think.] >a candelabras You strike a match and light the candelabras. Their flames twinkle in the mosaic, catching the metallic veins inlaid across the floor. >think At the moment, you need to: ? Dress Master Bryce for the party. ? Give Master Bryce something to protect his eyes. ? Light the remaining candles in the foyer, drawing room, powder room, lounge, and ballroom. >x mosaic Metal veins run through the floor: nickel, cobalt, iron. These veins form the mosaic, which is a giant bat. Marta Wyatt adopted the bat as the family crest to honor the colony that roosted in the caverns her husband was excavating. Those caverns, of course, contained something more valuable than bats. >e Drawing Room To the west, you could enter the mosaic hall; to the east, the powder room (unoccupied); and to the south, the lounge. An impressive drinks cabinet dominates one corner. Beside a curtained window, a few candles are waiting to be lit. >x cabinet Well stocked with enough alcohol to lubricate tonight's soirée. Because there is no butler on the premises, your role has been expanded to encompass both pouring and serving the drinks. >a candles You strike a match and light the candles by the window. It wouldn't do to serve drinks in the dark. >e Powder Room To the west, you could enter the drawing room. All the necessary facilities are present, along with one unlit candle. >a candle You strike a match and light the candle. Of course, whatever activities might be performed in this room, those can remain discreetly in the metaphoric dark. >w Drawing Room To the west, you could enter the mosaic hall; to the east, the powder room (unoccupied); and to the south, the lounge. An impressive drinks cabinet dominates one corner. Beside a curtained window, a few candles are burning. >s Lounge To the west, you could enter the ballroom; to the north, the drawing room. A moose head is mounted on the eastern wall above a fainting couch. Some unlit candles are situated on a nearby table beside a newspaper. >x moose An unfortunate choice in home décor, but Master Bryce insists, having bagged the trophy himself at a hunting lodge in his early twenties during a company retreat. The antlers are multi-pronged. >a candles You strike a match and light the candles, which illuminate the moose head from below. (Every manor worth its salt must have at least one taxidermic specimen on a wall, although this specimen leaves much to be desired.) >x newspaper This morning's New Gothenburg Post. You only had time to read a few articles earlier (another museum heist, another attack by radioactive rats, another necklace stolen from a visiting countess) before Master Bryce required your attention. >n Drawing Room To the west, you could enter the mosaic hall; to the east, the powder room (unoccupied); and to the south, the lounge. An impressive drinks cabinet dominates one corner. Beside a curtained window, a few candles are burning. >w Mosaic Hall To the north, you could enter the foyer; to the west, the dining room; to the east, the drawing room; and the grand staircase leads up to the second floor. Underfoot, the hall is patterned with a massive mosaic. In that mosaic's center stands a gilded compass on a pedestal. Candelabras flicker in the room's corners. >w Dining Room (in shambles) To the east, you could enter the mosaic hall; to the south, the kitchen. Nobody will be dining here tonight (or in the foreseeable future). Rubble is heaped everywhere. The western wall is smashed, with a luxury car lodged under the debris. >x car It's more difficult to drive when a passenger is grappling for the steering wheel. It's more difficult to park too. Somehow the windshield is still in one piece, but you can't say that about the automobile's other parts. >x windshield Fractures have spiderwebbed the glass. When you peer through, you can see the steering wheel inside the car, where it was dropped after someone wrenched it loose. >x steering wheel Whatever compelled Master Bryce to struggle with the chauffeur for this steering wheel, even Master Bryce couldn't explain. You know because you questioned him yourself. He only drooled. According to the chauffeur, he kept trying to turn the car north. Considering the car crashed through a western wall, the chauffeur must have put up quite a fight. >a steering wheel Unfortunately, this car is wedged beneath so much debris that you can't get inside. You'd have to break the windshield. >x rubble At this point, hardly anything is identifiable in the debris. >a rubble You aren't equipped to attend to this debris. Perhaps a garbage collection company would be equipped, preferably one with a bulldozer, but that will have to wait until another day. >s Kitchen To the east, you could enter the ballroom; to the north, the dining room; and a staircase leads down into the cellar. Chef Louis is just finishing the hors d'oeuvres for tonight's party. Candles burn on the counter by a wicker cage (containing a cricket). The icebox is closed and still works, but the other appliances have known better days. Some packed bags are on the floor. >x cage There is currently a cricket in the wicker cage. >x cricket Crickets are not generally considered a delicacy in New Gothenburg, but tastes are different in Wyatt Manor. This one came from the garden. >x icebox The icebox is currently closed. >open icebox [This game has a limited action system. To perform most tasks, you can simply attend to an object or a person. Type help to review other useful commands.] >a icebox You open the icebox. Inside, you can see a roasted chicken (tied with twine). >a chicken "Leave that chicken alone," says Chef Louis. "It is for the guests. If they are not satisfied with these," he gestures at the hors d'oeuvres, "then you will want the chicken. I believe you will want the chicken." >a icebox You close the icebox again. >a louis "I'm almost finished with these," says Chef Louis. "All I want is my severance check. So scuttle upstairs and fetch it, s'il vous plaît. I don't intend to sacrifice more whiskers this evening." Master Bryce keeps his checks in the study with the other paperwork. You assure Chef Louis that you'll bring one down promptly. He snorts and slides some hors d'oeuvres into the icebox. >x bags These bags contain the chef's personal belongings. >a bags "If you please!" says Chef Louis. "You will leave my suitcases alone." >e Ballroom To the west, you could enter the kitchen; to the east, the lounge; and double-doors would lead south to the garden, but they're locked. An unlit chandelier hangs from the ceiling. Chairs are arranged around a grand piano. >x chairs Each chair's back is emblazoned with the letter "W" in such an elegant script that identifying it as the letter "W" is practically impossible. >x piano Master Bryce doesn't play, but an absence of skill and a deficit of talent have never prevented anyone from owning a piano. The sheet music for tonight's recital awaits Dina d'Latour's "soul-quaking" (to quote the New Gothenburg Post) interpretation. >a chandelier You can't attend to the chandelier when it is raised. You'll have to lower it with the crank in the downstairs utility closet first. >e Lounge To the west, you could enter the ballroom; to the north, the drawing room. A moose head is mounted on the eastern wall above a fainting couch. Some flickering candles are situated on a nearby table beside a newspaper. >w Ballroom To the west, you could enter the kitchen; to the east, the lounge; and double-doors would lead south to the garden, but they're locked. An unlit chandelier hangs from the ceiling. Chairs are arranged around a grand piano. >s The double-doors to the garden are currently locked. >a doors You can't open these double-doors without the key. Chef Louis should still have it. He was in the garden earlier to gather fresh ingredients. >w Kitchen To the east, you could enter the ballroom; to the north, the dining room; and a staircase leads down into the cellar. Chef Louis is just finishing the hors d'oeuvres for tonight's party. Candles burn on the counter by a wicker cage (containing a cricket). The icebox is closed and still works, but the other appliances have known better days. Some packed bags are on the floor. >a louis "Don't try to convince me to stay," says Chef Louis. "I just want my severance check." >a key "My severance check," says Chef Louis. "Then I will return this key." >d Cellar You could take a staircase up to the kitchen. Overhead, a harness is tangled. Bottles line the walls, nestled snugly in dust-covered racks. Beside a closed utility closet, a glowing candle illuminates the room. >x harness At first glance, not many people would understand the function of the straps. When the housekeeper finally did understand, she turned in her two weeks' notice. >a harness How careless. You shouldn't have left this here in the cellar. But after you'd finally managed to coax Master Bryce down from the racks the other evening, you had higher priorities: like stopping him from climbing back on top again. You unhook the harness from where he tangled it. Unfortunately, you also step in something on the floor just beneath the harness. Something sticky. >x floor Master Bryce's digestive system has taken a turn to accompany his moods: this is much more chalky than normal. He must have dropped it when he was perched on the rack overhead. Whenever he achieves a sufficient elevation, he cannot seem to help himself. >a floor You'll need something to mop this up. Sadly, the mop was destroyed last Tuesday during an altercation between the master and a plumber (you're still waiting on the hospital bill). But this morning's New Gothenburg Post was rather thick. Perhaps that would do the trick. >x bottles All the great wines of the world are represented here. Tomas Wyatt laid this cellar's foundation, pillaging auction-houses for priceless bottles (whose prices have been meticulously calculated), and the master continues to build upon his father's collection. >x racks All the great wines of the world are represented here. Tomas Wyatt laid this cellar's foundation, pillaging auction-houses for priceless bottles, and the master continues to build upon his father's collection. >x closet The utility closet is currently closed. >open closet [This game has a limited action system. To perform most tasks, you can simply attend to an object or a person. Type help to review other useful commands.] >a closet You'll need at least one free hand to open this closet. >i You're carrying a harness in your hands, and a matchbox in your pocket. >drop harness [You should attend to whatever you're trying to drop.] >a harness You set aside the harness. >a closet You open the utility closet. Inside, you can see a fusebox, a crank, and a broom and dustpan (empty). >x fusebox Perhaps from the master's perspective, these wires initially looked more edible. He certainly did everything in his power to dismantle the fusebox and chew through the circuitry. Wyatt Manor will have to rely upon candlelight this evening. >x crank Before electrical renovations brought Wyatt Manor into the new century, it was necessary to manually raise and lower the chandelier in the ballroom with this crank. That necessity has now returned, although the crank is rusty from disuse. >x broom Sweeping is not typically a valet's priority, but one must adapt. >x dustpan Sweeping is not typically a valet's priority, but one must adapt. >a crank When you turn the crank, it groans. You have to put your back into it. Soon enough, you're groaning too. But your age isn't going to stop you from operating a little antique machinery. After you've turned it completely forward, the crank locks into place. >u Kitchen To the east, you could enter the ballroom; to the north, the dining room; and a staircase leads down into the cellar. Chef Louis is just finishing the hors d'oeuvres for tonight's party. Candles burn on the counter by a wicker cage (containing a cricket). The icebox is closed and still works, but the other appliances have known better days. Some packed bags are on the floor. >e Ballroom To the west, you could enter the kitchen; to the east, the lounge; and double-doors would lead south to the garden, but they're locked. An unlit chandelier has been lowered closer to the floor. Chairs are arranged around a grand piano. >a chandelier You strike a match to light the candles on the chandelier. You have to strike another match, and then another, because there are so many. When you're finished, the ballroom is brighter than any other chamber in the manor. Now you'll just need to raise the chandelier again. >e Lounge To the west, you could enter the ballroom; to the north, the drawing room. A moose head is mounted on the eastern wall above a fainting couch. Some flickering candles are situated on a nearby table beside a newspaper. >d You can't go that way. >w Ballroom To the west, you could enter the kitchen; to the east, the lounge; and double-doors would lead south to the garden, but they're locked. A glowing chandelier has been lowered closer to the floor. Chairs are arranged around a grand piano. >w Kitchen To the east, you could enter the ballroom; to the north, the dining room; and a staircase leads down into the cellar. Chef Louis is just finishing the hors d'oeuvres for tonight's party. Candles burn on the counter by a wicker cage (containing a cricket). The icebox is closed and still works, but the other appliances have known better days. Some packed bags are on the floor. >d Cellar You could take a staircase up to the kitchen. Something sticky is smeared on the floor. Bottles line the walls, nestled snugly in dust-covered racks. Beside an open utility closet, a glowing candle illuminates the room. You can also see a harness. >a crank You feel the chandelier's weight as you turn the crank. You hear old machinery clatter and pop. Your joints also pop, but you keep turning it. Finally, the mechanism locks into place, just before the crank itself snaps off in both your hands. >a closet You'll need at least one free hand to close this closet. >u Kitchen To the east, you could enter the ballroom; to the north, the dining room; and a staircase leads down into the cellar. Chef Louis is just finishing the hors d'oeuvres for tonight's party. Candles burn on the counter by a wicker cage (containing a cricket). The icebox is closed and still works, but the other appliances have known better days. Some packed bags are on the floor. >d Cellar You could take a staircase up to the kitchen. Something sticky is smeared on the floor. Bottles line the walls, nestled snugly in dust-covered racks. Beside an open utility closet, a glowing candle illuminates the room. You can also see a harness. >a closet You'll need at least one free hand to close this closet. >i You're carrying a broken crank in your hands, and a matchbox in your pocket. >a crank As you handle the broken crank, its rusty pieces crumble to the ground. You won't be putting those back together. >a closet You close the utility closet again. >u Kitchen To the east, you could enter the ballroom; to the north, the dining room; and a staircase leads down into the cellar. Chef Louis is just finishing the hors d'oeuvres for tonight's party. Candles burn on the counter by a wicker cage (containing a cricket). The icebox is closed and still works, but the other appliances have known better days. Some packed bags are on the floor. >n Dining Room (in shambles) To the east, you could enter the mosaic hall; to the south, the kitchen. Rubble is heaped everywhere. The western wall is smashed, with a luxury car lodged under the debris. >e Mosaic Hall To the north, you could enter the foyer; to the west, the dining room; to the east, the drawing room; and the grand staircase leads up to the second floor. Underfoot, the hall is patterned with a massive mosaic. In that mosaic's center stands a gilded compass on a pedestal. Candelabras flicker in the room's corners. >n Foyer To the south, you could enter the mosaic hall. Unlit candle-stands frame the front door. >a candles You strike a match and light the candle-stands. Now this foyer is more welcoming, which ought to put the guests at ease, which means they might make larger donations. Are those the master's spectacles in the corner? You didn't see them before, but they catch the candlelight. He must have dropped them here (or thrown them aside during an episode). >a spectacles You gather the spectacles with one hand. >s Mosaic Hall To the north, you could enter the foyer; to the west, the dining room; to the east, the drawing room; and the grand staircase leads up to the second floor. Underfoot, the hall is patterned with a massive mosaic. In that mosaic's center stands a gilded compass on a pedestal. Candelabras flicker in the room's corners. >u Upstairs Corridor To the west, you could enter the study; to the east, the master's bedroom; and the grand staircase leads down to the first floor. A candle burns on a table by the staircase. >e Master's Bedroom To the west, you could enter the upstairs corridor. Master Bryce is attempting to scramble under the bed. His clothes are strewn around the bed. A candle burns on the windowsill. >a spectacles You set aside the spectacles. >a spectacles You gather the spectacles with one hand. >a bryce Master Bryce always forgets that he wants to wear these spectacles. You try to put them on his head, but he pushes them away, rather like a toddler who's decided to suddenly dislike dessert. It takes a few attempts before he realizes the lenses are tinted. Finally, he lets out a satisfied squeak and keeps them on. With his vision renewed, he can get back to bashing himself against the closed window. >w Upstairs Corridor To the west, you could enter the study; to the east, the master's bedroom; and the grand staircase leads down to the first floor. A candle burns on a table by the staircase. >w Study To the east, you could enter the upstairs corridor. Paperwork is cluttered on the master's desk, lit by a small candle. Beside the desk, a portrait hangs on the wall. >a paperwork Buried beneath the paperwork, you find a spare invitation to the party tonight. You composed it yourself; Master Bryce always dictates while you write. In this case, however, you might have taken a few more liberties than usual to translate his screeches and grunts into readable text. You set the invitation aside for now. You'll have to keep digging to find a check. >a paperwork Excavating a specific article from this mound is no task for the faint-hearted. But when you have a goal in mind, even the worst paper-cut cannot stop you. At last! Here's a check for Chef Louis. It slides across the desk to rest beside the other documents. >a check You gather the severance check in one hand (after waiting for the ink to dry, of course). >i You're carrying a severance check in one hand, and a matchbox in your pocket. >e Upstairs Corridor To the west, you could enter the study; to the east, the master's bedroom; and the grand staircase leads down to the first floor. A candle burns on a table by the staircase. >a matchbox You set aside the matchbox. >w Study To the east, you could enter the upstairs corridor. Paperwork is cluttered on the master's desk, lit by a small candle. Beside the desk, a portrait hangs on the wall. You can also see a spare invitation. >a invitation You gather the spare invitation, fold it, and tuck it into your pocket. >x invitation "You are invited to a private recital with renowned soprano Dina d'Latour. All donations will support the New Gothenburg Widows & Orphans Fund, administered by the Repentance Navy. To be hosted at Wyatt Manor by Mr Bryce Wyatt." Arrangements for this recital were made long before Master Bryce began succumbing to his moods. But when you've curated such an exclusive guest list, populated by New Gothenburg's wealthiest citizens, you don't reschedule. >a invitation You set aside the spare invitation. >e Upstairs Corridor To the west, you could enter the study; to the east, the master's bedroom; and the grand staircase leads down to the first floor. A candle burns on a table by the staircase. You can also see a matchbox. >d Mosaic Hall To the north, you could enter the foyer; to the west, the dining room; to the east, the drawing room; and the grand staircase leads up to the second floor. Underfoot, the hall is patterned with a massive mosaic. In that mosaic's center stands a gilded compass on a pedestal. Candelabras flicker in the room's corners. >e Drawing Room To the west, you could enter the mosaic hall; to the east, the powder room (unoccupied); and to the south, the lounge. An impressive drinks cabinet dominates one corner. Beside a curtained window, a few candles are burning. >s Lounge To the west, you could enter the ballroom; to the north, the drawing room. A moose head is mounted on the eastern wall above a fainting couch. Some flickering candles are situated on a nearby table beside a newspaper. >a newspaper You gather the newspaper with one hand. >w Ballroom To the west, you could enter the kitchen; to the east, the lounge; and double-doors would lead south to the garden, but they're locked. A glowing chandelier hangs from the ceiling. Chairs are arranged around a grand piano. >w Kitchen To the east, you could enter the ballroom; to the north, the dining room; and a staircase leads down into the cellar. Chef Louis is just finishing the hors d'oeuvres for tonight's party. Candles burn on the counter by a wicker cage (empty). The icebox is closed and still works, but the other appliances have known better days. Some packed bags are on the floor. >a check You set aside the severance check. >a check You gather the severance check in one hand. >a louis Chef Louis takes the severance check and squints at the signature. "Good enough," he says. "Although money will not regrow my moustache." Indeed, you've since relegated all scissors, combs, and curling-irons to the garbage. Master Bryce cannot be trusted with them. "Now you are on your own," says Chef Louis, passing you the key to the garden (which you tuck into your pocket). "But do not serve the hors d'oeuvres yet! They must chill first. And if the guests want more, there is chicken. Bonne chance, mon ami." He wipes his apron, retrieves his bags, and, when he leaves the manor, he leaves you alone with the master. >l Kitchen To the east, you could enter the ballroom; to the north, the dining room; and a staircase leads down into the cellar. Candles burn on the counter by a wicker cage (empty). The icebox is closed and still works, but the other appliances have known better days. >x hors d'ouervres You can't see any such thing [or you might have misspelled a word]. >x hors d'oeuvres You can't see any such thing [or you might have misspelled a word]. >d Cellar You could take a staircase up to the kitchen. Something sticky is smeared on the floor. Bottles line the walls, nestled snugly in dust-covered racks. Beside a closed utility closet, a glowing candle illuminates the room. You can also see some rusty pieces and a harness. >a floor To sweep up these rusty pieces, you'll need a broom and dustpan. >a newspaper You set aside the newspaper. >a broom You can't see any such thing [or you might have misspelled a word]. >open closet [This game has a limited action system. To perform most tasks, you can simply attend to an object or a person. Type help to review other useful commands.] >a closet You open the utility closet. Inside, you can see a broken rod, a fusebox, and a broom and dustpan (empty). >a broom You gather the broom and dustpan in both hands. >a floor You sweep the rusty pieces into the dustpan. Now you can dump them in the dining room. >u Kitchen To the east, you could enter the ballroom; to the north, the dining room; and a staircase leads down into the cellar. Candles burn on the counter by a wicker cage (empty). The icebox is closed and still works, but the other appliances have known better days. >n Dining Room (in shambles) To the east, you could enter the mosaic hall; to the south, the kitchen. Rubble is heaped everywhere. The western wall is smashed, with a luxury car lodged under the debris. >a dustpan You set aside the broom and dustpan (containing rusty pieces). >s Kitchen To the east, you could enter the ballroom; to the north, the dining room; and a staircase leads down into the cellar. Candles burn on the counter by a wicker cage (empty). The icebox is closed and still works, but the other appliances have known better days. >d Cellar You could take a staircase up to the kitchen. Something sticky is smeared on the floor. Bottles line the walls, nestled snugly in dust-covered racks. Beside an open utility closet, a glowing candle illuminates the room. You can also see a newspaper and a harness. >a newspaper You gather the newspaper with one hand. >a floor Little in this world can absorb filth like the New Gothenburg Post. Once you've mopped the floor, you hold the newspaper at arm's length. Now there's just one thing to do: wring it out into the garden pond. >u Kitchen To the east, you could enter the ballroom; to the north, the dining room; and a staircase leads down into the cellar. Candles burn on the counter by a wicker cage (empty). The icebox is closed and still works, but the other appliances have known better days. >e Ballroom To the west, you could enter the kitchen; to the east, the lounge; and double-doors would lead south to the garden, but they're locked. A glowing chandelier hangs from the ceiling. Chairs are arranged around a grand piano. >s The double-doors to the garden are currently locked. >a doors After unlocking the double-doors, you permit them to swing open. Cool night air rushes into the ballroom. You can hear crickets outside, smell flowers blooming in the dark ? and feel wings suddenly smack your face. You stumble backward, arms flailing. The key sails from your hand and lands with a plop in the garden pond outside. Something flaps over your head into the manor. >a pond You can't see any such thing [or you might have misspelled a word]. >x pond You can't see any such thing [or you might have misspelled a word]. >s Garden To the north, you could enter the ballroom. Reclined atop the garden wall, a black cat watches you. Crickets hop around the pond, beside which the master's shoes have been abandoned. >a pond You wring the soggy newspaper into the pond. Now it's as good as new (which speaks volumes about its original state). >a newspaper You set aside the newspaper. >a key You can't see any such thing [or you might have misspelled a word]. >x crickets When people extol a garden's virtues, "free crickets" are not typically what they have in mind. But for better or worse, with Master Bryce's current diet, you have less need to visit the market. >x shoes Finding these shoes by the pond does a great deal to explain why the master's feet were so filthy earlier. You'll need to start tying the laces tighter. >a shoes You gather the shoes with one hand. >i You're carrying the master's shoes in one hand. >n Ballroom To the west, you could enter the kitchen; to the east, the lounge; and double-doors lead south to the garden Overhead, a bat is flying in circles. A glowing chandelier hangs from the ceiling. Chairs are arranged around a grand piano. >a bat Confound this bat! You can't reach it! But right now you haven't the time to keep trying. The guests will be here at any moment, and Master Bryce still isn't dressed. >w Kitchen To the east, you could enter the ballroom; to the north, the dining room; and a staircase leads down into the cellar. Candles burn on the counter by a wicker cage (empty). The icebox is closed and still works, but the other appliances have known better days. >n Dining Room (in shambles) To the east, you could enter the mosaic hall; to the south, the kitchen. Rubble is heaped everywhere. The western wall is smashed, with a luxury car lodged under the debris. You can also see a broom and dustpan (containing rusty pieces). >e Mosaic Hall To the north, you could enter the foyer; to the west, the dining room; to the east, the drawing room; and the grand staircase leads up to the second floor. Underfoot, the hall is patterned with a massive mosaic. In that mosaic's center stands a gilded compass on a pedestal. Candelabras flicker in the room's corners. >u Upstairs Corridor To the west, you could enter the study; to the east, the master's bedroom; and the grand staircase leads down to the first floor. A candle burns on a table by the staircase. You can also see a matchbox. >e Master's Bedroom To the west, you could enter the upstairs corridor. Master Bryce is attempting to flutter through the closed bedroom window (again). He keeps bashing himself against the glass, flapping his arms. His clothes are strewn around the bed. A candle burns on the windowsill. >a bryce It might not be the best idea to put these shoes on Master Bryce just yet. He still isn't wearing trousers. It's difficult enough to reverse the order when somebody wants to get dressed. >a shoes You set aside the master's shoes. >a clothes You gather the clothes in both hands. >a bryce You have been through this routine before. So has Master Bryce. He knows just how to pull off his trousers when you're trying to button his shirt, and how to unbutton his shirt when you're trying to put his trousers on again. He yelps and wriggles. You wrestle with him. Soon enough, his clothes are back on the floor. This is why it's so important to secure his harness first. >d You can't go that way. >w Upstairs Corridor To the west, you could enter the study; to the east, the master's bedroom; and the grand staircase leads down to the first floor. A candle burns on a table by the staircase. You can also see a matchbox. >d Mosaic Hall To the north, you could enter the foyer; to the west, the dining room; to the east, the drawing room; and the grand staircase leads up to the second floor. Underfoot, the hall is patterned with a massive mosaic. In that mosaic's center stands a gilded compass on a pedestal. Candelabras flicker in the room's corners. >w Dining Room (in shambles) To the east, you could enter the mosaic hall; to the south, the kitchen. Rubble is heaped everywhere. The western wall is smashed, with a luxury car lodged under the debris. You can also see a broom and dustpan (containing rusty pieces). >s Kitchen To the east, you could enter the ballroom; to the north, the dining room; and a staircase leads down into the cellar. Candles burn on the counter by a wicker cage (empty). The icebox is closed and still works, but the other appliances have known better days. >d Cellar You could take a staircase up to the kitchen. Bottles line the walls, nestled snugly in dust-covered racks. Beside an open utility closet, a glowing candle illuminates the room. You can also see a harness. >a harness You gather the harness in both hands. >u Kitchen To the east, you could enter the ballroom; to the north, the dining room; and a staircase leads down into the cellar. Candles burn on the counter by a wicker cage (empty). The icebox is closed and still works, but the other appliances have known better days. >n Dining Room (in shambles) To the east, you could enter the mosaic hall; to the south, the kitchen. Rubble is heaped everywhere. The western wall is smashed, with a luxury car lodged under the debris. You can also see a broom and dustpan (containing rusty pieces). >e Mosaic Hall To the north, you could enter the foyer; to the west, the dining room; to the east, the drawing room; and the grand staircase leads up to the second floor. Underfoot, the hall is patterned with a massive mosaic. In that mosaic's center stands a gilded compass on a pedestal. Candelabras flicker in the room's corners. >u Upstairs Corridor To the west, you could enter the study; to the east, the master's bedroom; and the grand staircase leads down to the first floor. A candle burns on a table by the staircase. You can also see a matchbox. >e Master's Bedroom To the west, you could enter the upstairs corridor. Master Bryce is attempting to flutter through the closed bedroom window. He keeps bashing himself against the glass, flapping his arms. His clothes are strewn around the bed. A candle burns on the windowsill. You can also see the master's shoes. >a bryce Naturally, Master Bryce resists. But he doesn't have the necessary hand-eye coordination to loosen the straps. You pull the harness tight, but not too tight. Eventually, he forgets that he is trying to resist. He chirrups while you fasten the final buckle. Now you should be able to get him into his clothes. >a clothes You gather the clothes in both hands. >a bryce Not only does Master Bryce's harness limit his less respectable compulsions, but it also provides anchoring points to attach an outfit. His trousers and his tailcoat each have hidden hooks. You connect them to corresponding hooks on the harness. There: he is the picture of a gentleman! When he glimpses his reflection in the window, he even seems to remember his manners. He smooths back his hair. He adjusts his cuffs. Then he sits on the floor and starts nibbling his feet. He didn't remember for very long. If he were wearing shoes, the situation might improve. >a shoes You gather the shoes with one hand. >a bryce In order to slip on Master Bryce's shoes, you may have to straddle his legs one at a time, pinning his feet. You may have done this before. You may even have a technique. Whatever may or may not happen, however, nobody else needs to know. While you're still attending to his shoelaces, the doorbell in the foyer chimes. Master Bryce quirks his head. It chimes again, and he lets out a squeak. Then he is on his hands and knees, crawling into the corridor. It would seem the first guests have arrived. [Please press any key to continue.] ACT I Excerpted from the New Gothenburg Post: ...fondly remember last year's masked auction, nor soon forget the Black and Black Ball held to honor this very paper's publisher after breaking the Watertight Scandal. Few invitations are more exclusive. Mr Wyatt's annual fundraisers adorn the social calendar like jewels in a crown, and the New Gothenburg Widows & Orphans Fund will undoubtedly benefit from his upcoming... [Please press any key to continue.] Before answering the doorbell, you compose yourself. What the Post does not report is how much these charitable events rely upon you. In order to raise a respectable amount for the Widows & Orphans Fund, this party must be, in one word, exceptional. And Master Bryce should probably stop crawling down the grand staircase, but you can deal with that next. Foyer To the south, you could enter the mosaic hall. Lighted candle-stands frame the front door (to which you should promptly attend). >save Ok. >think At the moment, you need to: ? Attend to the front door in the foyer. ? Empty the dustpan onto the debris in the dining room. >i You're not carrying anything (apart from the master's reputation). >attend door When you open the door, Baron Twombly and Emilia Ives are waiting arm-in-arm outside. The baron, of course, is both an oil baron and a real baron. Miss Ives might lack a title, but she is a majority shareholder in the world's largest emerald consortium, which counts for something. "Are we early?" asks the baron. "I told you we should've come later." "Now, now, darling, if you had your way, I wouldn't have been able to come," replies Miss Ives, walking with him into the mosaic hall. "Not that that usually bothers you." Baron Twombly: + $10,000 Emilia Ives: + $10,000 [During the party, the dollar amount that guests are willing to donate to the New Gothenburg Widows & Orphans Fund may increase or decrease. Your current total is displayed on the game's status bar at the top right.] >think At the moment, you need to: ? Attend to Baron Twombly. ? Attend to Emilia Ives. ? Empty the dustpan onto the debris in the dining room. ? Keep an ear out for the doorbell. >s Mosaic Hall To the north, you could enter the foyer; to the west, the dining room; to the east, the drawing room; and the grand staircase leads up to the second floor. Baron Twombly and Emilia Ives are watching Master Bryce on the stairs. Underfoot, the hall is patterned with a massive mosaic. In that mosaic's center stands a gilded compass on a pedestal. Candelabras flicker in the room's corners. >a ives "These little soirées are my favorite," says Emilia Ives. "So intimate! And for a good cause, which is always useful. It lends a moral imperative to every drink. I'll have one now ? for the sake of all the widows and orphans." >a baron "Eh? What? Oh," says Baron Twombly when he notices you're a servant. "Yes, I'll have a drink. Need one to deal with this woman. Had to get here early. What happened to 'fashionably late'?" >w Dining Room (in shambles) To the east, you could enter the mosaic hall; to the south, the kitchen. Rubble is heaped everywhere. The western wall is smashed, with a luxury car lodged under the debris. You can also see a broom and dustpan (containing rusty pieces). >e Mosaic Hall To the north, you could enter the foyer; to the west, the dining room; to the east, the drawing room; and the grand staircase leads up to the second floor. Baron Twombly and Emilia Ives are watching Master Bryce on the stairs. Underfoot, the hall is patterned with a massive mosaic. In that mosaic's center stands a gilded compass on a pedestal. Candelabras flicker in the room's corners. >e Drawing Room To the west, you could enter the mosaic hall; to the east, the powder room (unoccupied); and to the south, the lounge. An impressive drinks cabinet dominates one corner. Beside a curtained window, a few candles are burning. >a cabinet You pour two drinks and place them on a silver tray, which you balance with one hand. (Of course, you know precisely what to pour, and which drink should be served to which person. You haven't worked for the master all these years without learning how to bartend in a pinch.) >w Mosaic Hall To the north, you could enter the foyer; to the west, the dining room; to the east, the drawing room; and the grand staircase leads up to the second floor. Baron Twombly and Emilia Ives are watching Master Bryce on the stairs. Underfoot, the hall is patterned with a massive mosaic. In that mosaic's center stands a gilded compass on a pedestal. Candelabras flicker in the room's corners. >a ives "How delicious," says Emilia Ives, taking a drink. "These always go down so smoothly when they're for charity." Emilia Ives: + $400 >a baron Baron Twombly takes a glass. "By the way," he says, looking over your head to address the master, "I thought we might be able to discuss..." "Not now," interrupts Emilia Ives. "I'm sure there will be time for business later, darling, if you must ruin another evening." The baron sips his drink with a glower. Baron Twombly: - $500 >u Upstairs Corridor To the west, you could enter the study; to the east, the master's bedroom; and the grand staircase leads down to the first floor. A candle burns on a table by the staircase. You can also see a matchbox. >d Mosaic Hall To the north, you could enter the foyer; to the west, the dining room; to the east, the drawing room; and the grand staircase leads up to the second floor. Baron Twombly and Emilia Ives are watching Master Bryce on the stairs. Underfoot, the hall is patterned with a massive mosaic. In that mosaic's center stands a gilded compass on a pedestal. Candelabras flicker in the room's corners. >a bryce When he is halfway downstairs, Master Bryce goes right back up; and when he's up, he comes back down, flapping his arms as though he were descending through the air. "I say!" shouts the baron. "Looking better than ever, old man!" "Such a lovely home," remarks Miss Ives. Master Bryce doesn't seem to realize the party has started. Your attempts to inform him are met with a blank stare. At times like these, he often requires physical encouragement. >a bryce You'll need both hands free to attend to the master. >i You're carrying a silver tray (empty) in one hand. >e Drawing Room To the west, you could enter the mosaic hall; to the east, the powder room (unoccupied); and to the south, the lounge. An impressive drinks cabinet dominates one corner. Beside a curtained window, a few candles are burning. >a tray You set aside the silver tray (empty). >w Mosaic Hall To the north, you could enter the foyer; to the west, the dining room; to the east, the drawing room; and the grand staircase leads up to the second floor. Baron Twombly and Emilia Ives are watching Master Bryce on the stairs. Underfoot, the hall is patterned with a massive mosaic. In that mosaic's center stands a gilded compass on a pedestal. Candelabras flicker in the room's corners. >a bryce Master Bryce is normally impossible to move. He doesn't budge unless he wants to budge. But the terrain is currently on your side. With both hands, you tactfully nudge the master. He trips down the stairs, tumbling head over heels, and lands at Baron Twombly's feet. "Still practicing those calisthenics, eh?" says the baron. Baron Twombly: + $300 >w Dining Room (in shambles) To the east, you could enter the mosaic hall; to the south, the kitchen. Rubble is heaped everywhere. The western wall is smashed, with a luxury car lodged under the debris. You can also see a broom and dustpan (containing rusty pieces). Suddenly, the doorbell chimes again. >a dustpan You gather the broom and dustpan in both hands. >a dustpan You set aside the broom and dustpan (containing rusty pieces). >i You're not carrying anything. >think At the moment, you need to: ? Attend to the front door in the foyer. ? Empty the dustpan onto the debris in the dining room. >a dustpan You gather the broom and dustpan in both hands. >empty dustpan [This game has a limited action system. To perform most tasks, you can simply attend to an object or a person. Type help to review other useful commands.] >*!!! [This game has a limited action system. To perform most tasks, you can simply attend to an object or a person. Type help to review other useful commands.] >a dustpan You set aside the broom and dustpan (containing rusty pieces). >e Mosaic Hall To the north, you could enter the foyer; to the west, the dining room; to the east, the drawing room; and the grand staircase leads up to the second floor. Baron Twombly and Emilia Ives are trying to chat with Master Bryce. Underfoot, the hall is patterned with a massive mosaic. In that mosaic's center stands a gilded compass on a pedestal. Candelabras flicker in the room's corners. >n Foyer To the south, you could enter the mosaic hall. Lighted candle-stands frame the front door (to which you should promptly attend). The doorbell chimes again. >a door This time, when you open the door, you find an impish man in an impeccable white suit on the threshold. He flashes an equally impeccable smile. "Aha! You must be the valet!" exclaims Dr Malatesta. "Why, just the other week, Mr Wyatt was singing your praises when he toured the institute. It's so hard to find decent help. All these quibbles about safety regulations. Where is everybody? This way?" The nation's foremost nuclear physicist strides into the mosaic hall. Dr Malatesta: + $7,000 >s Mosaic Hall To the north, you could enter the foyer; to the west, the dining room; to the east, the drawing room; and the grand staircase leads up to the second floor. Dr Malatesta is chatting with Emilia Ives, while Master Bryce stares at Baron Twombly. Underfoot, the hall is patterned with a massive mosaic. In that mosaic's center stands a gilded compass on a pedestal. Candelabras flicker in the room's corners. >a malatesta "Exactly my own opinion," the doctor is saying to Emilia Ives. "Although, if you've read about our latest trial with the rats, the papers didn't report anything substantive. Then again, they never do, do they?" "Indeed not," says Miss Ives with an indulgent smile. "Without fail, the general public fails to appreciate research like yours. They hear 'animal testing' and they lose their appetites." "Speaking of which, where did you get that drink?" asks Dr Malatesta, but he's looking at you when he speaks. "I wouldn't object to a little refreshment." >e Drawing Room To the west, you could enter the mosaic hall; to the east, the powder room (unoccupied); and to the south, the lounge. An impressive drinks cabinet dominates one corner. Beside a curtained window, a few candles are burning. You can also see a silver tray (empty). >a drink (the drinks cabinet) Before pouring another drink, you should get the silver tray. >a tray You balance the silver tray with one hand. >a drink (the drinks cabinet) You pour a drink and place it on the silver tray. >w Mosaic Hall To the north, you could enter the foyer; to the west, the dining room; to the east, the drawing room; and the grand staircase leads up to the second floor. Dr Malatesta is chatting with Emilia Ives, while Master Bryce stares at Baron Twombly. Underfoot, the hall is patterned with a massive mosaic. In that mosaic's center stands a gilded compass on a pedestal. Candelabras flicker in the room's corners. >a malatesta "What do you say to a toast?" asks the doctor, taking a glass and lifting it toward Master Bryce. "To our newest study! You'll be pleased to learn that we've secured the cages since your recent visit. Secured them better. So sorry about that incident. No hard feelings, Mr Wyatt? None that can't be tempered by a donation to a good cause?" Master Bryce scratches his backside and drools. "A significant donation," says the doctor, sipping his drink. Dr Malatesta: + $15,000 >w Dining Room (in shambles) To the east, you could enter the mosaic hall; to the south, the kitchen. Rubble is heaped everywhere. The western wall is smashed, with a luxury car lodged under the debris. You can also see a broom and dustpan (containing rusty pieces). >e Mosaic Hall To the north, you could enter the foyer; to the west, the dining room; to the east, the drawing room; and the grand staircase leads up to the second floor. Dr Malatesta is chatting with Emilia Ives, while Master Bryce stares at Baron Twombly. Underfoot, the hall is patterned with a massive mosaic. In that mosaic's center stands a gilded compass on a pedestal. Candelabras flicker in the room's corners. >e Drawing Room To the west, you could enter the mosaic hall; to the east, the powder room (unoccupied); and to the south, the lounge. An impressive drinks cabinet dominates one corner. Beside a curtained window, a few candles are burning. >a tray You set aside the silver tray (empty). >w Mosaic Hall To the north, you could enter the foyer; to the west, the dining room; to the east, the drawing room; and the grand staircase leads up to the second floor. Dr Malatesta is chatting with Emilia Ives, while Master Bryce stares at Baron Twombly. Underfoot, the hall is patterned with a massive mosaic. In that mosaic's center stands a gilded compass on a pedestal. Candelabras flicker in the room's corners. >a twombly "I'll tell you when I need something," the baron snaps. >think At the moment, you need to: ? Attend to Master Bryce again. ? Empty the dustpan onto the debris in the dining room. ? Keep an ear out for the doorbell. >a bryce Master Bryce refuses to look at you. He refuses to look at anyone except Baron Twombly. His attention is locked on the baron's beard, prompting the baron to nurse his drink nervously. "You probably want a drink too, eh?" he asks Master Bryce. "Why don't you pour him a drink?" he says, turning to you. "Should've had one already. A little keyed up, isn't he?" >e Drawing Room To the west, you could enter the mosaic hall; to the east, the powder room (unoccupied); and to the south, the lounge. An impressive drinks cabinet dominates one corner. Beside a curtained window, a few candles are burning. You can also see a silver tray (empty). >a tray You balance the silver tray with one hand. >a drink (the drinks cabinet) You pour a drink and place it on the silver tray. >w Mosaic Hall To the north, you could enter the foyer; to the west, the dining room; to the east, the drawing room; and the grand staircase leads up to the second floor. Dr Malatesta is chatting with Emilia Ives, while Master Bryce stares at Baron Twombly. Underfoot, the hall is patterned with a massive mosaic. In that mosaic's center stands a gilded compass on a pedestal. Candelabras flicker in the room's corners. >a bryce Master Bryce takes the drink you offer. He holds it beneath his face, sticks out his tongue, and tries to lap the alcohol. But the glass slips, shattering on the floor. He falls to his hands and knees, still attempting to lick the puddle. "Must be a good year," says Baron Twombly. "I'll have another glass myself." "And another for me," says Emilia Ives. Baron Twombly: + $300 Emilia Ives: + $100 >e Drawing Room To the west, you could enter the mosaic hall; to the east, the powder room (unoccupied); and to the south, the lounge. An impressive drinks cabinet dominates one corner. Beside a curtained window, a few candles are burning. Suddenly, the doorbell chimes again. >a drink (the drinks cabinet) You pour two drinks and place them on the silver tray. >w Mosaic Hall To the north, you could enter the foyer; to the west, the dining room; to the east, the drawing room; and the grand staircase leads up to the second floor. Dr Malatesta is chatting with Emilia Ives and Baron Twombly, while Master Bryce crawls on the floor, licking the shattered glass. Underfoot, the hall is patterned with a massive mosaic. In that mosaic's center stands a gilded compass on a pedestal. Candelabras flicker in the room's corners. You can also see a puddle. >a ives "Another drink can't hurt," says Emilia Ives, taking a glass. "In fact, when you're rumored to be engaged, I've found that alcohol can only help." "Rumored? Is that what you call it?" asks Baron Twombly. "I don't call it anything. Other people do. That's why it's a rumor, my darling." Emilia Ives: + $500 Baron Twombly: - $300 >a baron "Hmm," says Baron Twombly, taking a glass and then taking a sip. "I wouldn't get down on my hands and knees for this, but it's better than the pigswill they serve at most fundraisers." Baron Twombly: + $500 >n Foyer To the south, you could enter the mosaic hall. Lighted candle-stands frame the front door (to which you should promptly attend). >a door "Good evening," hiccups Bishop Buono when you open the front door. From his slurred speech, and his incapacity to step over the threshold without physical assistance, it's apparent that cocktail hour began early for the good bishop. "How generous it is, Mr Wyatt, for you to host this event ~hiccup~ for the Repentance Navy. I assure you ~hiccup~ that no key opens the pearly gates ~hiccup~ with more alacrity than charity." You, in your turn, attempt to assure the bishop that you aren't Mr Wyatt. However, you fail to disabuse him before he waddles south to join the other guests. Bishop Buono: + $100 >s Mosaic Hall To the north, you could enter the foyer; to the west, the dining room; to the east, the drawing room; and the grand staircase leads up to the second floor. Bishop Buono is struggling to chat with Dr Malatesta (or perhaps it's the doctor who is struggling to chat with the bishop), while Baron Twombly whispers to Emilia Ives. Underfoot, the hall is patterned with a massive mosaic. In that mosaic's center stands a gilded compass on a pedestal. Candelabras flicker in the room's corners. You can also see a puddle and a shattered glass. An enormous crash comes from the drawing room. >a puddle Nothing you're carrying will mop up this puddle well enough. >e Drawing Room To the west, you could enter the mosaic hall; to the east, the powder room (unoccupied); and to the south, the lounge. Master Bryce is scrambling on the floor amongst broken bottles. Evidently, while you were attending to the doorbell, the master thought he would attend to the drinks cabinet, which he has thoroughly ransacked. Beside a curtained window, a few candles are burning. You can also see a puddle. >save Ok. >attend cabinet With all the bottles broken, it might be somewhat challenging to prepare drinks. However, there are more in the cellar. You'll have to bring them here, attend to this cabinet to restock the supply, and then simply pretend that nothing happened (which is standard for any servant employed by a great house). >attend bryce You'll need the broom and dustpan (yet again) to attend to the master's little accident. Hopefully he won't injure himself before you can sweep up these broken bottles. >w Mosaic Hall To the north, you could enter the foyer; to the west, the dining room; to the east, the drawing room; and the grand staircase leads up to the second floor. Bishop Buono is struggling to chat with Dr Malatesta, while Baron Twombly whispers to Emilia Ives. Underfoot, the hall is patterned with a massive mosaic. In that mosaic's center stands a gilded compass on a pedestal. Candelabras flicker in the room's corners. You can also see a puddle and a shattered glass. >w Dining Room (in shambles) To the east, you could enter the mosaic hall; to the south, the kitchen. Rubble is heaped everywhere. The western wall is smashed, with a luxury car lodged under the debris. You can also see a broom and dustpan (containing rusty pieces). >attend dustpan You'll need both hands free to carry this broom and dustpan. >i You're carrying a silver tray (empty) in one hand. >e Mosaic Hall To the north, you could enter the foyer; to the west, the dining room; to the east, the drawing room; and the grand staircase leads up to the second floor. Bishop Buono is struggling to chat with Dr Malatesta, while Baron Twombly whispers to Emilia Ives. Underfoot, the hall is patterned with a massive mosaic. In that mosaic's center stands a gilded compass on a pedestal. Candelabras flicker in the room's corners. You can also see a puddle and a shattered glass. >e Drawing Room To the west, you could enter the mosaic hall; to the east, the powder room (unoccupied); and to the south, the lounge. Master Bryce is scrambling amongst broken bottles by the drinks cabinet. Beside a curtained window, a few candles are burning. You can also see a puddle. >e Powder Room To the west, you could enter the drawing room. All the necessary facilities are present, along with one lit candle. >w Drawing Room To the west, you could enter the mosaic hall; to the east, the powder room (unoccupied); and to the south, the lounge. Master Bryce is scrambling amongst broken bottles by the drinks cabinet. Beside a curtained window, a few candles are burning. You can also see a puddle. >attend tray You set aside the silver tray (empty). >w Mosaic Hall To the north, you could enter the foyer; to the west, the dining room; to the east, the drawing room; and the grand staircase leads up to the second floor. Bishop Buono is struggling to chat with Dr Malatesta, while Baron Twombly whispers to Emilia Ives. Underfoot, the hall is patterned with a massive mosaic. In that mosaic's center stands a gilded compass on a pedestal. Candelabras flicker in the room's corners. You can also see a puddle and a shattered glass. >w Dining Room (in shambles) To the east, you could enter the mosaic hall; to the south, the kitchen. Rubble is heaped everywhere. The western wall is smashed, with a luxury car lodged under the debris. You can also see a broom and dustpan (containing rusty pieces). >attend dustpan You gather the broom and dustpan in both hands. >attend dustpan You set aside the broom and dustpan (containing rusty pieces). >attend dustpan You gather the broom and dustpan in both hands. >attend pieces (the rusty pieces) You empty the rusty pieces onto the rubble, adding more debris to the increasingly indiscriminate pile. Employing an entire room (and a dining room, at that) as a waste receptacle is not conventional, but Master Bryce produces so much garbage that mere trashcans would never suffice. >e Mosaic Hall To the north, you could enter the foyer; to the west, the dining room; to the east, the drawing room; and the grand staircase leads up to the second floor. Bishop Buono is struggling to chat with Dr Malatesta, while Baron Twombly whispers to Emilia Ives. Underfoot, the hall is patterned with a massive mosaic. In that mosaic's center stands a gilded compass on a pedestal. Candelabras flicker in the room's corners. You can also see a puddle and a shattered glass. >e Drawing Room To the west, you could enter the mosaic hall; to the east, the powder room (unoccupied); and to the south, the lounge. Master Bryce is scrambling amongst broken bottles by the drinks cabinet. Beside a curtained window, a few candles are burning. You can also see a silver tray (empty) and a puddle. >attend bottles You sweep the broken bottles into the dustpan. Now you can dump them in the dining room. >w Mosaic Hall To the north, you could enter the foyer; to the west, the dining room; to the east, the drawing room; and the grand staircase leads up to the second floor. Bishop Buono is struggling to chat with Dr Malatesta, while Baron Twombly whispers to Emilia Ives. Underfoot, the hall is patterned with a massive mosaic. In that mosaic's center stands a gilded compass on a pedestal. Candelabras flicker in the room's corners. You can also see a puddle and a shattered glass. >w Dining Room (in shambles) To the east, you could enter the mosaic hall; to the south, the kitchen. Rubble is heaped everywhere. The western wall is smashed, with a luxury car lodged under the debris. >attend bottles You empty the broken bottles onto the rubble. You can deal with this pile later. (Ideally someone else will deal with it, but you can also deal with that later.) >attend dustpan You set aside the broom and dustpan (empty). >s Kitchen To the east, you could enter the ballroom; to the north, the dining room; and a staircase leads down into the cellar. Overhead, a bat is flying in circles. Candles burn on the counter by a wicker cage (empty). The icebox is open and still works, but the other appliances have known better days. A black cat is dragging a roasted chicken (tied with twine) east into the ballroom. >attend chicken You can't see any such thing [or you might have misspelled a word]. >attend cat The cat has already dragged the chicken into the ballroom. >e You shouldn't leave the icebox open (since the cat wasn't thoughtful enough to close it after somehow contriving to take the chicken). >attend icebox You close the icebox again. >e Ballroom To the west, you could enter the kitchen; to the east, the lounge; and double-doors lead south to the garden. A black cat is dragging a roasted chicken (tied with twine) south into the garden. >attend cat The cat has already dragged the chicken into the garden. >s Garden To the north, you could enter the ballroom. Below the garden wall, crickets hop around the pond. You can also see a newspaper. A black cat leaps onto the wall, dragging a roasted chicken (tied with twine). >attend cat You cannot reach the chicken, and your pleas (and threats, and frustrated curses) are not persuasive. The cat chews some butcher's twine wrapped around the drumsticks, studiously ignoring you. >attend newspaper You gather the newspaper with one hand. >n Ballroom To the west, you could enter the kitchen; to the east, the lounge; and double-doors lead south to the garden. A glowing chandelier hangs from the ceiling. Chairs are arranged around a grand piano. >e Lounge To the west, you could enter the ballroom; to the north, the drawing room. A moose head is mounted on the eastern wall above a fainting couch. Some flickering candles are situated on a nearby table. >n Drawing Room To the west, you could enter the mosaic hall; to the east, the powder room (unoccupied); and to the south, the lounge. Master Bryce is squatting by the drinks cabinet. Beside a curtained window, a few candles are burning. You can also see a silver tray (empty) and a puddle. >attend puddle Bending down, you mop the floor with the New Gothenburg Post. It's just as absorbent as it was before, which shouldn't surprise any regular readers. >s Lounge To the west, you could enter the ballroom; to the north, the drawing room. A moose head is mounted on the eastern wall above a fainting couch. Some flickering candles are situated on a nearby table. >w Ballroom To the west, you could enter the kitchen; to the east, the lounge; and double-doors lead south to the garden. A glowing chandelier hangs from the ceiling. Chairs are arranged around a grand piano. >s Garden To the north, you could enter the ballroom. Perched atop the garden wall, a black cat is eating a roasted chicken (tied with twine). Crickets hop around the pond. >attend newspaper You set aside the soggy newspaper. >attend newspaper You hold the soggy newspaper at arm's length with one hand. >attend pond You wring the soggy newspaper into the pond again. The editors should applaud themselves for printing such durable text. >n Ballroom To the west, you could enter the kitchen; to the east, the lounge; and double-doors lead south to the garden. A glowing chandelier hangs from the ceiling. Chairs are arranged around a grand piano. >e Lounge To the west, you could enter the ballroom; to the north, the drawing room. A moose head is mounted on the eastern wall above a fainting couch. Some flickering candles are situated on a nearby table. >n Drawing Room To the west, you could enter the mosaic hall; to the east, the powder room (unoccupied); and to the south, the lounge. Master Bryce is squatting by the drinks cabinet. Beside a curtained window, a few candles are burning. You can also see a silver tray (empty). >w Mosaic Hall To the north, you could enter the foyer; to the west, the dining room; to the east, the drawing room; and the grand staircase leads up to the second floor. Bishop Buono is struggling to chat with Dr Malatesta, while Baron Twombly whispers to Emilia Ives. Underfoot, the hall is patterned with a massive mosaic. In that mosaic's center stands a gilded compass on a pedestal. Candelabras flicker in the room's corners. You can also see a puddle and a shattered glass. >attend puddle You mop the floor with the New Gothenburg Post. >e Drawing Room To the west, you could enter the mosaic hall; to the east, the powder room (unoccupied); and to the south, the lounge. Master Bryce is squatting by the drinks cabinet. Beside a curtained window, a few candles are burning. You can also see a silver tray (empty). >s Lounge To the west, you could enter the ballroom; to the north, the drawing room. A moose head is mounted on the eastern wall above a fainting couch. Some flickering candles are situated on a nearby table. >w Ballroom To the west, you could enter the kitchen; to the east, the lounge; and double-doors lead south to the garden. A glowing chandelier hangs from the ceiling. Chairs are arranged around a grand piano. >s Garden To the north, you could enter the ballroom. Perched atop the garden wall, a black cat is eating a roasted chicken (tied with twine). Crickets hop around the pond. >attend pond You wring the soggy newspaper into the pond yet again. The master's subscription to the Post is paying off tonight. >attend newspaper You set aside the newspaper. >attend cat You cannot reach the chicken, and your pleas (and threats, and frustrated curses) are not persuasive. The cat chews some butcher's twine wrapped around the drumsticks, studiously ignoring you. >attend chicken You cannot reach the chicken, and your pleas (and threats, and frustrated curses) are not persuasive. The cat chews some butcher's twine wrapped around the drumsticks, studiously ignoring you. >n Ballroom To the west, you could enter the kitchen; to the east, the lounge; and double-doors lead south to the garden. A glowing chandelier hangs from the ceiling. Chairs are arranged around a grand piano. >w Kitchen To the east, you could enter the ballroom; to the north, the dining room; and a staircase leads down into the cellar. Overhead, a bat is flying in circles. Candles burn on the counter by a wicker cage (empty). The icebox is closed and still works, but the other appliances have known better days. >n Dining Room (in shambles) To the east, you could enter the mosaic hall; to the south, the kitchen. Rubble is heaped everywhere. The western wall is smashed, with a luxury car lodged under the debris. You can also see a broom and dustpan (empty). >attend dustpan You gather the broom and dustpan in both hands. >e Mosaic Hall To the north, you could enter the foyer; to the west, the dining room; to the east, the drawing room; and the grand staircase leads up to the second floor. Bishop Buono is struggling to chat with Dr Malatesta, while Baron Twombly whispers to Emilia Ives. Underfoot, the hall is patterned with a massive mosaic. In that mosaic's center stands a gilded compass on a pedestal. Candelabras flicker in the room's corners. You can also see a shattered glass. >attend glass (the shattered glass) You sweep the shattered glass into the dustpan. Now you can dump it in the dining room. >w Dining Room (in shambles) To the east, you could enter the mosaic hall; to the south, the kitchen. Rubble is heaped everywhere. The western wall is smashed, with a luxury car lodged under the debris. >attend glass (the windshield) With all of your strength, you hit the windshield with the broomstick ? and almost throw out your back! At your advanced age, 'all of your strength' doesn't amount to much. >x dustpan You've swept a shattered glass into the dustpan with the broom. Now you can attend to the debris, which is a polite way to say that you might as well just dump this rubbish right here. >attend shattered glass You empty the shattered glass onto the rubble. What's one more dustpan added to this mountain? Apparently, enough to cause a miniature avalanche. Random knickknacks bounce down from summit. Garbage cascades over garbage, and a curling-iron slides across the floor, dislodged from somewhere inside the heap. >x curling iron It's best to forget how the master applied this device to Chef Louis. >attend dustpan You set aside the broom and dustpan (empty). >w You can't go that way. >e Mosaic Hall To the north, you could enter the foyer; to the west, the dining room; to the east, the drawing room; and the grand staircase leads up to the second floor. Bishop Buono is struggling to chat with Dr Malatesta, while Baron Twombly whispers to Emilia Ives. Underfoot, the hall is patterned with a massive mosaic. In that mosaic's center stands a gilded compass on a pedestal. Candelabras flicker in the room's corners. >w Dining Room (in shambles) To the east, you could enter the mosaic hall; to the south, the kitchen. Rubble is heaped everywhere. The western wall is smashed, with a luxury car lodged under the debris. You can also see a broom and dustpan (empty) and a curling-iron. >s Kitchen To the east, you could enter the ballroom; to the north, the dining room; and a staircase leads down into the cellar. Overhead, a bat is flying in circles. Candles burn on the counter by a wicker cage (empty). The icebox is closed and still works, but the other appliances have known better days. >d Cellar You could take a staircase up to the kitchen. Bottles line the walls, nestled snugly in dust-covered racks. Beside an open utility closet, a glowing candle illuminates the room. >attend bottles You slide bottles from the nearest rack, tucking a few under your arms, clenching others by their necks between your fingers, until you're loaded down like a pack-mule. It isn't a very gracious metaphor, but this isn't a very gracious circumstance. >u Kitchen To the east, you could enter the ballroom; to the north, the dining room; and a staircase leads down into the cellar. Overhead, a bat is flying in circles. Candles burn on the counter by a wicker cage (empty). The icebox is closed and still works, but the other appliances have known better days. >e Ballroom To the west, you could enter the kitchen; to the east, the lounge; and double-doors lead south to the garden. A glowing chandelier hangs from the ceiling. Chairs are arranged around a grand piano. >e Lounge To the west, you could enter the ballroom; to the north, the drawing room. A moose head is mounted on the eastern wall above a fainting couch. Some flickering candles are situated on a nearby table. >n Drawing Room To the west, you could enter the mosaic hall; to the east, the powder room (unoccupied); and to the south, the lounge. Master Bryce is squatting by the drinks cabinet. Beside a curtained window, a few candles are burning. You can also see a silver tray (empty). >attend cabinet As you stock the cabinet with more bottles, Master Bryce scuttles around you on the floor, but you keep him at bay with an extended foot. Eventually he crosses his arms, sits down with a grunt, and stares at the ceiling instead. "What's he looking at, eh?" asks Baron Twombly, walking into the drawing room with Emilia Ives. "I don't see anything interesting up there." "Don't strain your eyes, my darling," says Miss Ives. "You've always had trouble appreciating things from another person's perspective." Baron Twombly: - $1,000 >attend baron "What is it?" snaps the baron. "Can't you see I don't need anything?" >attend ives "I'm quite satisfied," says Emilia Ives. "With the drink, that is." >attend bryce Master Bryce is more interested in the ceiling than anything you have to offer. >w Mosaic Hall To the north, you could enter the foyer; to the west, the dining room; to the east, the drawing room; and the grand staircase leads up to the second floor. Bishop Buono is struggling to chat with Dr Malatesta. Underfoot, the hall is patterned with a massive mosaic. In that mosaic's center stands a gilded compass on a pedestal. Candelabras flicker in the room's corners. >attend malatesta "Do you think he's a little tipsy?" asks the doctor in a stage-whisper, nodding toward Bishop Buono. "Difficult to tell with clergymen." >attend bishop "You're much older ~hiccup~ than I seem to remember, Mr Wyatt," says the bishop, squinting. "Or perhaps I'm younger. Spirits do lighten the spirit, don't they? Ha! ~hiccup~ Ha! Where are the ~hiccup~ servants? My spirits could be lighter if I knew who to ask for a drink." >e Drawing Room To the west, you could enter the mosaic hall; to the east, the powder room (unoccupied); and to the south, the lounge. Master Bryce is staring at the ceiling, and Baron Twombly is chatting with Emilia Ives. A replenished drinks cabinet dominates one corner. Beside a curtained window, a few candles are burning. You can also see a silver tray (empty). >attend tray You balance the silver tray with one hand. >attend cabinet You pour a drink and place it on the silver tray. >w Mosaic Hall To the north, you could enter the foyer; to the west, the dining room; to the east, the drawing room; and the grand staircase leads up to the second floor. Bishop Buono is struggling to chat with Dr Malatesta. Underfoot, the hall is patterned with a massive mosaic. In that mosaic's center stands a gilded compass on a pedestal. Candelabras flicker in the room's corners. >attend bishop "Serving me yourself, Mr Wyatt? What an honor!" says the bishop, taking a drink and downing it at once. He smacks his lips. "Magnificent. One doesn't get this quality in the cloisters. Only it's a shame ~hiccup~ these are such teensy glasses. Thimbles! Would you happen to have more?" Bishop Buono: + $20 >e Drawing Room To the west, you could enter the mosaic hall; to the east, the powder room (unoccupied); and to the south, the lounge. Master Bryce is staring at the ceiling, and Baron Twombly is chatting with Emilia Ives. A replenished drinks cabinet dominates one corner. Beside a curtained window, a few candles are burning. >attend tray You set aside the silver tray (empty). >think At the moment, you need to: ? Serve another drink to Bishop Buono. ? Attempt to retrieve the chicken from the cat. ? Keep an ear out for the doorbell. >w Mosaic Hall To the north, you could enter the foyer; to the west, the dining room; to the east, the drawing room; and the grand staircase leads up to the second floor. Bishop Buono is struggling to chat with Dr Malatesta. Underfoot, the hall is patterned with a massive mosaic. In that mosaic's center stands a gilded compass on a pedestal. Candelabras flicker in the room's corners. >w Dining Room (in shambles) To the east, you could enter the mosaic hall; to the south, the kitchen. Rubble is heaped everywhere. The western wall is smashed, with a luxury car lodged under the debris. You can also see a broom and dustpan (empty) and a curling-iron. >attend broom You gather the broom and dustpan in both hands. >s Kitchen To the east, you could enter the ballroom; to the north, the dining room; and a staircase leads down into the cellar. Overhead, a bat is flying in circles. Candles burn on the counter by a wicker cage (empty). The icebox is closed and still works, but the other appliances have known better days. >e Ballroom To the west, you could enter the kitchen; to the east, the lounge; and double-doors lead south to the garden. A glowing chandelier hangs from the ceiling. Chairs are arranged around a grand piano. >s Garden To the north, you could enter the ballroom. Perched atop the garden wall, a black cat is eating a roasted chicken (tied with twine). Crickets hop around the pond. You can also see a newspaper. >attend cat It's not that you're going to serve this chicken to the guests anymore. It's the principle! You swipe the broom at the cat ? and the cat swipes right back, knocking the broom to the ground. Dear lord! How strong is the average feline? With a well-seasoned flop, the chicken goes over the wall in the fracas, and the cat jumps after it. All that's left is some butcher's twine (which unraveled from the bird's leg), but at least the thief is gone. >think At the moment, you need to: ? Serve another drink to Bishop Buono. ? Keep an ear out for the doorbell. >n Ballroom To the west, you could enter the kitchen; to the east, the lounge; and double-doors lead south to the garden. A glowing chandelier hangs from the ceiling. Chairs are arranged around a grand piano. >w Kitchen To the east, you could enter the ballroom; to the north, the dining room; and a staircase leads down into the cellar. Overhead, a bat is flying in circles. Candles burn on the counter by a wicker cage (empty). The icebox is closed and still works, but the other appliances have known better days. >n Dining Room (in shambles) To the east, you could enter the mosaic hall; to the south, the kitchen. Rubble is heaped everywhere. The western wall is smashed, with a luxury car lodged under the debris. You can also see a curling-iron. >attend dustpan You can't see any such thing [or you might have misspelled a word]. >i You're not carrying anything. >w You can't go that way. >e Mosaic Hall To the north, you could enter the foyer; to the west, the dining room; to the east, the drawing room; and the grand staircase leads up to the second floor. Bishop Buono is struggling to chat with Dr Malatesta. Underfoot, the hall is patterned with a massive mosaic. In that mosaic's center stands a gilded compass on a pedestal. Candelabras flicker in the room's corners. >e Drawing Room To the west, you could enter the mosaic hall; to the east, the powder room (unoccupied); and to the south, the lounge. Master Bryce is staring at the ceiling, and Baron Twombly is chatting with Emilia Ives. A replenished drinks cabinet dominates one corner. Beside a curtained window, a few candles are burning. You can also see a silver tray (empty). >attend ives "I'm quite satisfied," says Emilia Ives. "With the drink, that is." >attend tray You balance the silver tray with one hand. >attend drinks (the drinks cabinet) You pour a drink and place it on the silver tray. >e Powder Room To the west, you could enter the drawing room. All the necessary facilities are present, along with one lit candle. >w Drawing Room To the west, you could enter the mosaic hall; to the east, the powder room (unoccupied); and to the south, the lounge. Master Bryce is staring at the ceiling, and Baron Twombly is chatting with Emilia Ives. A replenished drinks cabinet dominates one corner. Beside a curtained window, a few candles are burning. >w Mosaic Hall To the north, you could enter the foyer; to the west, the dining room; to the east, the drawing room; and the grand staircase leads up to the second floor. Bishop Buono is struggling to chat with Dr Malatesta. Underfoot, the hall is patterned with a massive mosaic. In that mosaic's center stands a gilded compass on a pedestal. Candelabras flicker in the room's corners. >attend bishop "You know, Mr Wyatt," says the bishop as he accepts a drink, "we truly do appreciate ~hiccup~ your charity. The Widows & Orphans Fund depends ~hiccup~ upon functions like these. Of course, I'm only too pleased ~hiccup~ to donate a little myself. One must ~hiccup~ give back." Bishop Buono: + $10 >think At the moment, you need to: ? Keep an ear out for the doorbell. Suddenly, the doorbell chimes again. >e Drawing Room To the west, you could enter the mosaic hall; to the east, the powder room (unoccupied); and to the south, the lounge. Master Bryce is staring at the ceiling, and Baron Twombly is chatting with Emilia Ives. A replenished drinks cabinet dominates one corner. Beside a curtained window, a few candles are burning. >w Mosaic Hall To the north, you could enter the foyer; to the west, the dining room; to the east, the drawing room; and the grand staircase leads up to the second floor. Bishop Buono is struggling to chat with Dr Malatesta. Underfoot, the hall is patterned with a massive mosaic. In that mosaic's center stands a gilded compass on a pedestal. Candelabras flicker in the room's corners. >n Foyer To the south, you could enter the mosaic hall. Lighted candle-stands frame the front door (to which you should promptly attend). >attend door Two identical twin sisters, wearing identical gowns, are standing outside when you open the door. Miss Constance and Miss Constance share not only a resemblance, but also equal stakes in the C&C Brands empire, which they established together (as they do everything else). At first, they fail to notice you. They are energetically debating something about toothpick sales, international shipping routes, tariffs, and Venezuela, but finally they turn their heads, in tandem, and smile. When they greet you, when they make exclamations about the "enchanting" manor, when they walk south into the mosaic hall, they speak and move at the same time. Miss Constance: + $25,000 Miss Constance: + $25,000 >s Mosaic Hall To the north, you could enter the foyer; to the west, the dining room; to the east, the drawing room; and the grand staircase leads up to the second floor. Miss Constance and Miss Constance are listening to Bishop Buono ramble. Underfoot, the hall is patterned with a massive mosaic. In that mosaic's center stands a gilded compass on a pedestal. Candelabras flicker in the room's corners. >attend constance "So pleased we could make it tonight," says Miss Constance. "Wouldn't have missed this evening for the world," says Miss Constance. "Dina d'Latour! A private recital! And such well-connected company. I don't suppose the baron's here? Miss Ives?" asks Miss Constance. "It will be so splendid to catch up. But we should have drinks first, shouldn't we?" asks Miss Constance. >e Drawing Room To the west, you could enter the mosaic hall; to the east, the powder room (unoccupied); and to the south, the lounge. Master Bryce is attempting to climb the curtains around the window. Baron Twombly is bickering with Emilia Ives while Dr Malatesta listens. A replenished drinks cabinet dominates one corner, and a few candles are burning. >attend drinks (the drinks cabinet) You pour two drinks and place them on the silver tray. >w Mosaic Hall To the north, you could enter the foyer; to the west, the dining room; to the east, the drawing room; and the grand staircase leads up to the second floor. Miss Constance and Miss Constance are listening to Bishop Buono ramble. Underfoot, the hall is patterned with a massive mosaic. In that mosaic's center stands a gilded compass on a pedestal. Candelabras flicker in the room's corners. >attend constance "One drink for me," says Miss Constance, "and one for you." Both sisters raise their glasses, clink, sip, sigh at the "exquisite" taste and "marvelous" bouquet. Then they begin to discuss their own private label, and whether it compares, and if they should purchase another vineyard or a new distillery. "Or both?" asks Miss Constance. "Both," says Miss Constance. Miss Constance: + $3,000 Miss Constance: + $3,000 >e Drawing Room To the west, you could enter the mosaic hall; to the east, the powder room (unoccupied); and to the south, the lounge. Master Bryce is climbing the curtains around the window. Baron Twombly is bickering with Emilia Ives while Dr Malatesta listens. A replenished drinks cabinet dominates one corner, and a few candles are burning. >attend tray You set aside the silver tray (empty). >attend bryce You speak calmly to the master. You attempt to coax him gently to the ground. He snarls and hisses, clutching the curtains tighter. Unfortunately, he's too high to grab. If you had a chair to stand on, then you could just (calmly and gently) yank him down. >s Lounge To the west, you could enter the ballroom; to the north, the drawing room. A moose head is mounted on the eastern wall above a fainting couch. Some flickering candles are situated on a nearby table. >w Ballroom To the west, you could enter the kitchen; to the east, the lounge; and double-doors lead south to the garden. A glowing chandelier hangs from the ceiling. Chairs are arranged around a grand piano. >attend chair You gather a chair with both hands. >e Lounge To the west, you could enter the ballroom; to the north, the drawing room. A moose head is mounted on the eastern wall above a fainting couch. Some flickering candles are situated on a nearby table. >n Drawing Room To the west, you could enter the mosaic hall; to the east, the powder room (unoccupied); and to the south, the lounge. Master Bryce is climbing the curtains around the window. Baron Twombly is bickering with Emilia Ives while Dr Malatesta listens. A replenished drinks cabinet dominates one corner, and a few candles are burning. You can also see a silver tray (empty). >attend chair You place the chair below the window. Now when you attend to Master Bryce, you should be able to reach him. >attend bryce As discreetly as possible, you stand atop the chair to pull the master down. He clenches the curtains, still trying to reach the ceiling. He almost kicks you in the face. He shrieks. "Listen to that pitch!" says Dr Malatesta. "I know we're here for Dina d'Latour, but are you certain you're not a singer, Mr Wyatt? Perhaps a tenor? Incidentally, another drink would be superb." In a heap, you tumble to the floor with Master Bryce. He still hasn't released the curtains. They rip away from the window. They catch fire on the candles. Their flaming folds burn hotter, higher, rather inconveniently. With another shriek, he crawls into the powder room, dropping his spectacles. >attend curtains (the burning curtains) You've handled plenty of flambéed dishes. These curtains aren't so very different, are they? Which isn't to say they might not burn down the manor. (One crème brûlée came close two winters past.) Lifting the metal rod to which they're still attached, you hold them away from any furniture, guests, and exposed alcoholic beverages. Suddenly, the doorbell chimes again. >attend spectacles You don't have a free hand to carry these spectacles. Smoke fills the room, billowing from the fire. >attend curtains (the burning curtains) It might not be the brightest idea to set these burning curtains aside when you're still indoors (although, from another perspective, it would be terrifically bright). >attend fire (the burning curtains) It might not be the brightest idea to set these burning curtains aside when you're still indoors (although, from another perspective, it would be terrifically bright). >s Lounge To the west, you could enter the ballroom; to the north, the drawing room. A moose head is mounted on the eastern wall above a fainting couch. Some flickering candles are situated on a nearby table. Embers leap from the flaming curtains. >w Ballroom To the west, you could enter the kitchen; to the east, the lounge; and double-doors lead south to the garden. A glowing chandelier hangs from the ceiling. Chairs are arranged around a grand piano. >s Garden To the north, you could enter the ballroom. Below the garden wall, crickets hop around the pond. You can also see some butcher's twine, a broom and dustpan (empty), and a newspaper. >attend pond Fortunately, there are no goldfish left in this pond. They would probably find the smoke, flaming debris, and sudden rise in temperature quite disagreeable. You submerge the curtains by pushing them underwater with the curtain-rod, which is all that remains after the scorched fabric has disintegrated. >n Ballroom To the west, you could enter the kitchen; to the east, the lounge; and double-doors lead south to the garden. A glowing chandelier hangs from the ceiling. Chairs are arranged around a grand piano. The doorbell chimes again, carrying from the foyer. >e Lounge To the west, you could enter the ballroom; to the north, the drawing room. A moose head is mounted on the eastern wall above a fainting couch. Some flickering candles are situated on a nearby table. >n Drawing Room To the west, you could enter the mosaic hall; to the east, the powder room (occupied); and to the south, the lounge. Baron Twombly, Emilia Ives, and Dr Malatesta are sweating. All the candles have been knocked over. A replenished drinks cabinet dominates one corner. You can also see some spectacles, a chair, and a silver tray (empty). >w Mosaic Hall To the north, you could enter the foyer; to the west, the dining room; to the east, the drawing room; and the grand staircase leads up to the second floor. Miss Constance and Miss Constance are listening to Bishop Buono ramble. Underfoot, the hall is patterned with a massive mosaic. In that mosaic's center stands a gilded compass on a pedestal. Candelabras flicker in the room's corners. >n Foyer To the south, you could enter the mosaic hall. Lighted candle-stands frame the front door (to which you should promptly attend). >attend door You open the front door. Countess Orlofsky is standing there with her arms crossed. She marches over the threshold, then casts a sidelong glance at you that could chill vodka into ice. "I am not surprised I had to wait," the countess says. "If I had not had to wait, that might have proven my assumptions wrong, which could have been stimulating. But parties like these are never stimulating. One wonders if they are designed to be dull. One prays that is the case. Otherwise, one would have to lament their innate boredom, and lamentation is also boring." She walks south into the mosaic hall. Countess Orlofsky: + $0 >s Mosaic Hall To the north, you could enter the foyer; to the west, the dining room; to the east, the drawing room; and the grand staircase leads up to the second floor. Countess Orlofsky is watching Miss Constance and Miss Constance talk to Bishop Buono. Underfoot, the hall is patterned with a massive mosaic. In that mosaic's center stands a gilded compass on a pedestal. Candelabras flicker in the room's corners. >e Drawing Room To the west, you could enter the mosaic hall; to the east, the powder room (occupied); and to the south, the lounge. Baron Twombly, Emilia Ives, and Dr Malatesta are chatting in the dark. All the candles have been knocked over. A replenished drinks cabinet dominates one corner. You can also see some spectacles, a chair, and a silver tray (empty). >attend candles You'll need at least one free hand to attend to these candles. >i You're carrying a curtain-rod in your hands. >attend curtain rod You set aside the curtain-rod. >attend candles It is a moment's work to put the candles back in place. Lesser candles might have snapped in the fracas, but these are C&C Candles. "Do you hear that?" asks Emilia Ives. "Are those the twins in the hall?" "Never mind," growls Baron Twombly. "It's too hot in this room. Another drink!" he calls to you, leading Miss Ives by the hand into the lounge. >attend spectacles You gather the spectacles in one hand. >e Powder Room To the west, you could enter the drawing room. Master Bryce is cowering in the corner. All the necessary facilities are present, along with one lit candle. >attend bryce Having traumatized himself with the flaming curtains, it would now appear that Master Bryce distrusts his own spectacles. He knocks them onto the floor when you try to put them on his head. If you had a bit of twine to secure them, this might prove easier. >w Drawing Room To the west, you could enter the mosaic hall; to the east, the powder room (occupied); and to the south, the lounge. Dr Malatesta is looking at the ceiling. A replenished drinks cabinet dominates one corner, and a few candles are waiting to be lit. You can also see a curtain-rod, a chair, and a silver tray (empty). >attend tray You balance the silver tray with one hand. >attend drinks (the drinks cabinet) It's too dark in this room to pour drinks. You might open an expensive bottle by mistake or, even worse, an inexpensive one. >attend tray You set aside the silver tray (empty). >s Lounge To the west, you could enter the ballroom; to the north, the drawing room. Baron Twombly is bickering with Emilia Ives. A moose head is mounted on the eastern wall above a fainting couch. Some flickering candles are situated on a nearby table. >w Ballroom To the west, you could enter the kitchen; to the east, the lounge; and double-doors lead south to the garden. A glowing chandelier hangs from the ceiling. Chairs are arranged around a grand piano. >s Garden To the north, you could enter the ballroom. Below the garden wall, crickets hop around the pond. You can also see some butcher's twine, a broom and dustpan (empty), and a newspaper. >attend twine You gather the butcher's twine and tuck it into your pocket. >n Ballroom To the west, you could enter the kitchen; to the east, the lounge; and double-doors lead south to the garden. A glowing chandelier hangs from the ceiling. Chairs are arranged around a grand piano. >e Lounge To the west, you could enter the ballroom; to the north, the drawing room. Baron Twombly is bickering with Emilia Ives. A moose head is mounted on the eastern wall above a fainting couch. Some flickering candles are situated on a nearby table. >n Drawing Room To the west, you could enter the mosaic hall; to the east, the powder room (occupied); and to the south, the lounge. Dr Malatesta is looking at the ceiling. A replenished drinks cabinet dominates one corner, and a few candles are waiting to be lit. You can also see a silver tray (empty), a curtain-rod, and a chair. >e Powder Room To the west, you could enter the drawing room. Master Bryce is cowering in the corner. All the necessary facilities are present, along with one lit candle. You can also see some spectacles. >attend bryce If you were also carrying the master's spectacles, this twine might serve a purpose. But right now, the master only grunts at you. >attend spectacles You gather the spectacles in one hand. >attend bryce Master Bryce may protest. He may try to knock his spectacles onto the ground. But you have other ideas, and this butcher's twine suits your ideas admirably. You knot the twine behind his head, around his ears, thereby securing the spectacles to his face. He shakes his head. He smacks his ears. The spectacles remain in place. As usual, he finally remembers that he likes to wear these spectacles. (It's always the same routine, isn't it?) >w Drawing Room To the west, you could enter the mosaic hall; to the east, the powder room (occupied); and to the south, the lounge. Dr Malatesta is looking at the ceiling. A replenished drinks cabinet dominates one corner, and a few candles are waiting to be lit. You can also see a silver tray (empty), a curtain-rod, and a chair. >w Mosaic Hall To the north, you could enter the foyer; to the west, the dining room; to the east, the drawing room; and the grand staircase leads up to the second floor. Countess Orlofsky is watching Miss Constance and Miss Constance talk to Bishop Buono. Underfoot, the hall is patterned with a massive mosaic. In that mosaic's center stands a gilded compass on a pedestal. Candelabras flicker in the room's corners. >u Upstairs Corridor To the west, you could enter the study; to the east, the master's bedroom; and the grand staircase leads down to the first floor. A candle burns on a table by the staircase. You can also see a matchbox. >attend matchbox You gather the matchbox and tuck it into your pocket. >d Mosaic Hall To the north, you could enter the foyer; to the west, the dining room; to the east, the drawing room; and the grand staircase leads up to the second floor. Countess Orlofsky is watching Miss Constance and Miss Constance talk to Bishop Buono. Underfoot, the hall is patterned with a massive mosaic. In that mosaic's center stands a gilded compass on a pedestal. Candelabras flicker in the room's corners. >e Drawing Room To the west, you could enter the mosaic hall; to the east, the powder room (occupied); and to the south, the lounge. Dr Malatesta is looking at the ceiling. A replenished drinks cabinet dominates one corner, and a few candles are waiting to be lit. You can also see a silver tray (empty), a curtain-rod, and a chair. >attend candles You strike a match and light the candles (again). "Heavens above," hiccups Bishop Buono, stumbling into the room. "So this is where you hide the drinks! Stashing them away ~hiccup~ just like in seminary class. Could you pour me another?" >attend matchbox You set aside the matchbox. >attend tray You balance the silver tray with one hand. >attend drinks (the drinks cabinet) You pour three drinks and place them on the silver tray. >attend bishop "I don't mind if I do, Mr Wyatt," hiccups the bishop, winking as he takes a glass. "All for the greater good!" Bishop Buono: + $60 >attend baron You can't see any such thing [or you might have misspelled a word]. >attend ives You can't see any such thing [or you might have misspelled a word]. >s Lounge To the west, you could enter the ballroom; to the north, the drawing room. Baron Twombly is bickering with Emilia Ives. A moose head is mounted on the eastern wall above a fainting couch. Some flickering candles are situated on a nearby table. >attend baron "About time," says Baron Twombly, grabbing a drink from the tray. "I should've known that's what you had in mind," he continues, speaking to Emilia Ives. "Needed to get here early. Just wanted to meet her again, didn't you? Everything happens behind my back." "I can't help it if you're facing the wrong direction," says Miss Ives. Baron Twombly: - $1,000 Emilia Ives: - $300 >attend ives "I'm quite satisfied," says Emilia Ives. "With the drink, that is." >n Drawing Room To the west, you could enter the mosaic hall; to the east, the powder room (occupied); and to the south, the lounge. Dr Malatesta is watching Bishop Buono sway. A replenished drinks cabinet dominates one corner, and a few candles are burning. You can also see a matchbox, a curtain-rod, and a chair. >w Mosaic Hall To the north, you could enter the foyer; to the west, the dining room; to the east, the drawing room; and the grand staircase leads up to the second floor. Countess Orlofsky is listening to Miss Constance and Miss Constance. Underfoot, the hall is patterned with a massive mosaic. In that mosaic's center stands a gilded compass on a pedestal. Candelabras flicker in the room's corners. >attend orlofsky "No greeting from the host," says Countess Orlofsky. "Everywhere I go in this city, it is always the same. Polite society is not polite. The 'best people' are not the best. I have only come because I love music, and I am foolish enough to believe I might hear something that passes for music. In the meantime, something that passes for alcohol may dull the disappointment." >think At the moment, you need to: ? Attend to Master Bryce in the powder room. ? Serve another drink to Dr Malatesta. ? Serve a drink to Countess Orlofsky. ? Keep an ear out for the doorbell. >e Drawing Room To the west, you could enter the mosaic hall; to the east, the powder room (occupied); and to the south, the lounge. Dr Malatesta is watching Bishop Buono sway. A replenished drinks cabinet dominates one corner, and a few candles are burning. You can also see a matchbox, a curtain-rod, and a chair. >attend malatesta "Do you know, I think there's something funny going on," says Dr Malatesta, accepting a drink. "But I can't put my finger on it." Dr Malatesta: + $2,000 >i You're carrying a silver tray (empty) in one hand. >attend drinks (the drinks cabinet) You pour a drink and place it on the silver tray. >w Mosaic Hall To the north, you could enter the foyer; to the west, the dining room; to the east, the drawing room; and the grand staircase leads up to the second floor. Countess Orlofsky is listening to Miss Constance and Miss Constance. Underfoot, the hall is patterned with a massive mosaic. In that mosaic's center stands a gilded compass on a pedestal. Candelabras flicker in the room's corners. >attend orlofsky Countess Orlofsky claims a glass and takes a sip. "If one were generous, one might say this passes for isopropyl alcohol," she remarks. "Nobody in this country has tastebuds." Countess Orlofsky: + $0 >w Dining Room (in shambles) To the east, you could enter the mosaic hall; to the south, the kitchen. Overhead, a bat is flying in circles. Rubble is heaped everywhere. The western wall is smashed, with a luxury car lodged under the debris. You can also see a curling-iron. >ae [This game has a limited action system. To perform most tasks, you can simply attend to an object or a person. Type help to review other useful commands.] >e Mosaic Hall To the north, you could enter the foyer; to the west, the dining room; to the east, the drawing room; and the grand staircase leads up to the second floor. Countess Orlofsky is listening to Miss Constance and Miss Constance. Underfoot, the hall is patterned with a massive mosaic. In that mosaic's center stands a gilded compass on a pedestal. Candelabras flicker in the room's corners. >e Drawing Room To the west, you could enter the mosaic hall; to the east, the powder room (occupied); and to the south, the lounge. Dr Malatesta is watching Bishop Buono sway. A replenished drinks cabinet dominates one corner, and a few candles are burning. You can also see a matchbox, a curtain-rod, and a chair. >attend tray You set aside the silver tray (empty). >e Powder Room To the west, you could enter the drawing room. Master Bryce is sitting in the corner. All the necessary facilities are present, along with one lit candle. >attend bryce With your encouragement (and a great deal of pushing and shoving), Master Bryce finally leaves the powder room. You can hear Dr Malatesta approach him outside. "I've been thinking about what happened," the doctor is saying. "At the institute. And I wanted to reassure you, Mr Wyatt, that there aren't any hard feelings on our end. I hope there aren't any on yours? None? Excellent." Dr Malatesta: + $7,000 >think At the moment, you need to: ? Keep an ear out for the doorbell. Suddenly, the doorbell chimes again. >w Drawing Room To the west, you could enter the mosaic hall; to the east, the powder room (unoccupied); and to the south, the lounge. Dr Malatesta is trying to chat with Master Bryce, while Bishop Buono hiccups. A replenished drinks cabinet dominates one corner, and a few candles are burning. You can also see a silver tray (empty), a matchbox, a curtain-rod, and a chair. >n You can't go that way. >w Mosaic Hall To the north, you could enter the foyer; to the west, the dining room; to the east, the drawing room; and the grand staircase leads up to the second floor. Countess Orlofsky is listening to Miss Constance and Miss Constance. Underfoot, the hall is patterned with a massive mosaic. In that mosaic's center stands a gilded compass on a pedestal. Candelabras flicker in the room's corners. >n Foyer To the south, you could enter the mosaic hall. Lighted candle-stands frame the front door (to which you should promptly attend). >attend door "Buonasera!" cries Dina d'Latour when you answer the bell. Even when she's not performing, her voice booms. She towers on the threshold, filling the frame, with diamond dragonflies sparkling in her hair. It takes you a moment to notice her husband in her (literal and figurative) shadow. "Tito and I are so thrilled to be here! Aren't we, Tito?" she asks, but she doesn't wait for him to reply. "How could I refuse to lend my instrument to such a cause? Che bello! We'll support the widows too, won't we, Tito? And the orphans? Music is not enough!" she says, dragging him into the mosaic hall. Dina and Tito d'Latour: + $13,000 >s Mosaic Hall To the north, you could enter the foyer; to the west, the dining room; to the east, the drawing room; and the grand staircase leads up to the second floor. Dina d'Latour is chatting with Miss Constance and Miss Constance, while Countess Orlofsky scrutinizes Tito d'Latour. Underfoot, the hall is patterned with a massive mosaic. In that mosaic's center stands a gilded compass on a pedestal. Candelabras flicker in the room's corners. >attend dina Before you can attend to Dina and Tito d'Latour, you notice Master Bryce slink from the drawing room. He is licking his lips. His attention is fixed on the diamond dragonflies in Dina's hair. "Ciao bello!" she exclaims. Master Bryce leaps. She stumbles with an "Oof!" while he tries to eat the dragonflies, climbing atop Tito's head (which makes for a regrettable stepladder) to reach them. Miss Constance and Miss Constance gasp with deliciously scandalized grins. Countess Orlofsky swirls her drink and mutters: "How tedious." Dina and Tito d'Latour: - $4,000 Miss Constance: + $30,000 Miss Constance: + $30,000 Countess Orlofsky: + $0 >attend bryce Even thirty years ago, when your limbs were less feeble, you would have been no match for Master Bryce when he's hungry. And he must be famished (or confused) if he wants to eat hair ornaments. He won't listen to you. He won't dismount Tito d'Latour. They totter around the room, with Master Bryce trying to grab the dragonflies. It's fortunate that Mrs d'Latour is such a tall woman. >attend bryce Master Bryce gnashes his teeth, shoving you aside to grapple for the dragonflies. He's too hungry to listen to reason. >w Dining Room (in shambles) To the east, you could enter the mosaic hall; to the south, the kitchen. Overhead, a bat is flying in circles. Rubble is heaped everywhere. The western wall is smashed, with a luxury car lodged under the debris. You can also see a curling-iron. >s Kitchen To the east, you could enter the ballroom; to the north, the dining room; and a staircase leads down into the cellar. Candles burn on the counter by a wicker cage (empty). The icebox is closed and still works, but the other appliances have known better days. >x cricket You can't see any such thing [or you might have misspelled a word]. >e Ballroom To the west, you could enter the kitchen; to the east, the lounge; and double-doors lead south to the garden. A glowing chandelier hangs from the ceiling. Chairs are arranged around a grand piano. >s Garden To the north, you could enter the ballroom. Below the garden wall, crickets hop around the pond. You can also see a broom and dustpan (empty) and a newspaper. >get cricket [You should attend to whatever you're trying to get.] >attend cricket Try as you might to capture one, the crickets always hop away. But if you had a cage... >n Ballroom To the west, you could enter the kitchen; to the east, the lounge; and double-doors lead south to the garden. A glowing chandelier hangs from the ceiling. Chairs are arranged around a grand piano. >w Kitchen To the east, you could enter the ballroom; to the north, the dining room; and a staircase leads down into the cellar. Candles burn on the counter by a wicker cage (empty). The icebox is closed and still works, but the other appliances have known better days. >attend cage You gather the wicker cage (empty) in both hands. >e Ballroom To the west, you could enter the kitchen; to the east, the lounge; and double-doors lead south to the garden. A glowing chandelier hangs from the ceiling. Chairs are arranged around a grand piano. >s Garden To the north, you could enter the ballroom. Below the garden wall, crickets hop around the pond. You can also see a broom and dustpan (empty) and a newspaper. >attend cricket With a little pounce (and a few popping joints) you fall upon one cricket with the cage, trapping it neatly inside. Getting back onto your feet is another challenge (which also involves popping joints) but you manage it with the dignity that your profession demands. >n Ballroom To the west, you could enter the kitchen; to the east, the lounge; and double-doors lead south to the garden. A glowing chandelier hangs from the ceiling. Chairs are arranged around a grand piano. >w Kitchen To the east, you could enter the ballroom; to the north, the dining room; and a staircase leads down into the cellar. Candles burn on the counter. The icebox is closed and still works, but the other appliances have known better days. >n Dining Room (in shambles) To the east, you could enter the mosaic hall; to the south, the kitchen. Overhead, a bat is flying in circles. Rubble is heaped everywhere. The western wall is smashed, with a luxury car lodged under the debris. You can also see a curling-iron. >e Mosaic Hall To the north, you could enter the foyer; to the west, the dining room; to the east, the drawing room; and the grand staircase leads up to the second floor. Master Bryce is climbing atop Tito d'Latour to grapple for the ornaments in Dina d'Latour's hair. Miss Constance, Miss Constance, and Countess Orlofsky are watching. Underfoot, the hall is patterned with a massive mosaic. In that mosaic's center stands a gilded compass on a pedestal. Candelabras flicker in the room's corners. >attend bryce Before you even approach, Master Bryce smells the cricket. His nostrils flare. He grabs Dina d'Latour's shoulders, not because he cares about her diamonds anymore, but as a springboard to leap over her head. You brace for the impact. ? and then you're sprawled on your back, and Master Bryce is sprawled on you, and the cricket is chirping for its life (which is almost over). Your ears are ringing. No, that was the doorbell, but there's no need to answer it: the last guest has already stepped inside. She's bundled in fur, looking down at both you and the master on the floor. "A pleasure as always, Bryce," says Célina. "What have you gotten yourself into this time?" [Please press any key to continue.] ? Interlude ? Excerpted from the New Gothenburg Post: ...lend any credence to the rumors about private engagements, secret nuptials, or clandestine divorces, although Mr Wyatt's representatives have firmly denied every scandal. Mr Wyatt himself declined the opportunity to comment... [Please press any key to continue.] Two summers ago. You still remember that night on the Riviera. Master Bryce brought you along, naturally. Even in a foreign land (perhaps especially), he wouldn't know how to attend to his needs without your assistance. The papers never got their scoop. You settled the outstanding bill with the hotel. But sometimes it feels like you're still picking up the pieces. Room 402 at the Fromagebleau To the west, you could walk out onto the balcony. The telephone is ringing. Flowers are heaped everywhere on the floor. Clothes overflow from suitcases. You can also see a room-service cart (on wheels). >x flowers In displays of affection, the master can be excessive. There must be a dozen bouquets on the bed alone. They perfume the room like a springtime meadow. The telephone rings again. >x cart Delivered just minutes ago, the soupe à l'oignon and grilled cheese sandwiches are still steaming. Master Bryce would never order a Bloody Mary for himself, but two glasses stand on the cart. The telephone keeps ringing. >attend phone Against your better judgement, you answer the telephone. It's someone who shouldn't be calling. Someone who shouldn't have this number. Someone who "just wants to ask Mr Wyatt a few questions" before you decline and disconnect the call. Almost immediately, the phone rings again. There must be a better way to deal with this. >x phone An elegant rotary phone (plugged into the wall with a cord). Someone must have leaked details to the press; ever since Master Bryce arrived, it hasn't stopped ringing. The telephone rings and rings. >attend cord You unplug the telephone cord from the wall. Finally, a little peace and quiet! Whoever wants to speak with Master Bryce will just have to wait. >w Without the room-service cart? Master Bryce expects you to bring it outside to the balcony, but you'll need to arrange everything properly first. >attend cart What this room-service cart needs is a little decoration. From the west, voices trickle inside on an evening breeze. >attend flowers You sort through the flowers until you've selected an especially aromatic (and especially expensive) night-blooming cereus. >attend cart With the delicacy of an ikebana expert, you arrange the night-blooming cereus on the room-service cart. (Not that the cart wasn't picturesque before, with its starched linen, polished silverware, and fine china, but these little touches make all the difference.) >w You shouldn't leave without the room-service cart. Someone laughs on the balcony. >attend cart Before you bring this room-service cart to Master Bryce, there's still something you need to unpack. >x cart Delivered just minutes ago, the soupe à l'oignon and grilled cheese sandwiches are still steaming. Master Bryce would never order a Bloody Mary for himself, but two glasses stand on the cart. >attend glasses Before you bring this room-service cart to Master Bryce, there's still something you need to unpack. Waves crash against distant cliffs. >attend sandwiches Before you bring this room-service cart to Master Bryce, there's still something you need to unpack. >l Room 402 at the Fromagebleau To the west, you could walk out onto the balcony. The telephone has been disconnected. Flowers are heaped everywhere on the floor. Clothes overflow from suitcases. You can also see a room-service cart (on wheels) decorated with a night-blooming cereus. >attend suitcases Where is it? You're sure that you packed it somewhere! Master Bryce detests the habit, but anything his companions want, his companions get. Right now, 'anything' means a pack of cigarettes, which you finally fish from the luggage. >attend cigarettes You set aside the pack of cigarettes. Muted conversation from the west reaches your ear. >attend cigarettes You pick up the pack of cigarettes. >attend cart You set the pack of cigarettes on the room-service cart. >attend cart You begin to push the room-service cart with both hands. Someone else on the balcony starts to giggle. >attend cart Now that you're pushing this room-service cart, you should go west. >w You go west to the balcony, pushing the room-service cart (on wheels). At a table overlooking the water, the master and his companion are lounging in yellow silk bathrobes. His hair is damp after a shower. She's wearing a towel around her head like a turban. Lost in each other's eyes, they don't even notice you. Before you announce yourself and break the spell, you watch their silhouettes against the setting sun. There's a sudden flash. Although you won't know it until tomorrow, a photographer under the balcony just snapped the leading image for the morning edition. Did everything change after that story broke? No. It's what didn't change that still makes you remember the master's expression ? both before and after the flash. [Please press any key to continue.] ACT II.1 Excerpted from the New Gothenburg Post: ...suitable test subjects due to their innate biological response to local fluctuations in the planet's magnetic field. In addition to echolocation, this 'sixth sense' contributes to in-flight navigation for the species. As social creatures with an instinct for communal grooming, however, the spread of pathogens between colonies is unfortunately... [Please press any key to continue.] So much for the past ? and the hors d'oeuvres. As you stand in the kitchen, attempting to collect yourself, you can only stare at Master Bryce. His upper body is in the icebox with his legs dangling out. Having whet his appetite with one cricket, he has followed his nose to find more. At least the invitations didn't promise food, because now there is nothing left to serve. Kitchen To the east, you could enter the ballroom; to the north, the dining room; and a staircase leads down into the cellar. Master Bryce is halfway in the icebox, attacking the hors d'oeuvres. Candles burn on the counter. Most of the appliances have known better days. >think At the moment, you need to: ? Attend to Dina and Tito d'Latour again. >e Ballroom To the west, you could enter the kitchen; to the east, the lounge; and double-doors lead south to the garden. Dina and Tito d'Latour are chatting with Countess Orlofsky. A glowing chandelier hangs from the ceiling. Chairs are arranged around a grand piano. >e Lounge To the west, you could enter the ballroom; to the north, the drawing room. Célina sips a cocktail while Bishop Buono snores on the couch. A moose head is mounted on the eastern wall above the bishop. Some flickering candles are situated on a nearby table. >n Drawing Room To the west, you could enter the mosaic hall; to the east, the powder room (occupied); and to the south, the lounge. Miss Constance is standing by herself. A replenished drinks cabinet dominates one corner, and a few candles are burning. You can also see a silver tray (empty), a matchbox, a curtain-rod, and a chair. >attend tray You balance the silver tray with one hand. >attend constance "My sister is in the powder room," says Miss Constance. "I'm just waiting. But since I have your attention, might I trouble you for a scrap of clean paper? It needn't be completely blank. I only need space for a message. Thank you so much for being so quick about it." >attend drinks (the drinks cabinet) Until someone requests another drink, you should wait to pour one. >w Mosaic Hall To the north, you could enter the foyer; to the west, the dining room; to the east, the drawing room; and the grand staircase leads up to the second floor. Dr Malatesta is watching a bat circle overhead. Underfoot, the hall is patterned with a massive mosaic. In that mosaic's center stands a gilded compass on a pedestal. Candelabras flicker in the room's corners. You can also see a wicker cage (empty). >u Upstairs Corridor To the west, you could enter the study; to the east, the master's bedroom; and the grand staircase leads down to the first floor. A candle burns on a table by the staircase. >w Study To the east, you could enter the upstairs corridor. Paperwork is cluttered on the master's desk, lit by a small candle. Beside the desk, a portrait hangs on the wall. You can also see a spare invitation. >attend paperwork It's more troublesome than it should be to find a scrap of clean paper. Almost every document in this pile has been written on (although 'scribbled on' (or even 'defaced') would better describe the master's penmanship). Where did you put that spare invitation? Even though it had text on the front, the back was blank. >attend invitation You gather the spare invitation, fold it, and tuck it into your pocket. >e Upstairs Corridor To the west, you could enter the study; to the east, the master's bedroom; and the grand staircase leads down to the first floor. A candle burns on a table by the staircase. >d Mosaic Hall To the north, you could enter the foyer; to the west, the dining room; to the east, the drawing room; and the grand staircase leads up to the second floor. Dr Malatesta is watching a bat circle overhead. Underfoot, the hall is patterned with a massive mosaic. In that mosaic's center stands a gilded compass on a pedestal. Candelabras flicker in the room's corners. You can also see a wicker cage (empty). >e Drawing Room To the west, you could enter the mosaic hall; to the east, the powder room (occupied); and to the south, the lounge. Miss Constance is standing by herself. A replenished drinks cabinet dominates one corner, and a few candles are burning. You can also see a matchbox, a curtain-rod, and a chair. >attend constance Miss Constance showers you with thanks and takes the spare invitation. Then she bends over the drinks cabinet to write something on the back. "Just one more little favor," she says, passing the message back to you (which you fold and tuck into your pocket). "Deliver that to Miss Ives. I would do it, but the baron has an awful attitude. He doesn't want us to speak anymore. You can be discreet, can't you? Discretion is a valuable commodity." Miss Constance: + $30,000 >s Lounge To the west, you could enter the ballroom; to the north, the drawing room. Célina sips a cocktail while Bishop Buono snores on the couch. A moose head is mounted on the eastern wall above the bishop. Some flickering candles are situated on a nearby table. >attend celina "My old friend, how are things?" asks Célina. "Wait. Don't answer. I think I can tell just by looking around." She glances at the bishop. "Bryce still surrounds himself with the most charming people, doesn't he? And to think that I wonder sometimes why it didn't work out." >w Ballroom To the west, you could enter the kitchen; to the east, the lounge; and double-doors lead south to the garden. Dina and Tito d'Latour are chatting with Countess Orlofsky. A glowing chandelier hangs from the ceiling. Chairs are arranged around a grand piano. >attend dina "...nothing next to the chaos at an opening-night gala," Dina d'Latour is explaining to Countess Orlofsky. "You should see what they throw! More than roses, amica mia. But it does feel wonderful to be adored, even if security must beat them back. I wouldn't beat back Mr Wyatt!" "Clearly not," says the countess. "By the way, I think I'll have a drink," Dina tells you. "Just a tiny aperitif analcolici. Tito wants one too, don't you?" she asks, patting his head. "Sì, Tito does." >attend countess "Mrs d'Latour asked for a drink," says the countess. "You are dragging your feet." >e Lounge To the west, you could enter the ballroom; to the north, the drawing room. Célina sips a cocktail while Bishop Buono snores on the couch. A moose head is mounted on the eastern wall above the bishop. Some flickering candles are situated on a nearby table. >n Drawing Room To the west, you could enter the mosaic hall; to the east, the powder room (occupied); and to the south, the lounge. Miss Constance is standing by herself. A replenished drinks cabinet dominates one corner, and a few candles are burning. You can also see a matchbox, a curtain-rod, and a chair. >attend drinks (the drinks cabinet) You pour two drinks and place them on the silver tray. >s Lounge To the west, you could enter the ballroom; to the north, the drawing room. Célina sips a cocktail while Bishop Buono snores on the couch. A moose head is mounted on the eastern wall above the bishop. Some flickering candles are situated on a nearby table. >e You can't go that way. >w Ballroom To the west, you could enter the kitchen; to the east, the lounge; and double-doors lead south to the garden. Dina and Tito d'Latour are chatting with Countess Orlofsky. A glowing chandelier hangs from the ceiling. Chairs are arranged around a grand piano. >attend dina "Grazie," says Dina d'Latour, accepting a drink. She reaches to adjust the diamond dragonflies in her hair, then notices there are no diamond dragonflies. "Where are they? Povero me!" she cries, dropping the glass, which splinters at her feet. "Another mess," says Countess Orlofsky, looking at you. "Whose fault is this? Clean it up!" Dina and Tito d'Latour: - $3,000 Countess Orlofsky: + $0 >attend tito "When the wife is in distress, you would serve the husband?" asks Countess Orlofsky. "So much for manners." >w Kitchen To the east, you could enter the ballroom; to the north, the dining room; and a staircase leads down into the cellar. Master Bryce is halfway in the icebox, attacking the hors d'oeuvres. Candles burn on the counter. Most of the appliances have known better days. >e Ballroom To the west, you could enter the kitchen; to the east, the lounge; and double-doors lead south to the garden. Tito d'Latour is consoling Dina while Countess Orlofsky watches. A glowing chandelier hangs from the ceiling. Chairs are arranged around a grand piano. You can also see a puddle and a splintered glass. >e Lounge To the west, you could enter the ballroom; to the north, the drawing room. Célina sips a cocktail while Bishop Buono snores on the couch. A moose head is mounted on the eastern wall above the bishop. Some flickering candles are situated on a nearby table. >n Drawing Room To the west, you could enter the mosaic hall; to the east, the powder room (occupied); and to the south, the lounge. Miss Constance is standing by herself. A replenished drinks cabinet dominates one corner, and a few candles are burning. You can also see a matchbox, a curtain-rod, and a chair. >attend tray You set aside the silver tray (with a drink on it). >attend curtain-rod You gather the curtain-rod with both hands. >s Lounge To the west, you could enter the ballroom; to the north, the drawing room. Célina sips a cocktail while Bishop Buono snores on the couch. A moose head is mounted on the eastern wall above the bishop. Some flickering candles are situated on a nearby table. >w Ballroom To the west, you could enter the kitchen; to the east, the lounge; and double-doors lead south to the garden. Tito d'Latour is consoling Dina while Countess Orlofsky watches. A glowing chandelier hangs from the ceiling. Chairs are arranged around a grand piano. You can also see a puddle and a splintered glass. >attend glass (the splintered glass) To sweep up this splintered glass, you'll need a broom and dustpan. >s Garden To the north, you could enter the ballroom. Baron Twombly is bickering with Emilia Ives. Below the garden wall, crickets hop around the pond. You can also see a broom and dustpan (empty) and a newspaper. >attend curtain rob You can't see any such thing [or you might have misspelled a word]. >attend curtain rod You set aside the curtain-rod. >attend broom You gather the broom and dustpan in both hands. >n Ballroom To the west, you could enter the kitchen; to the east, the lounge; and double-doors lead south to the garden. Tito d'Latour is consoling Dina while Countess Orlofsky watches. A glowing chandelier hangs from the ceiling. Chairs are arranged around a grand piano. You can also see a puddle and a splintered glass. >attend glass (the splintered glass) You sweep the splintered glass into the dustpan. Now you can dump it in the dining room. >e Lounge To the west, you could enter the ballroom; to the north, the drawing room. Célina sips a cocktail while Bishop Buono snores on the couch. A moose head is mounted on the eastern wall above the bishop. Some flickering candles are situated on a nearby table. >n Drawing Room To the west, you could enter the mosaic hall; to the east, the powder room (occupied); and to the south, the lounge. Miss Constance is standing by herself. A replenished drinks cabinet dominates one corner, and a few candles are burning. You can also see a silver tray (with a drink on it), a matchbox, and a chair. >w Mosaic Hall To the north, you could enter the foyer; to the west, the dining room; to the east, the drawing room; and the grand staircase leads up to the second floor. Dr Malatesta is watching a bat circle overhead. Underfoot, the hall is patterned with a massive mosaic. In that mosaic's center stands a gilded compass on a pedestal. Candelabras flicker in the room's corners. You can also see a wicker cage (empty). >w Dining Room (in shambles) To the east, you could enter the mosaic hall; to the south, the kitchen. Rubble is heaped everywhere. The western wall is smashed, with a luxury car lodged under the debris. You can also see a curling-iron. >attend broken glass (the windshield) You hit the windshield with the broomstick, but the glass doesn't crack. If only you had the master's strength! >attend shattered glass You empty the splintered glass onto the rubble, prompting another avalanche to dislodge a pair of scissors from the pile. "Ahem," says a voice behind you. "We have something to discuss." >l Dining Room (in shambles) To the east, you could enter the mosaic hall; to the south, the kitchen. Countess Orlofsky is waiting to speak with you. Rubble is heaped everywhere. The western wall is smashed, with a luxury car lodged under the debris. You can also see some scissors and a curling-iron. >attend dustpan You set aside the broom and dustpan (empty). >attend orlofsky "I apologize for my rude behavior earlier," says Countess Orlofsky. "You couldn't have known, but I was playing a role, that role being: Countess Orlofsky." As she speaks, she pulls out a deerstalker cap and puts it on her head. "My real name is Detective Gundersøn. I work for the New Gothenburg PD. I'm undercover tonight, and I need your cooperation to catch a thief. Mrs d'Latour's diamond dragonflies were stolen. If you find anything suspicious that looks like a clue, bring it to me." >s Kitchen To the east, you could enter the ballroom; to the north, the dining room; and a staircase leads down into the cellar. Master Bryce is halfway in the icebox, attacking the hors d'oeuvres. Candles burn on the counter. Most of the appliances have known better days. >e Ballroom To the west, you could enter the kitchen; to the east, the lounge; and double-doors lead south to the garden. Tito d'Latour is consoling Dina. A glowing chandelier hangs from the ceiling. Chairs are arranged around a grand piano. You can also see a puddle. >s Garden To the north, you could enter the ballroom. Baron Twombly is bickering with Emilia Ives. Below the garden wall, crickets hop around the pond. You can also see a curtain-rod and a newspaper. >attend newspaper You gather the newspaper with one hand. >n Ballroom To the west, you could enter the kitchen; to the east, the lounge; and double-doors lead south to the garden. Tito d'Latour is consoling Dina. A glowing chandelier hangs from the ceiling. Chairs are arranged around a grand piano. You can also see a puddle. >attend puddle You mop the floor with the New Gothenburg Post. >s Garden To the north, you could enter the ballroom. Baron Twombly is bickering with Emilia Ives. Below the garden wall, crickets hop around the pond. You can also see a curtain-rod. >attend pond Once more, you wring the soggy newspaper into the pond. But wait a moment, what's this? At the water's edge, you notice a collar that must have just floated to the surface (buoyed, no doubt, by the increasingly noxious bubbles). >attend collar You gather the collar and tuck it into your pocket. >attend pond You would never admit to wringing out dirty towels, sponges, and mops into this pond. And since you have nothing to wring currently, there's even less need to admit anything. >n Ballroom To the west, you could enter the kitchen; to the east, the lounge; and double-doors lead south to the garden. Tito d'Latour is consoling Dina. A glowing chandelier hangs from the ceiling. Chairs are arranged around a grand piano. >s Garden To the north, you could enter the ballroom. Baron Twombly is bickering with Emilia Ives. Below the garden wall, crickets hop around the pond. You can also see a curtain-rod. >attend ives It would be too risky to deliver this message while Baron Twombly is bickering with Emilia Ives. If the baron were distracted, then perhaps you could slip it to her. >attend baron "As if I don't already know," the baron is snapping at Emilia Ives. However, when he sees you, he smiles. "You must forgive my companion. She needed fresh air. We had to step outside." "I never suspect my own needs until he tells me," says Miss Ives. "Before the night is over," continues the baron, ignoring her, "I'd like to speak with Mr Wyatt privately. Do you think you can manage it? Bring him out to the garden? I have a proposition." >w You can't go that way. >n Ballroom To the west, you could enter the kitchen; to the east, the lounge; and double-doors lead south to the garden. Tito d'Latour is consoling Dina. A glowing chandelier hangs from the ceiling. Chairs are arranged around a grand piano. >w Kitchen To the east, you could enter the ballroom; to the north, the dining room; and a staircase leads down into the cellar. Master Bryce is halfway in the icebox, attacking the hors d'oeuvres. Candles burn on the counter. Most of the appliances have known better days. >attend bryce It's impossible to deal with Master Bryce when he's eating. He is unreasonable (even more than usual), inattentive (to anything that isn't about to go into his mouth), and immobile. You'd have better luck moving a mountain, or an elected official without a campaign donation. You'll simply have to leave him to his feast, and attend to the other guests until he's finished. >n Dining Room (in shambles) To the east, you could enter the mosaic hall; to the south, the kitchen. Detective Gundersøn (undercover as Countess Orlofsky) is waiting for clues. Rubble is heaped everywhere. The western wall is smashed, with a luxury car lodged under the debris. You can also see a broom and dustpan (empty), some scissors, and a curling-iron. >attend orlofsky Detective Gundersøn examines the collar. "Just as I suspected. This doesn't belong to a housecat. It's a specimen tag from Malatesta's institute. Maybe you read about the lab breach in the papers?" She confiscates the collar. "When you find another clue, bring it to me." >e Mosaic Hall To the north, you could enter the foyer; to the west, the dining room; to the east, the drawing room; and the grand staircase leads up to the second floor. Dr Malatesta is watching a bat circle overhead. Underfoot, the hall is patterned with a massive mosaic. In that mosaic's center stands a gilded compass on a pedestal. Candelabras flicker in the room's corners. You can also see a wicker cage (empty). >attend malatesta "It's the most curious thing," says Dr Malatesta, gazing upward, "but I'd swear that's one of my bats. Do you see how it's flying? We had a small breach at the institute. Nothing to worry about! Just a few experiments on the loose. It hasn't, um, bitten anyone? Not that that would matter. But it might be smart to test it. Just in case." When you ask what the doctor would need to test the bat, he flashes his impeccable smile. "Wouldn't happen to have any magneto-polonium lying around, would you?" >no [If speech is appropriate, you'll speak when you attend to somebody.] >attend to malatesta "We'll need magneto-polonium to test this bat," says Dr Malatesta. "Doesn't Mr Wyatt keep any stashed upstairs?" >attend to malatesta "Mr Wyatt must have magneto-polonium in a vault somewhere," says Dr Malatesta. >attend to malatesta "We'll need magneto-polonium to test this bat," says Dr Malatesta. "Doesn't Mr Wyatt keep any stashed upstairs?" >tihnk [This game has a limited action system. To perform most tasks, you can simply attend to an object or a person. Type help to review other useful commands.] >think At the moment, you need to: ? Arrange for Baron Twombly to speak with Master Bryce. ? Deliver the private message to Emilia Ives. ? Acquire magneto-polonium for Dr Malatesta. ? Attend to Bishop Buono in the lounge. ? Attend to Dina d'Latour again. ? Serve a drink to Tito d'Latour. ? Gather four more clues for Detective Gundersøn's investigation. >e Drawing Room To the west, you could enter the mosaic hall; to the east, the powder room (occupied); and to the south, the lounge. Miss Constance is standing by herself. A replenished drinks cabinet dominates one corner, and a few candles are burning. You can also see a silver tray (with a drink on it), a matchbox, and a chair. >attend tray You balance the silver tray with one hand. >attend drinks (the drinks cabinet) There's already one drink on the tray, which is enough for now. >s Lounge To the west, you could enter the ballroom; to the north, the drawing room. Célina sips a cocktail while Bishop Buono snores on the couch. A moose head is mounted on the eastern wall above the bishop. Some flickering candles are situated on a nearby table. >attend celina "I hope you don't mind," says Célina. "I went ahead and mixed myself a drink. No celery, alas. But thousands starve to death each day. I'll survive an imperfectly garnished cocktail." >w Ballroom To the west, you could enter the kitchen; to the east, the lounge; and double-doors lead south to the garden. Tito d'Latour is consoling Dina. A glowing chandelier hangs from the ceiling. Chairs are arranged around a grand piano. >attend dina "Porca miseria! Where did my dragonflies go?" Dina cries. "Was it Mr Wyatt who might have knocked them away? Perhaps they fell off in the hall?" You make all the standard pledges and apologies, assuring Mrs D'Latour that you'll scour the manor to find her missing jewels (and debasing yourself appropriately to counteract potential litigation). Her lower lip trembles, but she finally says: "Va bene." Dina and Tito d'Latour: + $300 >attend tito Tito d'Latour reaches for a drink ? but Dina plucks the glass away and gulps it down herself. "I cannot dwell upon my missing dragonflies," she says. "Anxiety will not find a home in my voice!" Without further ado, she drags her husband toward the piano. "Sit," she commands, pushing him onto the bench. "Play! Let music drive out misery! When everyone is gathered here and ready, I will sing." Tito strikes a few keys, testing melodies. Dina and Tito d'Latour: + $5,000 >think At the moment, you need to: ? Arrange for Baron Twombly to speak with Master Bryce. ? Deliver the private message to Emilia Ives. ? Acquire magneto-polonium for Dr Malatesta. ? Attend to Bishop Buono in the lounge. ? Gather four more clues for Detective Gundersøn's investigation. ? Notify Dina d'Latour when everyone is in the ballroom. ? Locate Dina d'Latour's diamond dragonflies. >e Lounge To the west, you could enter the ballroom; to the north, the drawing room. Célina sips a cocktail while Bishop Buono snores on the couch. A moose head is mounted on the eastern wall above the bishop. Some flickering candles are situated on a nearby table. >w Ballroom To the west, you could enter the kitchen; to the east, the lounge; and double-doors lead south to the garden. Dina d'Latour is standing by the piano as Tito strikes keys. A glowing chandelier hangs from the ceiling. Chairs are arranged for the guests to eventually sit. >w Kitchen To the east, you could enter the ballroom; to the north, the dining room; and a staircase leads down into the cellar. Master Bryce is halfway in the icebox, attacking the hors d'oeuvres. Candles burn on the counter. Most of the appliances have known better days. >attend icebox You can't close the icebox when the master is rummaging through it. Besides, nothing needs to stay chilled anymore. >attend hors d'ouevres I only understood you as far as wanting to attend the hors d'oeuvres. >attend bryce It's impossible to deal with Master Bryce when he's eating. You'll simply have to leave him to his feast, and attend to the other guests until he's finished. >w You can't go that way. >s You can't go that way. >e Ballroom To the west, you could enter the kitchen; to the east, the lounge; and double-doors lead south to the garden. Dina d'Latour is standing by the piano as Tito strikes keys. A glowing chandelier hangs from the ceiling. Chairs are arranged for the guests to eventually sit. >s Garden To the north, you could enter the ballroom. Baron Twombly is bickering with Emilia Ives. Below the garden wall, crickets hop around the pond. You can also see a curtain-rod. >attend cricket Let us pray that you needn't catch any more crickets tonight. >n Ballroom To the west, you could enter the kitchen; to the east, the lounge; and double-doors lead south to the garden. Dina d'Latour is standing by the piano as Tito strikes keys. A glowing chandelier hangs from the ceiling. Chairs are arranged for the guests to eventually sit. >e Lounge To the west, you could enter the ballroom; to the north, the drawing room. Célina sips a cocktail while Bishop Buono snores on the couch. A moose head is mounted on the eastern wall above the bishop. Some flickering candles are situated on a nearby table. >attend moose One day, perhaps you'll convince the master to remove this moose. But for now, as long as its antlers are dusted (which they are, thanks to your valiant efforts last week), then it's best kept out of mind, even if it can't be kept out of sight. >n Drawing Room To the west, you could enter the mosaic hall; to the east, the powder room (occupied); and to the south, the lounge. Miss Constance is standing by herself. A replenished drinks cabinet dominates one corner, and a few candles are burning. You can also see a matchbox and a chair. >e It was one thing to enter the powder room when Master Bryce was the occupant. You've seen him in every conceivable situation. But it's quite another when a guest is inside. >w Mosaic Hall To the north, you could enter the foyer; to the west, the dining room; to the east, the drawing room; and the grand staircase leads up to the second floor. Dr Malatesta is watching a bat circle overhead. Underfoot, the hall is patterned with a massive mosaic. In that mosaic's center stands a gilded compass on a pedestal. Candelabras flicker in the room's corners. You can also see a wicker cage (empty). >u Upstairs Corridor To the west, you could enter the study; to the east, the master's bedroom; and the grand staircase leads down to the first floor. A candle burns on a table by the staircase. >w Study To the east, you could enter the upstairs corridor. Paperwork is cluttered on the master's desk, lit by a small candle. Beside the desk, a portrait hangs on the wall. >e Upstairs Corridor To the west, you could enter the study; to the east, the master's bedroom; and the grand staircase leads down to the first floor. A candle burns on a table by the staircase. >w Study To the east, you could enter the upstairs corridor. Paperwork is cluttered on the master's desk, lit by a small candle. Beside the desk, a portrait hangs on the wall. >x portrait Still sternly observing their scion from beyond the grave, Tomas and Marta Wyatt peer over the master's shoulder whenever he's filing paperwork ? or, more commonly, over your shoulder. >e Upstairs Corridor To the west, you could enter the study; to the east, the master's bedroom; and the grand staircase leads down to the first floor. A candle burns on a table by the staircase. >e Master's Bedroom To the west, you could enter the upstairs corridor. A candle burns on the windowsill by the bed. >x bed A king-sized bed, of course. With his revolving door of paramours, Master Bryce puts every inch of this mattress to use. >x windowsill Thankfully, this window has reinforced glass. >w Upstairs Corridor To the west, you could enter the study; to the east, the master's bedroom; and the grand staircase leads down to the first floor. A candle burns on a table by the staircase. >d Mosaic Hall To the north, you could enter the foyer; to the west, the dining room; to the east, the drawing room; and the grand staircase leads up to the second floor. Dr Malatesta is watching a bat circle overhead. Underfoot, the hall is patterned with a massive mosaic. In that mosaic's center stands a gilded compass on a pedestal. Candelabras flicker in the room's corners. You can also see a wicker cage (empty). >w Dining Room (in shambles) To the east, you could enter the mosaic hall; to the south, the kitchen. Detective Gundersøn is waiting for clues. Rubble is heaped everywhere. The western wall is smashed, with a luxury car lodged under the debris. You can also see a broom and dustpan (empty), some scissors, and a curling-iron. >attend rubble You aren't equipped to attend to this debris. Perhaps a garbage collection company would be equipped, preferably one with a bulldozer, but that will have to wait until another day. >attend scissors You don't have a free hand to carry these scissors. >i You're carrying a silver tray (empty) and a newspaper in your hands, and a private message in your pocket. >e Mosaic Hall To the north, you could enter the foyer; to the west, the dining room; to the east, the drawing room; and the grand staircase leads up to the second floor. Dr Malatesta is watching a bat circle overhead. Underfoot, the hall is patterned with a massive mosaic. In that mosaic's center stands a gilded compass on a pedestal. Candelabras flicker in the room's corners. You can also see a wicker cage (empty). >e Drawing Room To the west, you could enter the mosaic hall; to the east, the powder room (occupied); and to the south, the lounge. Miss Constance is standing by herself. A replenished drinks cabinet dominates one corner, and a few candles are burning. You can also see a matchbox and a chair. >s Lounge To the west, you could enter the ballroom; to the north, the drawing room. Célina sips a cocktail while Bishop Buono snores on the couch. A moose head is mounted on the eastern wall above the bishop. Some flickering candles are situated on a nearby table. >w Ballroom To the west, you could enter the kitchen; to the east, the lounge; and double-doors lead south to the garden. Dina d'Latour is standing by the piano as Tito strikes keys. A glowing chandelier hangs from the ceiling. Chairs are arranged for the guests to eventually sit. >s Garden To the north, you could enter the ballroom. Baron Twombly is bickering with Emilia Ives. Below the garden wall, crickets hop around the pond. You can also see a curtain-rod. >attend newspaper You set aside the newspaper. >n Ballroom To the west, you could enter the kitchen; to the east, the lounge; and double-doors lead south to the garden. Dina d'Latour is standing by the piano as Tito strikes keys. A glowing chandelier hangs from the ceiling. Chairs are arranged for the guests to eventually sit. >w Kitchen To the east, you could enter the ballroom; to the north, the dining room; and a staircase leads down into the cellar. Master Bryce is halfway in the icebox, attacking the hors d'oeuvres. Candles burn on the counter. Most of the appliances have known better days. >n Dining Room (in shambles) To the east, you could enter the mosaic hall; to the south, the kitchen. Detective Gundersøn is waiting for clues. Rubble is heaped everywhere. The western wall is smashed, with a luxury car lodged under the debris. You can also see a broom and dustpan (empty), some scissors, and a curling-iron. >i You're carrying a silver tray (empty) in one hand, and a private message in your pocket. >e Mosaic Hall To the north, you could enter the foyer; to the west, the dining room; to the east, the drawing room; and the grand staircase leads up to the second floor. Dr Malatesta is watching a bat circle overhead. Underfoot, the hall is patterned with a massive mosaic. In that mosaic's center stands a gilded compass on a pedestal. Candelabras flicker in the room's corners. You can also see a wicker cage (empty). >e Drawing Room To the west, you could enter the mosaic hall; to the east, the powder room (occupied); and to the south, the lounge. Miss Constance is standing by herself. A replenished drinks cabinet dominates one corner, and a few candles are burning. You can also see a matchbox and a chair. >attend tray You set aside the silver tray (empty). >w Mosaic Hall To the north, you could enter the foyer; to the west, the dining room; to the east, the drawing room; and the grand staircase leads up to the second floor. Dr Malatesta is watching a bat circle overhead. Underfoot, the hall is patterned with a massive mosaic. In that mosaic's center stands a gilded compass on a pedestal. Candelabras flicker in the room's corners. You can also see a wicker cage (empty). >w Dining Room (in shambles) To the east, you could enter the mosaic hall; to the south, the kitchen. Detective Gundersøn is waiting for clues. Rubble is heaped everywhere. The western wall is smashed, with a luxury car lodged under the debris. You can also see a broom and dustpan (empty), some scissors, and a curling-iron. >attend scissors You gather the scissors with one hand. >attend debris You toss the scissors onto the mountain, but they tumble down and clatter across the floor again. Well, as long as they're in this room, they're essentially in the garbage already. >attend scissors You gather the scissors with one hand. >s Kitchen To the east, you could enter the ballroom; to the north, the dining room; and a staircase leads down into the cellar. Master Bryce is halfway in the icebox, attacking the hors d'oeuvres. Candles burn on the counter. Most of the appliances have known better days. >e Ballroom To the west, you could enter the kitchen; to the east, the lounge; and double-doors lead south to the garden. Dina d'Latour is standing by the piano as Tito strikes keys. A glowing chandelier hangs from the ceiling. Chairs are arranged for the guests to eventually sit. >s Garden To the north, you could enter the ballroom. Baron Twombly is bickering with Emilia Ives. Below the garden wall, crickets hop around the pond. You can also see a newspaper and a curtain-rod. >attend baron "I'd much rather discuss business with Mr Wyatt than have this argument again," says Baron Twombly, glaring at Emilia Ives. >attend ives It would be too risky to deliver this message while Baron Twombly is bickering with Emilia Ives. If the baron were distracted, then perhaps you could slip it to her. >n Ballroom To the west, you could enter the kitchen; to the east, the lounge; and double-doors lead south to the garden. Dina d'Latour is standing by the piano as Tito strikes keys. A glowing chandelier hangs from the ceiling. Chairs are arranged for the guests to eventually sit. >e Lounge To the west, you could enter the ballroom; to the north, the drawing room. Célina sips a cocktail while Bishop Buono snores on the couch. A moose head is mounted on the eastern wall above the bishop. Some flickering candles are situated on a nearby table. >attend bishop A polite cough doesn't rouse Bishop Buono. Neither does an impolite cough. When speech itself produces no effect, you risk a poke, and then a pinch, but the bishop simply snores louder. "He sets a good example," says Célina. "Who wouldn't consider temperance after seeing this? Too bad you don't have another car to crash into the wall. Even he couldn't sleep through an 'accident' like that." >attend bishop Your efforts to rouse Bishop Buono are unsuccessful. "I would advise a loud crash," says Célina. "I'm not just saying that because I want to watch. I really am trying to help. I'm a considerate woman." >n Drawing Room To the west, you could enter the mosaic hall; to the east, the powder room (occupied); and to the south, the lounge. Miss Constance is standing by herself. A replenished drinks cabinet dominates one corner, and a few candles are burning. You can also see a silver tray (empty), a matchbox, and a chair. >attend tray You balance the silver tray with one hand. >s Lounge To the west, you could enter the ballroom; to the north, the drawing room. Célina sips a cocktail while Bishop Buono snores on the couch. A moose head is mounted on the eastern wall above the bishop. Some flickering candles are situated on a nearby table. >attend tray You set aside the silver tray (empty). >attend tray You balance the silver tray with one hand. >attend bishop Your efforts to rouse Bishop Buono are unsuccessful. "Heavy sleeper, isn't he?" says Célina. >n Drawing Room To the west, you could enter the mosaic hall; to the east, the powder room (occupied); and to the south, the lounge. Miss Constance is standing by herself. A replenished drinks cabinet dominates one corner, and a few candles are burning. You can also see a matchbox and a chair. >attend drink (the drinks cabinet) Until someone requests another drink, you should wait to pour one. >attend constance "When you deliver my message, don't let the baron see," says Miss Constance. >s Lounge To the west, you could enter the ballroom; to the north, the drawing room. Célina sips a cocktail while Bishop Buono snores on the couch. A moose head is mounted on the eastern wall above the bishop. Some flickering candles are situated on a nearby table. >attend head One day, perhaps you'll convince the master to remove this moose. But for now, as long as its antlers are dusted, then it's best kept out of mind, even if it can't be kept out of sight. >save Ok. >help [To accomplish most tasks in this game, the command attend to (something) is all you will need. You can abbreviate attend to by typing only the letter A. When you attend to items that you can carry, you will add them to your inventory, which is abbreviated as I. If you attend to items that you are already carrying in your inventory, you will set them aside again.] [If you are carrying an item, like a matchbox, and then you attend to something else that you are not carrying, like a candle, you might be able to use the first item in combination with the second; for example, by striking a match to light the candle.] [To review your current tasks, just think.] [You can walk north, south, west, or east, which are abbreviated N, S, W, E. In order to move up or down staircases, you can type U or D. You can also look, abbreviated as L, to reread a room's description. You don't need to capitalize any commands.] >think At the moment, you need to: ? Arrange for Baron Twombly to speak with Master Bryce. ? Deliver the private message to Emilia Ives. ? Acquire magneto-polonium for Dr Malatesta. ? Create a disturbance to wake Bishop Buono. ? Gather four more clues for Detective Gundersøn's investigation. ? Notify Dina d'Latour when everyone is in the ballroom. ? Locate Dina d'Latour's diamond dragonflies. >l Lounge To the west, you could enter the ballroom; to the north, the drawing room. Célina sips a cocktail while Bishop Buono snores on the couch. A moose head is mounted on the eastern wall above the bishop. Some flickering candles are situated on a nearby table. >, You can't begin with a comma. >w Ballroom To the west, you could enter the kitchen; to the east, the lounge; and double-doors lead south to the garden. Dina d'Latour is standing by the piano as Tito strikes keys. A glowing chandelier hangs from the ceiling. Chairs are arranged for the guests to eventually sit. >w Kitchen To the east, you could enter the ballroom; to the north, the dining room; and a staircase leads down into the cellar. Master Bryce is halfway in the icebox, attacking the hors d'oeuvres. Candles burn on the counter. Most of the appliances have known better days. >n Dining Room (in shambles) To the east, you could enter the mosaic hall; to the south, the kitchen. Detective Gundersøn is waiting for clues. Rubble is heaped everywhere. The western wall is smashed, with a luxury car lodged under the debris. You can also see a broom and dustpan (empty) and a curling-iron. >e Mosaic Hall To the north, you could enter the foyer; to the west, the dining room; to the east, the drawing room; and the grand staircase leads up to the second floor. Dr Malatesta is watching a bat circle overhead. Underfoot, the hall is patterned with a massive mosaic. In that mosaic's center stands a gilded compass on a pedestal. Candelabras flicker in the room's corners. You can also see a wicker cage (empty). >u Upstairs Corridor To the west, you could enter the study; to the east, the master's bedroom; and the grand staircase leads down to the first floor. A candle burns on a table by the staircase. >w Study To the east, you could enter the upstairs corridor. Paperwork is cluttered on the master's desk, lit by a small candle. Beside the desk, a portrait hangs on the wall. >attend portrait You'll need one free hand to attend to this portrait. >i You're carrying a silver tray (empty) and some scissors in your hands, and a private message in your pocket. >attend scissors You set aside the scissors. >attend portrait You swing the portrait aside (the picture-frame is attached to the wall with a hinge for convenience), revealing a hidden vault. >attend vault Master Bryce is the only person alive who knows the combination to this vault. He certainly hasn't given it to you, and then sworn you to secrecy, and you've had no occasion to open it for him (many, many times, when he's too lazy to visit the bank). Therefore, you must have just found it unlocked. Inside the vault, you can see a stack of banknotes, some dynastic jewels, and a magneto-polonium chunk. >x chunk Pulsating with rainbow colors. Ten times as heavy as it looks. Master Bryce keeps this chunk as a family heirloom. It's also good for wheeling out to dazzle romantic partners ? or to put hedge-fund managers back in their place. >attend chunk It would be unwise (an understatement) to touch this magneto-polonium with your bare hands. You'll need something flexible to wrap around the chunk, something resilient but disposable. >e You shouldn't leave the vault exposed to view, especially when it's wide open! >attend vault You close the vault and lock it. >attend portrait You swing the portrait back against the wall, concealing the vault. >e Upstairs Corridor To the west, you could enter the study; to the east, the master's bedroom; and the grand staircase leads down to the first floor. A candle burns on a table by the staircase. >d Mosaic Hall To the north, you could enter the foyer; to the west, the dining room; to the east, the drawing room; and the grand staircase leads up to the second floor. Dr Malatesta is watching a bat circle overhead. Underfoot, the hall is patterned with a massive mosaic. In that mosaic's center stands a gilded compass on a pedestal. Candelabras flicker in the room's corners. You can also see a wicker cage (empty). >e Drawing Room To the west, you could enter the mosaic hall; to the east, the powder room (occupied); and to the south, the lounge. Miss Constance is standing by herself. A replenished drinks cabinet dominates one corner, and a few candles are burning. You can also see a matchbox and a chair. >s Lounge To the west, you could enter the ballroom; to the north, the drawing room. Célina sips a cocktail while Bishop Buono snores on the couch. A moose head is mounted on the eastern wall above the bishop. Some flickering candles are situated on a nearby table. >s You can't go that way. >e You can't go that way. >w Ballroom To the west, you could enter the kitchen; to the east, the lounge; and double-doors lead south to the garden. Dina d'Latour is standing by the piano as Tito strikes keys. A glowing chandelier hangs from the ceiling. Chairs are arranged for the guests to eventually sit. >s Garden To the north, you could enter the ballroom. Baron Twombly is bickering with Emilia Ives. Below the garden wall, crickets hop around the pond. You can also see a newspaper and a curtain-rod. >attend newspaper You gather the newspaper with one hand. >n Ballroom To the west, you could enter the kitchen; to the east, the lounge; and double-doors lead south to the garden. Dina d'Latour is standing by the piano as Tito strikes keys. A glowing chandelier hangs from the ceiling. Chairs are arranged for the guests to eventually sit. >e Lounge To the west, you could enter the ballroom; to the north, the drawing room. Célina sips a cocktail while Bishop Buono snores on the couch. A moose head is mounted on the eastern wall above the bishop. Some flickering candles are situated on a nearby table. >n Drawing Room To the west, you could enter the mosaic hall; to the east, the powder room (occupied); and to the south, the lounge. Miss Constance is standing by herself. A replenished drinks cabinet dominates one corner, and a few candles are burning. You can also see a matchbox and a chair. >w Mosaic Hall To the north, you could enter the foyer; to the west, the dining room; to the east, the drawing room; and the grand staircase leads up to the second floor. Dr Malatesta is watching a bat circle overhead. Underfoot, the hall is patterned with a massive mosaic. In that mosaic's center stands a gilded compass on a pedestal. Candelabras flicker in the room's corners. You can also see a wicker cage (empty). >u Upstairs Corridor To the west, you could enter the study; to the east, the master's bedroom; and the grand staircase leads down to the first floor. A candle burns on a table by the staircase. >w Study To the east, you could enter the upstairs corridor. Paperwork is cluttered on the master's desk, lit by a small candle. Beside the desk, a portrait hangs on the wall. You can also see some scissors. >attend portrait You'll need one free hand to attend to this portrait. >w You can't go that way. >e Upstairs Corridor To the west, you could enter the study; to the east, the master's bedroom; and the grand staircase leads down to the first floor. A candle burns on a table by the staircase. >d Mosaic Hall To the north, you could enter the foyer; to the west, the dining room; to the east, the drawing room; and the grand staircase leads up to the second floor. Dr Malatesta is watching a bat circle overhead. Underfoot, the hall is patterned with a massive mosaic. In that mosaic's center stands a gilded compass on a pedestal. Candelabras flicker in the room's corners. You can also see a wicker cage (empty). >e Drawing Room To the west, you could enter the mosaic hall; to the east, the powder room (occupied); and to the south, the lounge. Miss Constance is standing by herself. A replenished drinks cabinet dominates one corner, and a few candles are burning. You can also see a matchbox and a chair. >attend tray You set aside the silver tray (empty). >w Mosaic Hall To the north, you could enter the foyer; to the west, the dining room; to the east, the drawing room; and the grand staircase leads up to the second floor. Dr Malatesta is watching a bat circle overhead. Underfoot, the hall is patterned with a massive mosaic. In that mosaic's center stands a gilded compass on a pedestal. Candelabras flicker in the room's corners. You can also see a wicker cage (empty). >u Upstairs Corridor To the west, you could enter the study; to the east, the master's bedroom; and the grand staircase leads down to the first floor. A candle burns on a table by the staircase. >w Study To the east, you could enter the upstairs corridor. Paperwork is cluttered on the master's desk, lit by a small candle. Beside the desk, a portrait hangs on the wall. You can also see some scissors. >attend portrait You swing the portrait aside, revealing a hidden vault. >attend vault Coincidentally, you find the vault unlocked again. Inside, you can see a stack of banknotes, some dynastic jewels, and a magneto-polonium chunk. >attend chunk You wrap the chunk in the New Gothenburg Post. If this newspaper can contain corrosive elements half as well as corrosive editorials, there's nothing better to carry the magneto-polonium. >attend vault You close the vault and lock it. >attend portrait You swing the portrait back against the wall, concealing the vault. >e Upstairs Corridor To the west, you could enter the study; to the east, the master's bedroom; and the grand staircase leads down to the first floor. A candle burns on a table by the staircase. >d Mosaic Hall To the north, you could enter the foyer; to the west, the dining room; to the east, the drawing room; and the grand staircase leads up to the second floor. Dr Malatesta is watching a bat circle overhead. Underfoot, the hall is patterned with a massive mosaic. In that mosaic's center stands a gilded compass on a pedestal. Candelabras flicker in the room's corners. You can also see a wicker cage (empty). >attend malatesta "Excellent!" says Dr Malatesta, accepting the chunk wrapped in the newspaper. "Not exactly secure, but who am I to complain? I won't bore you with the technical details, but I've been researching animal magnetism. And Wyatt Manor has this wonderful compass." You watch the needle on the compass spin as Dr Malatesta employs the magneto-polonium for a purpose still misunderstood by the public (and by yourself). "If you get a headache and your teeth fall out, that's a normal side effect from the magnetic field warping," he says, returning the newspaper after the chunk is installed. "Why don't you attend to the needle and see what happens? I'll wait over here." >attend needle When you flick the needle on the compass, the bat immediately pivots to flap in the same direction. Your head pounds. Your vision swims. "Sympathetic magnetic fields," says Dr Malatesta. "That settles it: the bat is definitely mine. It must have escaped with the other, um, nondisclosure agreements. A cage would be useful right now." Dr Malatesta: + $20,000 >e Drawing Room To the west, you could enter the mosaic hall; to the east, the powder room (occupied); and to the south, the lounge. Miss Constance is standing by herself. A replenished drinks cabinet dominates one corner, and a few candles are burning. You can also see a silver tray (empty), a matchbox, and a chair. >s Lounge To the west, you could enter the ballroom; to the north, the drawing room. Célina sips a cocktail while Bishop Buono snores on the couch. A moose head is mounted on the eastern wall above the bishop. Some flickering candles are situated on a nearby table. >w Ballroom To the west, you could enter the kitchen; to the east, the lounge; and double-doors lead south to the garden. Dina d'Latour is standing by the piano as Tito strikes keys. A glowing chandelier hangs from the ceiling. Chairs are arranged for the guests to eventually sit. >s Garden To the north, you could enter the ballroom. Baron Twombly is bickering with Emilia Ives. Below the garden wall, crickets hop around the pond. You can also see a curtain-rod. >n Ballroom To the west, you could enter the kitchen; to the east, the lounge; and double-doors lead south to the garden. Dina d'Latour is standing by the piano as Tito strikes keys. A glowing chandelier hangs from the ceiling. Chairs are arranged for the guests to eventually sit. >e Lounge To the west, you could enter the ballroom; to the north, the drawing room. Célina sips a cocktail while Bishop Buono snores on the couch. A moose head is mounted on the eastern wall above the bishop. Some flickering candles are situated on a nearby table. >n Drawing Room To the west, you could enter the mosaic hall; to the east, the powder room (occupied); and to the south, the lounge. Miss Constance is standing by herself. A replenished drinks cabinet dominates one corner, and a few candles are burning. You can also see a silver tray (empty), a matchbox, and a chair. >w Mosaic Hall To the north, you could enter the foyer; to the west, the dining room; to the east, the drawing room; and the grand staircase leads up to the second floor. Dr Malatesta is watching a bat circle overhead. Underfoot, the hall is patterned with a massive mosaic. In that mosaic's center stands a gilded compass on a pedestal. Candelabras flicker in the room's corners. You can also see a wicker cage (empty). >attend cage You'll need both hands free to carry this cage. >i You're carrying a newspaper in one hand, and a private message in your pocket. >attend newspaper You set aside the newspaper. >attend cage You gather the wicker cage (empty) in both hands. >attend malatesta Dr Malatesta takes the wicker cage. "Ah, yes, this should work! Now, if I could trouble you for one more little thing, might you bring me a pole? Actually, scratch the 'little.' Make it a very long pole." >e Drawing Room To the west, you could enter the mosaic hall; to the east, the powder room (occupied); and to the south, the lounge. Miss Constance is standing by herself. A replenished drinks cabinet dominates one corner, and a few candles are burning. You can also see a silver tray (empty), a matchbox, and a chair. >s Lounge To the west, you could enter the ballroom; to the north, the drawing room. Célina sips a cocktail while Bishop Buono snores on the couch. A moose head is mounted on the eastern wall above the bishop. Some flickering candles are situated on a nearby table. >w Ballroom To the west, you could enter the kitchen; to the east, the lounge; and double-doors lead south to the garden. Dina d'Latour is standing by the piano as Tito strikes keys. A glowing chandelier hangs from the ceiling. Chairs are arranged for the guests to eventually sit. >s Garden To the north, you could enter the ballroom. Baron Twombly is bickering with Emilia Ives. Below the garden wall, crickets hop around the pond. You can also see a curtain-rod. >attend curtain-rod You gather the curtain-rod with both hands. >n Ballroom To the west, you could enter the kitchen; to the east, the lounge; and double-doors lead south to the garden. Dina d'Latour is standing by the piano as Tito strikes keys. A glowing chandelier hangs from the ceiling. Chairs are arranged for the guests to eventually sit. >e Lounge To the west, you could enter the ballroom; to the north, the drawing room. Célina sips a cocktail while Bishop Buono snores on the couch. A moose head is mounted on the eastern wall above the bishop. Some flickering candles are situated on a nearby table. >n Drawing Room To the west, you could enter the mosaic hall; to the east, the powder room (occupied); and to the south, the lounge. Miss Constance is standing by herself. A replenished drinks cabinet dominates one corner, and a few candles are burning. You can also see a silver tray (empty), a matchbox, and a chair. >w Mosaic Hall To the north, you could enter the foyer; to the west, the dining room; to the east, the drawing room; and the grand staircase leads up to the second floor. Dr Malatesta is holding a wicker cage (empty) and watching a bat overhead. Underfoot, the hall is patterned with a massive mosaic. In that mosaic's center stands a gilded compass on a pedestal. Candelabras flicker in the room's corners. You can also see a newspaper. >attend malatesta "My word! Is there anything you can't provide?" asks Dr Malatesta. He takes the curtain-rod and (after some experimental fumbling) attaches it to the cage, creating something like the world's most cumbersome butterfly net. But the bat evades him when he waves it. "Try the compass again," says the doctor, biting his lip to concentrate. "Let's encourage the fugitive to fly in the right direction." >attend compass You could flick the needle north, south, west, east, or quit attending to the compass. >flick north You could flick the needle north, south, west, east, or quit attending to the compass. >attend north You must name something more substantial. >attend compass north I only understood you as far as wanting to attend the gilded compass. >attend compass You could flick the needle north, south, west, east, or quit attending to the compass. >north You flick the compass needle to the north. "Just a touch to the east," says Dr Malatesta, waving the cage as the bat flies overhead. Scrambling noises echo from the dining room. >east You flick the compass needle to the east. "Yes, that's right! Just a bit to the south!" says Dr Malatesta as the bat flies overhead. Master Bryce scrambles into the mosaic hall from the dining room. >south You flick the compass needle to the south. "Slightly more to the south," says Dr Malatesta as the bat flies overhead. Master Bryce scrambles south, banging against a wall. >south You flick the compass needle to the south. "South again!" cries Dr Malatesta as the bat flies overhead, brushing the cage. Master Bryce smacks into the southern wall more forcefully. >south You flick the compass needle to the south. "Excelsior!" cries Dr Malatesta as the bat finally flies into the cage. Master Bryce simultaneously crashes into the doctor. Down come the cage and the curtain-rod (again). Down come the candelabras. Down come both men, limbs entangled, yelping and thrashing on the floor. You step away from the compass. Dr Malatesta: - $5,000 >attend bryce With your assistance, the doctor disengages his limbs from Master Bryce, climbs to his feet, and dusts himself off. You restrain the master until everyone is (marginally more) composed. "That's one way to catch a bat," says Dr Malatesta, probing his teeth with a finger. "Still there. Good! Mr Wyatt is excitable tonight. If I didn't know better, I might think he was also influenced by magnetic fluctuations, and that you could move him around the manor just by flicking this compass needle. But that would be silly." >attend malatesta "Where did I drop that cage?" asks Dr Malatesta. >attend malatest You can't see any such thing [or you might have misspelled a word]. >attend cage You gather the wicker cage (containing a bat) with both hands. >attend malatesta "There's the fugitive!" says Dr Malatesta, taking the cage. "Not so clever now, you twenty-million-dollar runaway, are you? Please tell me I didn't just mention that number out loud." Whatever you must tell the doctor to put him at ease, your long years as a valet have equipped you with precisely what to say: namely, next to nothing, with the assurance you'll venture no more. Dr Malatesta tucks the cage under his arm, smiles at you again, and makes his way to the ballroom. "You've been most helpful." Dr Malatesta: + $35,000 >attend bryce Master Bryce snarls and pulls away from you. >think At the moment, you need to: ? Re-light the candles in the mosaic hall. ? Arrange for Baron Twombly to speak with Master Bryce. ? Deliver the private message to Emilia Ives. ? Create a disturbance to wake Bishop Buono. ? Gather four more clues for Detective Gundersøn's investigation. ? Notify Dina d'Latour when everyone is in the ballroom. ? Locate Dina d'Latour's diamond dragonflies. >w Dining Room (in shambles) To the east, you could enter the mosaic hall; to the south, the kitchen. Detective Gundersøn is waiting for clues. Rubble is heaped everywhere. The western wall is smashed, with a luxury car lodged under the debris. You can also see a broom and dustpan (empty) and a curling-iron. >e Mosaic Hall To the north, you could enter the foyer; to the west, the dining room; to the east, the drawing room; and the grand staircase leads up to the second floor. Master Bryce is scrambling around. Underfoot, the hall is patterned with a massive mosaic. In that mosaic's center stands a gilded compass on a pedestal. You can also see some toppled candelabras, a curtain-rod, and a newspaper. >e Drawing Room To the west, you could enter the mosaic hall; to the east, the powder room (occupied); and to the south, the lounge. Miss Constance is standing by herself. A replenished drinks cabinet dominates one corner, and a few candles are burning. You can also see a silver tray (empty), a matchbox, and a chair. >attend matchbox You gather the matchbox and tuck it into your pocket. >w Mosaic Hall To the north, you could enter the foyer; to the west, the dining room; to the east, the drawing room; and the grand staircase leads up to the second floor. Master Bryce is scrambling around. Underfoot, the hall is patterned with a massive mosaic. In that mosaic's center stands a gilded compass on a pedestal. You can also see some toppled candelabras, a curtain-rod, and a newspaper. >attend candles You set the candelabras back in place. Now you can light them again. >attend candles You strike a match and light the candelabras (for the second time). >e Drawing Room To the west, you could enter the mosaic hall; to the east, the powder room (occupied); and to the south, the lounge. Miss Constance is standing by herself. A replenished drinks cabinet dominates one corner, and a few candles are burning. You can also see a silver tray (empty) and a chair. >attend matchbox You set aside the matchbox. >w Mosaic Hall To the north, you could enter the foyer; to the west, the dining room; to the east, the drawing room; and the grand staircase leads up to the second floor. Master Bryce is scrambling around. Underfoot, the hall is patterned with a massive mosaic. In that mosaic's center stands a gilded compass on a pedestal. Candelabras flicker in the room's corners. You can also see a curtain-rod and a newspaper. >attend compass You could flick the needle north, south, west, east, or quit attending to the compass. >west You flick the compass needle to the west. Master Bryce scrambles west into the dining room. >west You flick the compass needle to the west. Something bangs against the automobile in the dining room. >south You flick the compass needle to the south. Scrambling noises echo from the kitchen. >south You flick the compass needle to the south. Something bangs against a wall in the kitchen. >east You flick the compass needle to the east. Scrambling noises echo from the ballroom. >east You flick the compass needle to the east. Scrambling noises echo from the lounge. >west You flick the compass needle to the west. Scrambling noises echo from the ballroom. >south You flick the compass needle to the south. In the distance, scrambling noises echo from the garden. >south You flick the compass needle to the south. In the distance, something smacks against the garden wall. >w You flick the compass needle to the west. In the distance, something smacks against the garden wall. >s You flick the compass needle to the south. In the distance, something smacks against the garden wall. >e You flick the compass needle to the east. In the distance, something smacks against the garden wall. >quit You step away from the compass. >w Dining Room (in shambles) To the east, you could enter the mosaic hall; to the south, the kitchen. Detective Gundersøn is waiting for clues. Rubble is heaped everywhere. The western wall is smashed, with a luxury car lodged under the debris. You can also see a broom and dustpan (empty) and a curling-iron. >s Kitchen To the east, you could enter the ballroom; to the north, the dining room; and a staircase leads down into the cellar. Candles burn on the counter. The icebox is open and still works, but the other appliances have known better days. >e Ballroom To the west, you could enter the kitchen; to the east, the lounge; and double-doors lead south to the garden. Dina d'Latour is standing by the piano as Tito strikes keys. Dr Malatesta has a wicker cage (containing a bat) tucked under his arm. A glowing chandelier hangs from the ceiling. Chairs are arranged for the guests to eventually sit. >s Garden To the north, you could enter the ballroom. Baron Twombly is trying to speak to Master Bryce (who is scrambling around, rather unconcerned with conversation) while Emilia Ives watches. Below the garden wall, crickets hop around the pond. >attend ives While Baron Twombly is attempting to talk "businessman to businessman" with Master Bryce, and while Master Bryce is attempting to catch crickets around the pond, you slip the private message to Emilia Ives. She grins as she reads it. "You'll attend to the baron, won't you, if he misses me? I'm just going to pop upstairs. Perhaps you could pop upstairs too when you have a moment," she says, walking northward into the manor. Emilia Ives: + $7,000 >think At the moment, you need to: ? Arrange for Baron Twombly to speak with Master Bryce. ? Attend to Emilia Ives again upstairs. ? Create a disturbance to wake Bishop Buono. ? Gather four more clues for Detective Gundersøn's investigation. ? Notify Dina d'Latour when everyone is in the ballroom. ? Locate Dina d'Latour's diamond dragonflies. >x bryce New Gothenburg's most eligible bachelor. Noted philanthropist. Notorious playboy. Master Bryce does have his eccentricities, but when you are the sole heir to the Wyatt Dynasty, it's amazing what people are willing to overlook. >x baron Old money, brows eternally furrowed, and he boasts an immaculate beard. Baron Twombly belongs to the class that one finds debating politics in smoking-rooms, although debates don't change his politics. He twiddles with the chain on his gold pocket-watch. >x pocket-watch Probably eighteen carats, at the very least. >n Ballroom To the west, you could enter the kitchen; to the east, the lounge; and double-doors lead south to the garden. Dina d'Latour is standing by the piano as Tito strikes keys. Dr Malatesta has a wicker cage (containing a bat) tucked under his arm. A glowing chandelier hangs from the ceiling. Chairs are arranged for the guests to eventually sit. >x dina Incredibly tall and statuesque. No soprano commands larger crowds. Famous for deafening two princes, one empress, and a sound technician during a single opera season ? and receiving marriage proposals from them all. She seems to have misplaced her diamond dragonflies. >x malatesta Not only is Dr Malatesta responsible for many of this century's greatest scientific advancements, but he also owns the patents. Wyatt Industries, of course, supplies his institute with the necessary magneto-polonium. The doctor can afford very good tailoring indeed. >x chairs Each chair's back is emblazoned with the letter "W" in such an elegant script that identifying it as the letter "W" is practically impossible. >x tito Ah, yes, there's Tito d'Latour. He's such a small, unremarkable man that it's easy to forget he's in the room ? until one remembers that he owns two record labels, a baseball team, and performs as a world-renowned concert pianist. >x piano Master Bryce doesn't play, but an absence of skill and a deficit of talent have never prevented anyone from owning a piano. The sheet music for tonight's recital awaits Dina d'Latour's "soul-quaking" interpretation. >e Lounge To the west, you could enter the ballroom; to the north, the drawing room. Célina sips a cocktail while Bishop Buono snores on the couch. A moose head is mounted on the eastern wall above the bishop. Some flickering candles are situated on a nearby table. >w Ballroom To the west, you could enter the kitchen; to the east, the lounge; and double-doors lead south to the garden. Dina d'Latour is standing by the piano as Tito strikes keys. Dr Malatesta has a wicker cage (containing a bat) tucked under his arm. A glowing chandelier hangs from the ceiling. Chairs are arranged for the guests to eventually sit. >w Kitchen To the east, you could enter the ballroom; to the north, the dining room; and a staircase leads down into the cellar. Candles burn on the counter. The icebox is open and still works, but the other appliances have known better days. >x icebox Inside the icebox, there's nothing left to eat. >close icebox [This game has a limited action system. To perform most tasks, you can simply attend to an object or a person. Type help to review other useful commands.] >attend icebox You close the icebox again. >d Cellar You could take a staircase up to the kitchen. Bottles line the walls, nestled snugly in dust-covered racks. Beside an open utility closet, a glowing candle illuminates the room. >x bottles All the great wines of the world are represented here. Tomas Wyatt laid this cellar's foundation, pillaging auction-houses for priceless bottles, and the master continues to build upon his father's collection. >x closet Inside the utility closet, you can see a broken rod and a fusebox. >x rod So much for the crank. Still, this mechanism isn't completely broken. If you had a replacement wheel to attach to the rod, you might be able to raise and lower the chandelier again. >x fusebox Perhaps from the master's perspective, these wires initially looked more edible. He certainly did everything in his power to dismantle the fusebox and chew through the circuitry. Wyatt Manor will have to rely upon candlelight this evening. >u Kitchen To the east, you could enter the ballroom; to the north, the dining room; and a staircase leads down into the cellar. Candles burn on the counter. The icebox is closed and still works, but the other appliances have known better days. >n Dining Room (in shambles) To the east, you could enter the mosaic hall; to the south, the kitchen. Detective Gundersøn is waiting for clues. Rubble is heaped everywhere. The western wall is smashed, with a luxury car lodged under the debris. You can also see a broom and dustpan (empty) and a curling-iron. >x car It's more difficult to drive when a passenger is grappling for the steering wheel. It's more difficult to park too. Somehow the windshield is still in one piece, but you can't say that about the automobile's other parts. >x steering wheel Whatever compelled Master Bryce to struggle with the chauffeur for this steering wheel, even Master Bryce couldn't explain. You know because you questioned him yourself. He only drooled. According to the chauffeur, he kept trying to turn the car north. Considering the car crashed through a western wall, the chauffeur must have put up quite a fight. >attend steering wheel Unfortunately, this car is wedged beneath so much debris that you can't get inside. You'd have to break the windshield. >attend windshield If the windshield were completely shattered, you might be able to reach into the car. But it would take significant, repeated force. Master Bryce's skull produced the current cracks. >e Mosaic Hall To the north, you could enter the foyer; to the west, the dining room; to the east, the drawing room; and the grand staircase leads up to the second floor. Underfoot, the hall is patterned with a massive mosaic. In that mosaic's center stands a gilded compass on a pedestal. Candelabras flicker in the room's corners. You can also see a curtain-rod and a newspaper. >u Upstairs Corridor To the west, you could enter the study; to the east, the master's bedroom; and the grand staircase leads down to the first floor. A candle burns on a table by the staircase. >w Study To the east, you could enter the upstairs corridor. Paperwork is cluttered on the master's desk, lit by a small candle. Beside the desk, a portrait hangs on the wall. You can also see some scissors. >e Upstairs Corridor To the west, you could enter the study; to the east, the master's bedroom; and the grand staircase leads down to the first floor. A candle burns on a table by the staircase. >e Master's Bedroom To the west, you could enter the upstairs corridor. Emilia Ives and Miss Constance are sitting on the bed, talking. A candle burns on the windowsill. >attend constance Miss Constance and Miss Ives laugh. Whatever they might be saying about the baron, you don't hear it. Especially not that remark about the malfunctioning pumpjack on his so-called oil rig. "Since you helped arrange this tête-à-tête, I assume you can keep a secret," says Miss Ives, winking at you. "And you also won't tell anyone why you're going to pour two more drinks and carry them upstairs." >attend ives Miss Constance and Miss Ives are too engaged with each other to acknowledge you, especially since you don't have any drinks. >w Upstairs Corridor To the west, you could enter the study; to the east, the master's bedroom; and the grand staircase leads down to the first floor. A candle burns on a table by the staircase. >d Mosaic Hall To the north, you could enter the foyer; to the west, the dining room; to the east, the drawing room; and the grand staircase leads up to the second floor. Underfoot, the hall is patterned with a massive mosaic. In that mosaic's center stands a gilded compass on a pedestal. Candelabras flicker in the room's corners. You can also see a curtain-rod and a newspaper. >e Drawing Room To the west, you could enter the mosaic hall; to the east, the powder room (occupied); and to the south, the lounge. A replenished drinks cabinet dominates one corner, and a few candles are burning. You can also see a matchbox, a silver tray (empty), and a chair. >attend tray You balance the silver tray with one hand. >attend drinks (the drinks cabinet) You pour two drinks and place them on the silver tray. >w Mosaic Hall To the north, you could enter the foyer; to the west, the dining room; to the east, the drawing room; and the grand staircase leads up to the second floor. Underfoot, the hall is patterned with a massive mosaic. In that mosaic's center stands a gilded compass on a pedestal. Candelabras flicker in the room's corners. You can also see a curtain-rod and a newspaper. >u Upstairs Corridor To the west, you could enter the study; to the east, the master's bedroom; and the grand staircase leads down to the first floor. A candle burns on a table by the staircase. >e Master's Bedroom To the west, you could enter the upstairs corridor. Emilia Ives and Miss Constance are sitting on the bed, gossiping. A candle burns on the windowsill. >attend ives When you extend the tray, Miss Constance and Miss Ives are delighted to accept two cocktails. They clink their glasses, link their arms, and drink with their elbows interlocked. Whether their gazes are interlocked too, that isn't your business to observe. You observe less and less, as a matter of fact, the longer you stay in the room. And your hearing is on the decline, although some words still reach your ears: Emilia Ives or Miss Constance (it wouldn't be professional to know which one) has just asked you to snuff the candle. Emilia Ives: + $15,000 Miss Constance: + $25,000 >attend candle You pinch the candle's flame between your fingertips. You can't guess what happens in the dark after that, and your job description won't permit speculation. Emilia Ives: + $25,000 Miss Constance: + $50,000 >think At the moment, you need to: ? Arrange for Baron Twombly to speak with Master Bryce. ? Create a disturbance to wake Bishop Buono. ? Gather four more clues for Detective Gundersøn's investigation. ? Notify Dina d'Latour when everyone is in the ballroom. ? Locate Dina d'Latour's diamond dragonflies. >l Master's Bedroom To the west, you could enter the upstairs corridor. Emilia Ives and Miss Constance are presently occupied. Beside the bed, an unlit candle is on the windowsill. >w Upstairs Corridor To the west, you could enter the study; to the east, the master's bedroom; and the grand staircase leads down to the first floor. A candle burns on a table by the staircase. >d Mosaic Hall To the north, you could enter the foyer; to the west, the dining room; to the east, the drawing room; and the grand staircase leads up to the second floor. Underfoot, the hall is patterned with a massive mosaic. In that mosaic's center stands a gilded compass on a pedestal. Candelabras flicker in the room's corners. You can also see a curtain-rod and a newspaper. >e Drawing Room To the west, you could enter the mosaic hall; to the east, the powder room (unoccupied); and to the south, the lounge. Miss Constance is standing by herself. A replenished drinks cabinet dominates one corner, and a few candles are burning. You can also see a matchbox and a chair. >s Lounge To the west, you could enter the ballroom; to the north, the drawing room. Célina sips a cocktail while Bishop Buono snores on the couch. A moose head is mounted on the eastern wall above the bishop. Some flickering candles are situated on a nearby table. >n Drawing Room To the west, you could enter the mosaic hall; to the east, the powder room (unoccupied); and to the south, the lounge. Miss Constance is standing by herself. A replenished drinks cabinet dominates one corner, and a few candles are burning. You can also see a matchbox and a chair. >e Powder Room To the west, you could enter the drawing room. Someone has left a handbag and a hairbrush here. All the necessary facilities are present, along with one lit candle. >x hairbrush As might be expected, the ~C&C~ logo is branded on the hairbrush. >x handbag What an awkward shape for a handbag. And it's so heavy! >attend handbag You gather the handbag with one hand. >x handbag What an awkward shape for a handbag. And it's so heavy! >open handbag [This game has a limited action system. To perform most tasks, you can simply attend to an object or a person. Type help to review other useful commands.] >attend handbag You set aside the handbag. >attend handbag You gather the handbag with one hand. >attend hairbrush You don't have a free hand to carry this hairbrush. >i You're carrying a handbag and a silver tray (empty) in your hands. >w Drawing Room To the west, you could enter the mosaic hall; to the east, the powder room (unoccupied); and to the south, the lounge. Miss Constance is standing by herself. A replenished drinks cabinet dominates one corner, and a few candles are burning. You can also see a matchbox and a chair. >attend tray You set aside the silver tray (empty). >e Powder Room To the west, you could enter the drawing room. Someone has left a hairbrush here. All the necessary facilities are present, along with one lit candle. >attend hairbrush You gather the hairbrush with one hand. >w Drawing Room To the west, you could enter the mosaic hall; to the east, the powder room (unoccupied); and to the south, the lounge. Miss Constance is standing by herself. A replenished drinks cabinet dominates one corner, and a few candles are burning. You can also see a silver tray (empty), a matchbox, and a chair. >w Mosaic Hall To the north, you could enter the foyer; to the west, the dining room; to the east, the drawing room; and the grand staircase leads up to the second floor. Underfoot, the hall is patterned with a massive mosaic. In that mosaic's center stands a gilded compass on a pedestal. Candelabras flicker in the room's corners. You can also see a curtain-rod and a newspaper. >w Dining Room (in shambles) To the east, you could enter the mosaic hall; to the south, the kitchen. Detective Gundersøn is waiting for clues. Rubble is heaped everywhere. The western wall is smashed, with a luxury car lodged under the debris. You can also see a broom and dustpan (empty) and a curling-iron. >attend olafsky You can't see any such thing [or you might have misspelled a word]. >attend detective Detective Gundersøn examines the hairbrush and handbag. "Doesn't look related to the current case," she says. >e Mosaic Hall To the north, you could enter the foyer; to the west, the dining room; to the east, the drawing room; and the grand staircase leads up to the second floor. Underfoot, the hall is patterned with a massive mosaic. In that mosaic's center stands a gilded compass on a pedestal. Candelabras flicker in the room's corners. You can also see a curtain-rod and a newspaper. >e Drawing Room To the west, you could enter the mosaic hall; to the east, the powder room (unoccupied); and to the south, the lounge. Miss Constance is standing by herself. A replenished drinks cabinet dominates one corner, and a few candles are burning. You can also see a silver tray (empty), a matchbox, and a chair. >e Powder Room To the west, you could enter the drawing room. All the necessary facilities are present, along with one lit candle. >attend hairbrush You set aside the hairbrush. >attend handbag You set aside the handbag. >s You can't go that way. >w Drawing Room To the west, you could enter the mosaic hall; to the east, the powder room (unoccupied); and to the south, the lounge. Miss Constance is standing by herself. A replenished drinks cabinet dominates one corner, and a few candles are burning. You can also see a silver tray (empty), a matchbox, and a chair. >s Lounge To the west, you could enter the ballroom; to the north, the drawing room. Célina sips a cocktail while Bishop Buono snores on the couch. A moose head is mounted on the eastern wall above the bishop. Some flickering candles are situated on a nearby table. >w Ballroom To the west, you could enter the kitchen; to the east, the lounge; and double-doors lead south to the garden. Dina d'Latour is standing by the piano as Tito strikes keys. Dr Malatesta has a wicker cage (containing a bat) tucked under his arm. A glowing chandelier hangs from the ceiling. Chairs are arranged for the guests to eventually sit. >s Garden To the north, you could enter the ballroom. Baron Twombly is trying to speak to Master Bryce. Below the garden wall, crickets hop around the pond. >attend bryce "Not now," whispers Baron Twombly. "Can't you see that I'm talking with Mr Wyatt? Yes, as I was saying," he continues, addressing the master, "I believe it would be highly lucrative." Master Bryce is staring at the baron's beard with a glint in his eyes. However, without any grooming implements on hand, he soon loses interest and begins to prowl around the pond. "Wait!" says Baron Twombly. "I haven't mentioned the interest rates yet!" >attend bryc You can't see any such thing [or you might have misspelled a word]. >attend bryce Master Bryce is staring at Baron Twombly's beard (precisely as he used to stare at Chef Louis's moustache). If you were to give him a grooming implement, then he would undoubtedly give the baron more attention. >n Ballroom To the west, you could enter the kitchen; to the east, the lounge; and double-doors lead south to the garden. Dina d'Latour is standing by the piano as Tito strikes keys. Dr Malatesta has a wicker cage (containing a bat) tucked under his arm. A glowing chandelier hangs from the ceiling. Chairs are arranged for the guests to eventually sit. >e Lounge To the west, you could enter the ballroom; to the north, the drawing room. Célina sips a cocktail while Bishop Buono snores on the couch. A moose head is mounted on the eastern wall above the bishop. Some flickering candles are situated on a nearby table. >n Drawing Room To the west, you could enter the mosaic hall; to the east, the powder room (unoccupied); and to the south, the lounge. Miss Constance is standing by herself. A replenished drinks cabinet dominates one corner, and a few candles are burning. You can also see a silver tray (empty), a matchbox, and a chair. >e Powder Room To the west, you could enter the drawing room. All the necessary facilities are present, along with one lit candle. You can also see a handbag and a hairbrush. >attend hairbrush You gather the hairbrush with one hand. >w Drawing Room To the west, you could enter the mosaic hall; to the east, the powder room (unoccupied); and to the south, the lounge. Miss Constance is standing by herself. A replenished drinks cabinet dominates one corner, and a few candles are burning. You can also see a silver tray (empty), a matchbox, and a chair. >s Lounge To the west, you could enter the ballroom; to the north, the drawing room. Célina sips a cocktail while Bishop Buono snores on the couch. A moose head is mounted on the eastern wall above the bishop. Some flickering candles are situated on a nearby table. >e You can't go that way. >w Ballroom To the west, you could enter the kitchen; to the east, the lounge; and double-doors lead south to the garden. Dina d'Latour is standing by the piano as Tito strikes keys. Dr Malatesta has a wicker cage (containing a bat) tucked under his arm. A glowing chandelier hangs from the ceiling. Chairs are arranged for the guests to eventually sit. >s Garden To the north, you could enter the ballroom. Baron Twombly is trying to speak to Master Bryce. Below the garden wall, crickets hop around the pond. >attend bryce Perhaps this was a mistake. It's too late now. You've provided the hairbrush, and Master Bryce has lost no time in putting it to work. "Steady on!" laughs the baron. "I never knew you were a barber, old man! Think the beard needs some attention, eh? Well, since I have your ear, if I could just mention a stock option or two..." Before the baron can explain, Master Bryce grunts and tosses the hairbrush into the pond. Apparently it wasn't good enough. Baron Twombly: + $5,000 >w You can't go that way. >e You can't go that way. >n Ballroom To the west, you could enter the kitchen; to the east, the lounge; and double-doors lead south to the garden. Dina d'Latour is standing by the piano as Tito strikes keys. Dr Malatesta has a wicker cage (containing a bat) tucked under his arm. A glowing chandelier hangs from the ceiling. Chairs are arranged for the guests to eventually sit. >e Lounge To the west, you could enter the ballroom; to the north, the drawing room. Célina sips a cocktail while Bishop Buono snores on the couch. A moose head is mounted on the eastern wall above the bishop. Some flickering candles are situated on a nearby table. >u You can't go that way. >n Drawing Room To the west, you could enter the mosaic hall; to the east, the powder room (unoccupied); and to the south, the lounge. Miss Constance is standing by herself. A replenished drinks cabinet dominates one corner, and a few candles are burning. You can also see a silver tray (empty), a matchbox, and a chair. >w Mosaic Hall To the north, you could enter the foyer; to the west, the dining room; to the east, the drawing room; and the grand staircase leads up to the second floor. Underfoot, the hall is patterned with a massive mosaic. In that mosaic's center stands a gilded compass on a pedestal. Candelabras flicker in the room's corners. You can also see a curtain-rod and a newspaper. >w Dining Room (in shambles) To the east, you could enter the mosaic hall; to the south, the kitchen. Detective Gundersøn is waiting for clues. Rubble is heaped everywhere. The western wall is smashed, with a luxury car lodged under the debris. You can also see a broom and dustpan (empty) and a curling-iron. >attend curling iron You gather the curling-iron with one hand. >s Kitchen To the east, you could enter the ballroom; to the north, the dining room; and a staircase leads down into the cellar. Candles burn on the counter. The icebox is closed and still works, but the other appliances have known better days. >e Ballroom To the west, you could enter the kitchen; to the east, the lounge; and double-doors lead south to the garden. Dina d'Latour is standing by the piano as Tito strikes keys. Dr Malatesta has a wicker cage (containing a bat) tucked under his arm. A glowing chandelier hangs from the ceiling. Chairs are arranged for the guests to eventually sit. >s Garden To the north, you could enter the ballroom. Baron Twombly is trying to speak to Master Bryce. Below the garden wall, crickets hop around the pond. >attend bryce Master Bryce seizes the curling-iron and returns his attention to Baron Twombly; rather, to the baron's beard. He prods and preens. He pokes and applies saliva. "So as I was saying," the baron continues to explain, "we'd just need a small investment. Pocket change! My man can contact your man. Shall we shake?" Master Bryce only shakes the curling-iron before throwing it, too, into the pond. He'll need another grooming implement to conclude these negotiations. Baron Twombly: + $10,000 >n Ballroom To the west, you could enter the kitchen; to the east, the lounge; and double-doors lead south to the garden. Dina d'Latour is standing by the piano as Tito strikes keys. Dr Malatesta has a wicker cage (containing a bat) tucked under his arm. A glowing chandelier hangs from the ceiling. Chairs are arranged for the guests to eventually sit. >w Kitchen To the east, you could enter the ballroom; to the north, the dining room; and a staircase leads down into the cellar. Candles burn on the counter. The icebox is closed and still works, but the other appliances have known better days. >n Dining Room (in shambles) To the east, you could enter the mosaic hall; to the south, the kitchen. Detective Gundersøn is waiting for clues. Rubble is heaped everywhere. The western wall is smashed, with a luxury car lodged under the debris. You can also see a broom and dustpan (empty). >e Mosaic Hall To the north, you could enter the foyer; to the west, the dining room; to the east, the drawing room; and the grand staircase leads up to the second floor. Underfoot, the hall is patterned with a massive mosaic. In that mosaic's center stands a gilded compass on a pedestal. Candelabras flicker in the room's corners. You can also see a curtain-rod and a newspaper. >u Upstairs Corridor To the west, you could enter the study; to the east, the master's bedroom; and the grand staircase leads down to the first floor. A candle burns on a table by the staircase. >w Study To the east, you could enter the upstairs corridor. Paperwork is cluttered on the master's desk, lit by a small candle. Beside the desk, a portrait hangs on the wall. You can also see some scissors. >attend scissors You gather the scissors with one hand. >e Upstairs Corridor To the west, you could enter the study; to the east, the master's bedroom; and the grand staircase leads down to the first floor. A candle burns on a table by the staircase. >s You can't go that way. >w Study To the east, you could enter the upstairs corridor. Paperwork is cluttered on the master's desk, lit by a small candle. Beside the desk, a portrait hangs on the wall. >e Upstairs Corridor To the west, you could enter the study; to the east, the master's bedroom; and the grand staircase leads down to the first floor. A candle burns on a table by the staircase. >d Mosaic Hall To the north, you could enter the foyer; to the west, the dining room; to the east, the drawing room; and the grand staircase leads up to the second floor. Underfoot, the hall is patterned with a massive mosaic. In that mosaic's center stands a gilded compass on a pedestal. Candelabras flicker in the room's corners. You can also see a curtain-rod and a newspaper. >s You can't go that way. >w Dining Room (in shambles) To the east, you could enter the mosaic hall; to the south, the kitchen. Detective Gundersøn is waiting for clues. Rubble is heaped everywhere. The western wall is smashed, with a luxury car lodged under the debris. You can also see a broom and dustpan (empty). >s Kitchen To the east, you could enter the ballroom; to the north, the dining room; and a staircase leads down into the cellar. Candles burn on the counter. The icebox is closed and still works, but the other appliances have known better days. >e Ballroom To the west, you could enter the kitchen; to the east, the lounge; and double-doors lead south to the garden. Dina d'Latour is standing by the piano as Tito strikes keys. Dr Malatesta has a wicker cage (containing a bat) tucked under his arm. A glowing chandelier hangs from the ceiling. Chairs are arranged for the guests to eventually sit. >s Garden To the north, you could enter the ballroom. Baron Twombly is trying to speak to Master Bryce. Below the garden wall, crickets hop around the pond. >attend bryce You supply the scissors. Master Bryce supplies Baron Twombly with more attention, primping the baron's beard (or what remains) while the baron himself supplies projections, estimates, and reassurances. "This is the deal of a lifetime, old man! Can I say you'll commit?" Master Bryce tilts his head, surveys his handiwork, and squeaks. "I knew it! The board will be thrilled!" cries Baron Twombly. He finally wrangles a handshake, prompting Master Bryce to drop the scissors into the pond. "Leave the details to me. I'll hash everything out." Baron Twombly: + $50,000 >attend bryce Master Bryce scrambles away, circling the pond. >think At the moment, you need to: ? Attend to Baron Twombly again. ? Create a disturbance to wake Bishop Buono. ? Attend to Miss Constance in the drawing room. ? Gather four more clues for Detective Gundersøn's investigation. ? Notify Dina d'Latour when everyone is in the ballroom. ? Locate Dina d'Latour's diamond dragonflies. >attend baron If your manners were less than perfect, you would have ample cause to comment upon the baron's beard. But you say nothing. Your face betrays no emotion. Baron Twombly is beaming after his successful 'negotiation' with the master, and his brows only furrow again when he fumbles to find his gold pocket-watch. "Blast it! Where did I put that timepiece? Have you seen it anywhere?" he demands. "I won't let a missing watch spoil my mood. After I seal this deal, I'll buy the whole watch factory!" He strolls north into the ballroom, whistling triumphantly. Baron Twombly: + $15,000 >l Garden To the north, you could enter the ballroom. Master Bryce is scrambling around. Below the garden wall, crickets hop around the pond. >attend bryce Master Bryce scrambles away, circling the pond. >attend pond You would never admit to wringing out dirty towels, sponges, and mops into this pond. And since you have nothing to wring currently, there's even less need to admit anything. >x pond An uninformed observer might suppose that a sewer line had backed up here, judging by the water's discoloration. That's not the case. Still, one wouldn't want to swim in it (unless one were the master). >n Ballroom To the west, you could enter the kitchen; to the east, the lounge; and double-doors lead south to the garden. Dina d'Latour is standing by the piano as Tito strikes keys. Dr Malatesta has a wicker cage (containing a bat) tucked under his arm, and Baron Twombly is stroking what's left of his beard. A glowing chandelier hangs from the ceiling. Chairs are arranged for the guests to eventually sit. >e Lounge To the west, you could enter the ballroom; to the north, the drawing room. Célina sips a cocktail while Bishop Buono snores on the couch. A moose head is mounted on the eastern wall above the bishop. Some flickering candles are situated on a nearby table. >n Drawing Room To the west, you could enter the mosaic hall; to the east, the powder room (unoccupied); and to the south, the lounge. Miss Constance is standing by herself. A replenished drinks cabinet dominates one corner, and a few candles are burning. You can also see a silver tray (empty), a matchbox, and a chair. >attend constance "Pardon me," says Miss Constance. "I also had to step into the powder room. Did you deliver the message?" Throughout your long and prestigious career, your discretion has only been tested, truly, twice (and that business with the crocodile barely counts). Tonight, however, before you can say anything, and because you've said nothing, Miss Constance knows everything. "Oh," she says. She walks west to ascend the grand staircase. >w Mosaic Hall To the north, you could enter the foyer; to the west, the dining room; to the east, the drawing room; and the grand staircase leads up to the second floor. Underfoot, the hall is patterned with a massive mosaic. In that mosaic's center stands a gilded compass on a pedestal. Candelabras flicker in the room's corners. You can also see a curtain-rod and a newspaper. >n Foyer To the south, you could enter the mosaic hall. A dead rat is lying on the floor. Lighted candle-stands frame the front door. >attend rat You gather the dead rat with one hand, holding it gingerly by the tail. >s Mosaic Hall To the north, you could enter the foyer; to the west, the dining room; to the east, the drawing room; and the grand staircase leads up to the second floor. Underfoot, the hall is patterned with a massive mosaic. In that mosaic's center stands a gilded compass on a pedestal. Candelabras flicker in the room's corners. You can also see a curtain-rod and a newspaper. >w Dining Room (in shambles) To the east, you could enter the mosaic hall; to the south, the kitchen. Detective Gundersøn is waiting for clues. Rubble is heaped everywhere. The western wall is smashed, with a luxury car lodged under the debris. You can also see a broom and dustpan (empty). >attend detective Detective Gundersøn examines the dead rat. "I can already smell my next promotion. See the bites on the neck? This rodent was killed recently. When I send it to the station for analysis, I have a hunch they'll find radioactive traces." She confiscates the furry corpse. "We're building a solid case, but we need more evidence." >e Mosaic Hall To the north, you could enter the foyer; to the west, the dining room; to the east, the drawing room; and the grand staircase leads up to the second floor. Underfoot, the hall is patterned with a massive mosaic. In that mosaic's center stands a gilded compass on a pedestal. Candelabras flicker in the room's corners. You can also see a curtain-rod and a newspaper. >u Upstairs Corridor To the west, you could enter the study; to the east, the master's bedroom; and the grand staircase leads down to the first floor. A candle burns on a table by the staircase. >w Study To the east, you could enter the upstairs corridor. Paperwork is cluttered on the master's desk, lit by a small candle. Beside the desk, a portrait hangs on the wall. >e Upstairs Corridor To the west, you could enter the study; to the east, the master's bedroom; and the grand staircase leads down to the first floor. A candle burns on a table by the staircase. >e Master's Bedroom To the west, you could enter the upstairs corridor. Miss Constance is watching Emilia Ives and Miss Constance (not that Miss Constance can see anything, since the room is so dark (and not that there is anything to see)). Beside the bed, an unlit candle is on the windowsill. >attend constance Miss Constance doesn't notice that you're here, but Miss Constance does. She lifts a finger to shush you. When she speaks, she whispers in your ear, but she keeps her gaze on the bed. "I forgot my handbag in the powder room," she says. "I'm going to need it again. Bring it to me quickly, quietly, and I'll forgive you for creating this little mix-up." >e You can't go that way. >w Upstairs Corridor To the west, you could enter the study; to the east, the master's bedroom; and the grand staircase leads down to the first floor. A candle burns on a table by the staircase. >s You can't go that way. >d Mosaic Hall To the north, you could enter the foyer; to the west, the dining room; to the east, the drawing room; and the grand staircase leads up to the second floor. Underfoot, the hall is patterned with a massive mosaic. In that mosaic's center stands a gilded compass on a pedestal. Candelabras flicker in the room's corners. You can also see a curtain-rod and a newspaper. >e Drawing Room To the west, you could enter the mosaic hall; to the east, the powder room (unoccupied); and to the south, the lounge. A replenished drinks cabinet dominates one corner, and a few candles are burning. You can also see a silver tray (empty), a matchbox, and a chair. >e Powder Room To the west, you could enter the drawing room. All the necessary facilities are present, along with one lit candle. You can also see a handbag. >attend handbag You gather the handbag with one hand. >w Drawing Room To the west, you could enter the mosaic hall; to the east, the powder room (unoccupied); and to the south, the lounge. A replenished drinks cabinet dominates one corner, and a few candles are burning. You can also see a silver tray (empty), a matchbox, and a chair. >w Mosaic Hall To the north, you could enter the foyer; to the west, the dining room; to the east, the drawing room; and the grand staircase leads up to the second floor. Underfoot, the hall is patterned with a massive mosaic. In that mosaic's center stands a gilded compass on a pedestal. Candelabras flicker in the room's corners. You can also see a curtain-rod and a newspaper. >u Upstairs Corridor To the west, you could enter the study; to the east, the master's bedroom; and the grand staircase leads down to the first floor. A candle burns on a table by the staircase. >e Master's Bedroom To the west, you could enter the upstairs corridor. Miss Constance is watching Emilia Ives and Miss Constance. Beside the bed, an unlit candle is on the windowsill. >attend constance "All is forgiven," says Miss Constance, accepting her handbag with a smile. You'll be certain to claim, should anyone ever inquire, that you have no idea what's inside. You also have no idea what she does with what's inside. Emilia Ives, however, would seem to know, based upon how she reacts. The other Miss Constance would seem to know too. Soon enough, all is forgiven very thoroughly indeed. But before you can leave the ladies to themselves, Emilia Ives gestures for your attention. Miss Constance: + $60,000 Miss Constance: + $60,000 Emilia Ives: + $35,000 >attend ives Emilia Ives whispers. She has a small favor to ask. Of course, there's nothing questionable about this little favor, because it's your duty not to question anything. Not even why someone would need so much oil. >think At the moment, you need to: ? Procure oil for Emilia Ives. ? Create a disturbance to wake Bishop Buono. ? Gather three more clues for Detective Gundersøn's investigation. ? Notify Dina d'Latour when everyone is in the ballroom. ? Locate Baron Twombly's gold pocket-watch. ? Locate Dina d'Latour's diamond dragonflies. >l Master's Bedroom To the west, you could enter the upstairs corridor. Emilia Ives, Miss Constance, and Miss Constance are presently occupied. Beside the bed, an unlit candle is on the windowsill. >w Upstairs Corridor To the west, you could enter the study; to the east, the master's bedroom; and the grand staircase leads down to the first floor. A candle burns on a table by the staircase. >w Study To the east, you could enter the upstairs corridor. Paperwork is cluttered on the master's desk, lit by a small candle. Beside the desk, a portrait hangs on the wall. >attend paperwork It would take an expert accountant fortified with the best whiskey to organize this paperwork. Perhaps if you were looking for a particular document, you would have a reason to sort through the mess. Right now, however, you have more pressing matters to attend. >attend portrait You swing the portrait aside, revealing a hidden vault. >attend vault Coincidentally, you find the vault unlocked again. Inside, you can see a stack of banknotes and some dynastic jewels. >attend vaul You can't see any such thing [or you might have misspelled a word]. >attend vault You close the vault and lock it. >attend portrait You swing the portrait back against the wall, concealing the vault. >e Upstairs Corridor To the west, you could enter the study; to the east, the master's bedroom; and the grand staircase leads down to the first floor. A candle burns on a table by the staircase. >d Mosaic Hall To the north, you could enter the foyer; to the west, the dining room; to the east, the drawing room; and the grand staircase leads up to the second floor. Underfoot, the hall is patterned with a massive mosaic. In that mosaic's center stands a gilded compass on a pedestal. Candelabras flicker in the room's corners. You can also see a curtain-rod and a newspaper. >x compass All the fortunes amassed by the Wyatt Dynasty can be traced to a single magneto-polonium mine, which the late Tomas Wyatt acquired (along with radiation poisoning) in the last century. The electrochemical properties inherent to the substance are still not fully understood. Nevertheless, it has revolutionized the pharmaceutical, communications, and transportation industries (not to mention those lucrative weapons contracts). Its influence upon magnetic fields inspired Tomas Wyatt to incorporate a compass into the family crest. Now, thanks to the magneto-polonium chunk you supplied (and the installation performed by Dr Malatesta), your skull aches in this pedestal's vicinity, and sparks occasionally leap across the floor. >w Dining Room (in shambles) To the east, you could enter the mosaic hall; to the south, the kitchen. Detective Gundersøn is waiting for clues. Rubble is heaped everywhere. The western wall is smashed, with a luxury car lodged under the debris. You can also see a broom and dustpan (empty). >s Kitchen To the east, you could enter the ballroom; to the north, the dining room; and a staircase leads down into the cellar. Candles burn on the counter. The icebox is closed and still works, but the other appliances have known better days. >attend icebox You open the icebox. Inside, there's nothing left to eat. >x counter One of these days, the master will have to renovate this kitchen. >d Cellar You could take a staircase up to the kitchen. Bottles line the walls, nestled snugly in dust-covered racks. Beside an open utility closet, a glowing candle illuminates the room. >attend bottles You've already removed enough bottles to replenish the drinks cabinet in the drawing room. With luck, you won't need any more. >attend closet You close the utility closet again. >attend closet You open the utility closet. Inside, you can see a broken rod and a fusebox. >u Kitchen To the east, you could enter the ballroom; to the north, the dining room; and a staircase leads down into the cellar. Candles burn on the counter. The icebox is open and still works, but the other appliances have known better days. >e Ballroom To the west, you could enter the kitchen; to the east, the lounge; and double-doors lead south to the garden. Dina d'Latour is standing by the piano as Tito strikes keys. Dr Malatesta has a wicker cage (containing a bat) tucked under his arm, and Baron Twombly is stroking what's left of his beard. A glowing chandelier hangs from the ceiling. Chairs are arranged for the guests to eventually sit. >x chandelier After Master Bryce found his way into the utility closet downstairs, you had to replace every light in the manor with a candle. This chandelier is outfitted with hundreds. They're C&C Candles: guaranteed to burn for twenty-four hours and, more importantly, the wax is non-drip. >e Lounge To the west, you could enter the ballroom; to the north, the drawing room. Célina sips a cocktail while Bishop Buono snores on the couch. A moose head is mounted on the eastern wall above the bishop. Some flickering candles are situated on a nearby table. >attend celina "Don't worry about little old me," says Célina. "I can take care of myself." >w Ballroom To the west, you could enter the kitchen; to the east, the lounge; and double-doors lead south to the garden. Dina d'Latour is standing by the piano as Tito strikes keys. Dr Malatesta has a wicker cage (containing a bat) tucked under his arm, and Baron Twombly is stroking what's left of his beard. A glowing chandelier hangs from the ceiling. Chairs are arranged for the guests to eventually sit. >s Garden To the north, you could enter the ballroom. Master Bryce is scrambling around. Below the garden wall, crickets hop around the pond. >x pond An uninformed observer might suppose that a sewer line had backed up here, judging by the water's discoloration. That's not the case. Still, one wouldn't want to swim in it. >attend bryce Master Bryce scrambles away, circling the pond. >n Ballroom To the west, you could enter the kitchen; to the east, the lounge; and double-doors lead south to the garden. Dina d'Latour is standing by the piano as Tito strikes keys. Dr Malatesta has a wicker cage (containing a bat) tucked under his arm, and Baron Twombly is stroking what's left of his beard. A glowing chandelier hangs from the ceiling. Chairs are arranged for the guests to eventually sit. >e Lounge To the west, you could enter the ballroom; to the north, the drawing room. Célina sips a cocktail while Bishop Buono snores on the couch. A moose head is mounted on the eastern wall above the bishop. Some flickering candles are situated on a nearby table. >n Drawing Room To the west, you could enter the mosaic hall; to the east, the powder room (unoccupied); and to the south, the lounge. A replenished drinks cabinet dominates one corner, and a few candles are burning. You can also see a silver tray (empty), a matchbox, and a chair. >w Mosaic Hall To the north, you could enter the foyer; to the west, the dining room; to the east, the drawing room; and the grand staircase leads up to the second floor. Underfoot, the hall is patterned with a massive mosaic. In that mosaic's center stands a gilded compass on a pedestal. Candelabras flicker in the room's corners. You can also see a curtain-rod and a newspaper. >attend compass You could flick the needle north, south, west, east, or quit attending to the compass. >n You flick the compass needle to the north. Scrambling noises echo from the ballroom. >e You flick the compass needle to the east. Scrambling noises echo from the lounge. >e You flick the compass needle to the east. Something bangs against a wall in the lounge, and a loud snore carries through the manor. >e You flick the compass needle to the east. Something bangs against a wall in the lounge again. Another snore follows, and you can hear furniture rattle. >e You flick the compass needle to the east. Something bangs against a wall in the lounge yet again. There is a resounding thump, followed by a muffled scream, which sounds like a bishop in distress. >quit You step away from the compass. >e Drawing Room To the west, you could enter the mosaic hall; to the east, the powder room (unoccupied); and to the south, the lounge. A replenished drinks cabinet dominates one corner, and a few candles are burning. You can also see a silver tray (empty), a matchbox, and a chair. >s Lounge To the west, you could enter the ballroom; to the north, the drawing room. Bishop Buono is struggling with a moose head, which has tumbled from the wall and lodged itself on his own head, while Master Bryce scrambles around and Célina watches. Next to a fainting couch, some flickering candles are situated on table. >attend moose Bishop Buono whimpers and grunts as you attempt to remove the moose head. Unfortunately, it's stuck tight. "I've heard about oiling a clergyman's palm," says Célina, "but you might need to oil this one's whole body to get that thing off." >attend moose No matter how hard you pull, the moose head doesn't budge from the bishop. "You must have oil around here," says Célina. "Even if it's only motor oil." >attend moose Without oil to lubricate the bishop, you'll never remove this moose. "You must have oil around here," says Célina. "Even if it's only motor oil." >n Drawing Room To the west, you could enter the mosaic hall; to the east, the powder room (unoccupied); and to the south, the lounge. A replenished drinks cabinet dominates one corner, and a few candles are burning. You can also see a silver tray (empty), a matchbox, and a chair. >w Mosaic Hall To the north, you could enter the foyer; to the west, the dining room; to the east, the drawing room; and the grand staircase leads up to the second floor. Underfoot, the hall is patterned with a massive mosaic. In that mosaic's center stands a gilded compass on a pedestal. Candelabras flicker in the room's corners. You can also see a curtain-rod and a newspaper. >w Dining Room (in shambles) To the east, you could enter the mosaic hall; to the south, the kitchen. Detective Gundersøn is waiting for clues. Rubble is heaped everywhere. The western wall is smashed, with a luxury car lodged under the debris. You can also see a broom and dustpan (empty). >attend car Even for a valet with your expertise, this wreckage is beyond your skill to clear. The chauffeur, at least, managed to escape before the debris buried him alive. He didn't request a reference when he left to seek employment somewhere else. >x car It's more difficult to drive when a passenger is grappling for the steering wheel. It's more difficult to park too. Somehow the windshield is still in one piece, but you can't say that about the automobile's other parts. >attend oil You can't see any such thing [or you might have misspelled a word]. >attend pan You gather the broom and dustpan in both hands. >attend pan You set aside the broom and dustpan (empty). >e Mosaic Hall To the north, you could enter the foyer; to the west, the dining room; to the east, the drawing room; and the grand staircase leads up to the second floor. Underfoot, the hall is patterned with a massive mosaic. In that mosaic's center stands a gilded compass on a pedestal. Candelabras flicker in the room's corners. You can also see a curtain-rod and a newspaper. >attend compass You could flick the needle north, south, west, east, or quit attending to the compass. >n You flick the compass needle to the north. Scrambling noises echo from the drawing room. >w You flick the compass needle to the west. Master Bryce scrambles into the mosaic hall from the drawing room. >w You flick the compass needle to the west. Master Bryce scrambles west into the dining room. >w You flick the compass needle to the west. Something bangs against the automobile in the dining room again, more forcefully. >w You flick the compass needle to the west. Something bangs against the automobile in the dining room again, with enough force (if the sound of shattering glass is an indication) to break the windshield. >quit You step away from the compass. >w Dining Room (in shambles) To the east, you could enter the mosaic hall; to the south, the kitchen. Detective Gundersøn (momentarily removing her deerstalker cap to preserve her disguise as Countess Orlofsky) is watching Master Bryce scramble around. Rubble is heaped everywhere. The western wall is smashed, with a luxury car lodged under the debris. Its windshield is shattered, exposing a loose steering wheel. You can also see a broom and dustpan (empty). >x car It's more difficult to drive when a passenger is grappling for the steering wheel. It's more difficult to park too. Everything, including the windshield, is smashed to pieces. >attend wheel You reach through the broken windshield and gather the steering wheel with one hand. You also manage, while you're extracting it from the car, to snag the wheel on a mangled pipe, which snaps and starts leaking oil. >s Kitchen To the east, you could enter the ballroom; to the north, the dining room; and a staircase leads down into the cellar. Candles burn on the counter. The icebox is open and still works, but the other appliances have known better days. >d Cellar You could take a staircase up to the kitchen. Bottles line the walls, nestled snugly in dust-covered racks. Beside an open utility closet, a glowing candle illuminates the room. >attend wheel You set aside the steering wheel. >u Kitchen To the east, you could enter the ballroom; to the north, the dining room; and a staircase leads down into the cellar. Candles burn on the counter. The icebox is open and still works, but the other appliances have known better days. >i You're not carrying anything. >e Ballroom To the west, you could enter the kitchen; to the east, the lounge; and double-doors lead south to the garden. Dina d'Latour is standing by the piano as Tito strikes keys. Dr Malatesta has a wicker cage (containing a bat) tucked under his arm, and Baron Twombly is stroking what's left of his beard. A glowing chandelier hangs from the ceiling. Chairs are arranged for the guests to eventually sit. >e Lounge To the west, you could enter the ballroom; to the north, the drawing room. Bishop Buono is struggling with a moose head, which has tumbled from the wall and lodged itself on his own head, while Célina watches. Next to a fainting couch, some flickering candles are situated on table. >n Drawing Room To the west, you could enter the mosaic hall; to the east, the powder room (unoccupied); and to the south, the lounge. A replenished drinks cabinet dominates one corner, and a few candles are burning. You can also see a silver tray (empty), a matchbox, and a chair. >w Mosaic Hall To the north, you could enter the foyer; to the west, the dining room; to the east, the drawing room; and the grand staircase leads up to the second floor. Underfoot, the hall is patterned with a massive mosaic. In that mosaic's center stands a gilded compass on a pedestal. Candelabras flicker in the room's corners. You can also see a curtain-rod and a newspaper. >attend newspaper You gather the newspaper with one hand. >w Dining Room (in shambles) To the east, you could enter the mosaic hall; to the south, the kitchen. Detective Gundersøn is watching Master Bryce scramble around. Rubble is heaped everywhere. The western wall is smashed, with a luxury car leaking oil into the debris. You can also see a broom and dustpan (empty). >attend oil Although you succeed in mopping up some oil with the newspaper, more continues to drip from the car. Well, you can deal with this tomorrow (or the next day (or the next)) once you locate a garbage collection company with a suitable forklift. >e Mosaic Hall To the north, you could enter the foyer; to the west, the dining room; to the east, the drawing room; and the grand staircase leads up to the second floor. Underfoot, the hall is patterned with a massive mosaic. In that mosaic's center stands a gilded compass on a pedestal. Candelabras flicker in the room's corners. You can also see a curtain-rod. >e Drawing Room To the west, you could enter the mosaic hall; to the east, the powder room (unoccupied); and to the south, the lounge. A replenished drinks cabinet dominates one corner, and a few candles are burning. You can also see a silver tray (empty), a matchbox, and a chair. >s Lounge To the west, you could enter the ballroom; to the north, the drawing room. Bishop Buono is struggling with a moose head, which is stuck on his own head, while Célina watches. Next to a fainting couch, some flickering candles are situated on table. >attend moose When you wring the oil from the newspaper, the bishop yelps. Unless that was another hiccup. In any case, he's soon slathered, and the real work can begin. You grip the moose's antlers with both hands, then push against the bishop with one foot. Slowly, the moose starts to wobble, and then there's a sucking, greasy pop. Bishop Buono tumbles to the floor, and you topple backward as well, slipping on a hairball while you're still clutching the moose. "Bravo," says Célina, slowly clapping. >attend baron You can't see any such thing [or you might have misspelled a word]. >l Lounge To the west, you could enter the ballroom; to the north, the drawing room. Célina is watching Bishop Buono rub his head. A wet hairball is on the floor. Next to a fainting couch, some flickering candles are situated on table. You can also see a newspaper. >attend bishop "Now this is what I call ~hiccup~ a fundraising event!" exclaims Bishop Buono. "I can't even remember what happened. That's always ~hiccup~ a good sign. And good legal advice when the church goes to court. Perhaps I should forget a little more! Would you be so kind as to ~hiccup~ bring me another drink?" Bishop Buono: + $30 >i You're carrying a moose head in your hands. >attend moose head You set aside the moose head. >n Drawing Room To the west, you could enter the mosaic hall; to the east, the powder room (unoccupied); and to the south, the lounge. A replenished drinks cabinet dominates one corner, and a few candles are burning. You can also see a silver tray (empty), a matchbox, and a chair. >attend tray You balance the silver tray with one hand. >attend drink (the drinks cabinet) You pour a drink and place it on the silver tray. >s Lounge To the west, you could enter the ballroom; to the north, the drawing room. Célina is watching Bishop Buono rub his head. A wet hairball is on the floor. Next to a fainting couch, some flickering candles are situated on table. You can also see a moose head and a newspaper. >attend bishop "In the name of the Widows, the Orphans, and the Repentance Navy!" says Bishop Buono, taking a glass and attempting to slurp it. He has trouble, however, finding the rim, and sucks his own fingers instead. "Must've ~hiccup~ forgotten my rings tonight. Certainly don't taste any." Finally, he swallows the drink with a lip-smacking smile. "Ah, Mr Wyatt," he says, patting your cheek and burping in your face, "you truly are ~hiccup~ a gracious host. Now about that music..." The bishop toddles west into the ballroom. Bishop Buono: + $80 >x hairball Still fresh. This wasn't on the floor before, was it? >attend hairball The prospect of touching this hairball does not entice. Where did you put the New Gothenburg Post? One of its articles would provide a serviceable barrier. >attend newspaper You gather the newspaper with one hand. >attend hairball You don't have a free hand to carry this hairball. >i You're carrying a newspaper and a silver tray (empty) in your hands. >n Drawing Room To the west, you could enter the mosaic hall; to the east, the powder room (unoccupied); and to the south, the lounge. A replenished drinks cabinet dominates one corner, and a few candles are burning. You can also see a matchbox and a chair. >attend tray You set aside the silver tray (empty). >s Lounge To the west, you could enter the ballroom; to the north, the drawing room. Célina is sipping a cocktail by herself. A wet hairball is on the floor. Next to a fainting couch, some flickering candles are situated on table. You can also see a moose head. >attend hairball Ripping an article from the New Gothenburg Post to serve as a wrapper, you gather the hairball with one hand. >e You can't go that way. >n Drawing Room To the west, you could enter the mosaic hall; to the east, the powder room (unoccupied); and to the south, the lounge. A replenished drinks cabinet dominates one corner, and a few candles are burning. You can also see a silver tray (empty), a matchbox, and a chair. >e Powder Room To the west, you could enter the drawing room. All the necessary facilities are present, along with one lit candle. >e You can't go that way. >w Drawing Room To the west, you could enter the mosaic hall; to the east, the powder room (unoccupied); and to the south, the lounge. A replenished drinks cabinet dominates one corner, and a few candles are burning. You can also see a silver tray (empty), a matchbox, and a chair. > I beg your pardon? >w Mosaic Hall To the north, you could enter the foyer; to the west, the dining room; to the east, the drawing room; and the grand staircase leads up to the second floor. Underfoot, the hall is patterned with a massive mosaic. In that mosaic's center stands a gilded compass on a pedestal. Candelabras flicker in the room's corners. You can also see a curtain-rod. >w Dining Room (in shambles) To the east, you could enter the mosaic hall; to the south, the kitchen. Detective Gundersøn is watching Master Bryce scramble around. Rubble is heaped everywhere. The western wall is smashed, with a luxury car leaking oil into the debris. You can also see a broom and dustpan (empty). >attend hairball You set aside the hairball (in an article). >e Mosaic Hall To the north, you could enter the foyer; to the west, the dining room; to the east, the drawing room; and the grand staircase leads up to the second floor. Underfoot, the hall is patterned with a massive mosaic. In that mosaic's center stands a gilded compass on a pedestal. Candelabras flicker in the room's corners. You can also see a curtain-rod. >e Drawing Room To the west, you could enter the mosaic hall; to the east, the powder room (unoccupied); and to the south, the lounge. A replenished drinks cabinet dominates one corner, and a few candles are burning. You can also see a silver tray (empty), a matchbox, and a chair. >s Lounge To the west, you could enter the ballroom; to the north, the drawing room. Célina is sipping a cocktail by herself. Next to a fainting couch, some flickering candles are situated on table. You can also see a moose head. >attend head You'll need both hands free to carry this moose head. >i You're carrying a newspaper in one hand. >attend newspaper You set aside the newspaper. >attend moose You lift the moose head with both hands. >attend moose You set aside the moose head. >attend newspaper You gather the newspaper with one hand. >n Drawing Room To the west, you could enter the mosaic hall; to the east, the powder room (unoccupied); and to the south, the lounge. A replenished drinks cabinet dominates one corner, and a few candles are burning. You can also see a silver tray (empty), a matchbox, and a chair. >w Mosaic Hall To the north, you could enter the foyer; to the west, the dining room; to the east, the drawing room; and the grand staircase leads up to the second floor. Underfoot, the hall is patterned with a massive mosaic. In that mosaic's center stands a gilded compass on a pedestal. Candelabras flicker in the room's corners. You can also see a curtain-rod. >w Dining Room (in shambles) To the east, you could enter the mosaic hall; to the south, the kitchen. Detective Gundersøn is watching Master Bryce scramble around. Rubble is heaped everywhere. The western wall is smashed, with a luxury car leaking oil into the debris. You can also see a hairball (in an article) and a broom and dustpan (empty). >attend oil You mop up some more oil with the newspaper. >e Mosaic Hall To the north, you could enter the foyer; to the west, the dining room; to the east, the drawing room; and the grand staircase leads up to the second floor. Underfoot, the hall is patterned with a massive mosaic. In that mosaic's center stands a gilded compass on a pedestal. Candelabras flicker in the room's corners. You can also see a curtain-rod. >u Upstairs Corridor To the west, you could enter the study; to the east, the master's bedroom; and the grand staircase leads down to the first floor. A candle burns on a table by the staircase. >e Master's Bedroom To the west, you could enter the upstairs corridor. Emilia Ives, Miss Constance, and Miss Constance are presently occupied. Beside the bed, an unlit candle is on the windowsill. >attend ives Emilia Ives is quite vocal, to say the least, with her appreciation for the service you've rendered. You're left holding the newspaper after she wrings it out and distributes its oily contents liberally. Miss Constance and Miss Constance are appreciative too. They would appreciate it, furthermore, if you could fetch them something pronged. And the more prongs, you're led to understand, the merrier. Emilia Ives: + $20,000 >w Upstairs Corridor To the west, you could enter the study; to the east, the master's bedroom; and the grand staircase leads down to the first floor. A candle burns on a table by the staircase. >d Mosaic Hall To the north, you could enter the foyer; to the west, the dining room; to the east, the drawing room; and the grand staircase leads up to the second floor. Underfoot, the hall is patterned with a massive mosaic. In that mosaic's center stands a gilded compass on a pedestal. Candelabras flicker in the room's corners. You can also see a curtain-rod. >think At the moment, you need to: ? Deliver "something pronged" to Miss Constance and Miss Constance. ? Gather three more clues for Detective Gundersøn's investigation. ? Notify Dina d'Latour when everyone is in the ballroom. ? Locate Baron Twombly's gold pocket-watch. ? Locate Bishop Buono's ruby rings. ? Locate Dina d'Latour's diamond dragonflies. >e Drawing Room To the west, you could enter the mosaic hall; to the east, the powder room (unoccupied); and to the south, the lounge. A replenished drinks cabinet dominates one corner, and a few candles are burning. You can also see a silver tray (empty), a matchbox, and a chair. >s Lounge To the west, you could enter the ballroom; to the north, the drawing room. Célina is sipping a cocktail by herself. Next to a fainting couch, some flickering candles are situated on table. You can also see a moose head. >attend newspaper You set aside the newspaper. >attend moose head You lift the moose head with both hands. >n Drawing Room To the west, you could enter the mosaic hall; to the east, the powder room (unoccupied); and to the south, the lounge. A replenished drinks cabinet dominates one corner, and a few candles are burning. You can also see a silver tray (empty), a matchbox, and a chair. >w Mosaic Hall To the north, you could enter the foyer; to the west, the dining room; to the east, the drawing room; and the grand staircase leads up to the second floor. Underfoot, the hall is patterned with a massive mosaic. In that mosaic's center stands a gilded compass on a pedestal. Candelabras flicker in the room's corners. You can also see a curtain-rod. >u Upstairs Corridor To the west, you could enter the study; to the east, the master's bedroom; and the grand staircase leads down to the first floor. A candle burns on a table by the staircase. >e Master's Bedroom To the west, you could enter the upstairs corridor. Emilia Ives, Miss Constance, and Miss Constance are presently occupied. Beside the bed, an unlit candle is on the windowsill. >attend ives Your profound ignorance, regarding what occurs after you deliver the moose to Miss Constance (or was that Miss Constance?), is matched only by the profound approval expressed by Emilia Ives. Needless to say, you have nothing to say, because you hear nothing and witness nothing. It's amazing how little it takes to entertain some guests. Miss Constance: + $125,000 Miss Constance: + $125,000 Emilia Ives: + $75,000 >w Upstairs Corridor To the west, you could enter the study; to the east, the master's bedroom; and the grand staircase leads down to the first floor. Célina is lingering outside the study. A candle burns on a table by the staircase. >w Study To the east, you could enter the upstairs corridor. Paperwork is cluttered on the master's desk, lit by a small candle. Beside the desk, a portrait on the wall has been swung aside to expose an open vault. >x vault Inside the vault, you can see a cat's claw. >attend claw You gather the cat's claw and tuck it into your pocket. Down the corridor, someone screams in the master's bedroom. One might expect screams of a certain character from that direction, but this scream has the wrong timbre. >attend vault You close the vault and lock it. >attend portrait You swing the portrait back against the wall, concealing the vault. >e Upstairs Corridor To the west, you could enter the study; to the east, the master's bedroom; and the grand staircase leads down to the first floor. Célina is lingering outside the study. A candle burns on a table by the staircase. >attend celina "There you are," says Célina. "I was looking all over. Busy evening? I remember how these parties go. Don't you? We'd slip outside ? how did you used to put it? Between the acts. Steal a moment. Smoke a cigarette. It's ancient history now. Practically millions of years ago, when dinosaurs ruled the Earth. But I'd like another. Cigarette, I mean. I couldn't find matches. Bring some?" Célina descends the grand staircase. "I'll wait in the garden," she says over her shoulder. "Take your time. Life is too short to rush." >i You're carrying a cat's claw in your pocket. >e Master's Bedroom To the west, you could enter the upstairs corridor. Emilia Ives is panicking while Miss Constance and Miss Constance search the bed. An unlit candle is on the windowsill. >attend ives "My necklace!" screams Emilia Ives. "Where is it?" "Not here," says Miss Constance, looking under a (highly saturated) pillow. "Not here either," says Miss Constance, pulling the (newly adhesive) sheets apart. "Light! We need light!" says Miss Ives. Emilia Ives: - $10,000 >w Upstairs Corridor To the west, you could enter the study; to the east, the master's bedroom; and the grand staircase leads down to the first floor. A candle burns on a table by the staircase. >d Mosaic Hall To the north, you could enter the foyer; to the west, the dining room; to the east, the drawing room; and the grand staircase leads up to the second floor. Underfoot, the hall is patterned with a massive mosaic. In that mosaic's center stands a gilded compass on a pedestal. Candelabras flicker in the room's corners. You can also see a curtain-rod. >e Drawing Room To the west, you could enter the mosaic hall; to the east, the powder room (unoccupied); and to the south, the lounge. A replenished drinks cabinet dominates one corner, and a few candles are burning. You can also see a silver tray (empty), a matchbox, and a chair. >w Mosaic Hall To the north, you could enter the foyer; to the west, the dining room; to the east, the drawing room; and the grand staircase leads up to the second floor. Underfoot, the hall is patterned with a massive mosaic. In that mosaic's center stands a gilded compass on a pedestal. Candelabras flicker in the room's corners. You can also see a curtain-rod. >w Dining Room (in shambles) To the east, you could enter the mosaic hall; to the south, the kitchen. Detective Gundersøn is watching Master Bryce scramble around. Rubble is heaped everywhere. The western wall is smashed, with a luxury car leaking oil into the debris. You can also see a hairball (in an article) and a broom and dustpan (empty). >attend detective "I do not want an audience for our discussion," says Countess Orlofsky, looking at Master Bryce. >e Mosaic Hall To the north, you could enter the foyer; to the west, the dining room; to the east, the drawing room; and the grand staircase leads up to the second floor. Underfoot, the hall is patterned with a massive mosaic. In that mosaic's center stands a gilded compass on a pedestal. Candelabras flicker in the room's corners. You can also see a curtain-rod. >attend compass You could flick the needle north, south, west, east, or quit attending to the compass. >south You flick the compass needle to the south. Scrambling noises echo from the kitchen. >quit You step away from the compass. >w Dining Room (in shambles) To the east, you could enter the mosaic hall; to the south, the kitchen. Detective Gundersøn is waiting for clues. Rubble is heaped everywhere. The western wall is smashed, with a luxury car leaking oil into the debris. You can also see a hairball (in an article) and a broom and dustpan (empty). >attend detective Detective Gundersøn examines the cat's claw. "Highly incriminating. This didn't pop off when some innocent feline was scratching a post. I'd wager it helped our cat burglar pick a few locks. Including the lock to Mr Wyatt's vault." She confiscates the claw. "With two more pieces of strong evidence, we'll have this case in the bag." >s Kitchen To the east, you could enter the ballroom; to the north, the dining room; and a staircase leads down into the cellar. Master Bryce is scrambling around. Candles burn on the counter. The icebox is open and still works, but the other appliances have known better days. >n Dining Room (in shambles) To the east, you could enter the mosaic hall; to the south, the kitchen. Detective Gundersøn is waiting for clues. Rubble is heaped everywhere. The western wall is smashed, with a luxury car leaking oil into the debris. You can also see a hairball (in an article) and a broom and dustpan (empty). >ee [This game has a limited action system. To perform most tasks, you can simply attend to an object or a person. Type help to review other useful commands.] >e Mosaic Hall To the north, you could enter the foyer; to the west, the dining room; to the east, the drawing room; and the grand staircase leads up to the second floor. Underfoot, the hall is patterned with a massive mosaic. In that mosaic's center stands a gilded compass on a pedestal. Candelabras flicker in the room's corners. You can also see a curtain-rod. >e Drawing Room To the west, you could enter the mosaic hall; to the east, the powder room (unoccupied); and to the south, the lounge. A replenished drinks cabinet dominates one corner, and a few candles are burning. You can also see a silver tray (empty), a matchbox, and a chair. >attend matchbox You gather the matchbox and tuck it into your pocket. >w Mosaic Hall To the north, you could enter the foyer; to the west, the dining room; to the east, the drawing room; and the grand staircase leads up to the second floor. Underfoot, the hall is patterned with a massive mosaic. In that mosaic's center stands a gilded compass on a pedestal. Candelabras flicker in the room's corners. You can also see a curtain-rod. >u Upstairs Corridor To the west, you could enter the study; to the east, the master's bedroom; and the grand staircase leads down to the first floor. A candle burns on a table by the staircase. >e Master's Bedroom To the west, you could enter the upstairs corridor. Emilia Ives is panicking while Miss Constance and Miss Constance search the bed. An unlit candle is on the windowsill. >attend candle You strike a match (your second-to-last) and light the candle on the windowsill. "Finally! Now help us search the bed," says Emilia Ives. "My emeralds must be here!" >attend bed Even with the candlelight, it's shocking how little you find on the bed. The moose head, for instance? If anyone asks, it was never upstairs. And the oil? What oil? These linens are perfectly clean (compared to how the master often soils them, at least). But the emerald necklace is truly nowhere to be found. "Is that litter?" asks Emilia Ives, staring at a clump that tumbles to the floor as you shake out the sheets. "I didn't know Mr Wyatt had a cat." >x litter The less you consider this litter's composition, the better. >w Upstairs Corridor To the west, you could enter the study; to the east, the master's bedroom; and the grand staircase leads down to the first floor. A candle burns on a table by the staircase. >d Mosaic Hall To the north, you could enter the foyer; to the west, the dining room; to the east, the drawing room; and the grand staircase leads up to the second floor. Underfoot, the hall is patterned with a massive mosaic. In that mosaic's center stands a gilded compass on a pedestal. Candelabras flicker in the room's corners. You can also see a curtain-rod. >e Drawing Room To the west, you could enter the mosaic hall; to the east, the powder room (unoccupied); and to the south, the lounge. A replenished drinks cabinet dominates one corner, and a few candles are burning. You can also see a silver tray (empty) and a chair. >s Lounge To the west, you could enter the ballroom; to the north, the drawing room. Next to a fainting couch, some flickering candles are situated on table. You can also see a newspaper. >attend newspaper You gather the newspaper with one hand. >n Drawing Room To the west, you could enter the mosaic hall; to the east, the powder room (unoccupied); and to the south, the lounge. A replenished drinks cabinet dominates one corner, and a few candles are burning. You can also see a silver tray (empty) and a chair. >w Mosaic Hall To the north, you could enter the foyer; to the west, the dining room; to the east, the drawing room; and the grand staircase leads up to the second floor. Underfoot, the hall is patterned with a massive mosaic. In that mosaic's center stands a gilded compass on a pedestal. Candelabras flicker in the room's corners. You can also see a curtain-rod. >u Upstairs Corridor To the west, you could enter the study; to the east, the master's bedroom; and the grand staircase leads down to the first floor. A candle burns on a table by the staircase. >e Master's Bedroom To the west, you could enter the upstairs corridor. Emilia Ives, Miss Constance, and Miss Constance are staring at a clump of litter. A candle burns on the windowsill by the bed. >attend litter Ripping an article from the New Gothenburg Post to serve as a wrapper, you gather the clump of litter with one hand. Miss Constance holds her nose. Miss Constance gags. Emilia Ives takes the initiative to suggest a change of scenery. While they wait in the ballroom, you can keep searching. It's more hygienic downstairs, and besides, they've been gone for too long. "If you don't find my necklace before I leave tonight, it's only fair to warn you that I'll have to press charges," says Miss Ives. "I'd hate to think a servant might have stolen it." Together, the three ladies walk west to descend the grand staircase. Miss Constance: - $70,000 Miss Constance: - $70,000 Emilia Ives: - $12,000 >w Upstairs Corridor To the west, you could enter the study; to the east, the master's bedroom; and the grand staircase leads down to the first floor. A candle burns on a table by the staircase. >d Mosaic Hall To the north, you could enter the foyer; to the west, the dining room; to the east, the drawing room; and the grand staircase leads up to the second floor. Underfoot, the hall is patterned with a massive mosaic. In that mosaic's center stands a gilded compass on a pedestal. Candelabras flicker in the room's corners. You can also see a curtain-rod. >w Dining Room (in shambles) To the east, you could enter the mosaic hall; to the south, the kitchen. Detective Gundersøn is waiting for clues. Rubble is heaped everywhere. The western wall is smashed, with a luxury car leaking oil into the debris. You can also see a hairball (in an article) and a broom and dustpan (empty). >attend detective Detective Gundersøn examines the clump of litter (in an article). "Charming. And probably deadly. I'd bet my badge that it's radioactive too, just like the rat." She confiscates the litter with a grimace. "We're almost at a breakthrough. I can feel it." >attend hairball You gather the hairball (in an article) with one hand. >attend detective Detective Gundersøn examines the hairball. "Found it in the lounge, eh? Where the bishop was incapacitated? Convenient timing for my promotion. Inconvenient timing for the thief. Someone is getting sloppy. Literally." She confiscates the glob. "All the pieces are falling into place. We've gathered enough evidence, but I'll need your help later ? to make an arrest. The thief is still here. I'm going back to mingle with the other guests. In the meantime, act like normal. We don't want our quarry to get suspicious." Removing her deerstalker cap, Detective Gundersøn is once again indistinguishable from Countess Orlofsky. She walks south through the kitchen to the ballroom. >attend newspaper You set aside the newspaper. >i You're carrying a matchbox in your pocket. >think At the moment, you need to: ? Bring matches to Célina in the garden. ? Notify Dina d'Latour when everyone is in the ballroom. ? Locate Master Bryce's banknotes and dynastic jewels. ? Locate Baron Twombly's gold pocket-watch. ? Locate Emilia Ives's emerald necklace. ? Locate Bishop Buono's ruby rings. ? Locate Dina d'Latour's diamond dragonflies. >e Mosaic Hall To the north, you could enter the foyer; to the west, the dining room; to the east, the drawing room; and the grand staircase leads up to the second floor. Underfoot, the hall is patterned with a massive mosaic. In that mosaic's center stands a gilded compass on a pedestal. Candelabras flicker in the room's corners. You can also see a curtain-rod. >attend compass You could flick the needle north, south, west, east, or quit attending to the compass. >e You flick the compass needle to the east. Scrambling noises echo from the ballroom. >quit You step away from the compass. >l Mosaic Hall To the north, you could enter the foyer; to the west, the dining room; to the east, the drawing room; and the grand staircase leads up to the second floor. Underfoot, the hall is patterned with a massive mosaic. In that mosaic's center stands a gilded compass on a pedestal. Candelabras flicker in the room's corners. You can also see a curtain-rod. >e Drawing Room To the west, you could enter the mosaic hall; to the east, the powder room (unoccupied); and to the south, the lounge. A replenished drinks cabinet dominates one corner, and a few candles are burning. You can also see a silver tray (empty) and a chair. >s Lounge To the west, you could enter the ballroom; to the north, the drawing room. Next to a fainting couch, some flickering candles are situated on table. >w Ballroom To the west, you could enter the kitchen; to the east, the lounge; and double-doors lead south to the garden. Dina d'Latour is standing by the piano as Tito strikes keys. Dr Malatesta has a wicker cage (containing a bat) tucked under his arm. Miss Constance and Miss Constance are gossiping with Emilia Ives. Bishop Buono is groggily waiting for the performance to start, and Baron Twombly is stroking what's left of his beard. Countess Orlofsky remains aloof while Master Bryce scrambles around. A glowing chandelier hangs from the ceiling. Chairs are arranged for the guests to eventually sit. >attend dina "We cannot start until the entire audience is here!" says Dina d'Latour. "We are still waiting for Célina." >s Garden To the north, you could enter the ballroom. Célina is rolling a cigarette. Below the garden wall, crickets hop around the pond. >attend celina "Would you?" asks Célina, holding a cigarette to her lips. >attend cigarette You strike a match (your last) and light Célina's cigarette, discarding the empty box. "Just like old times, isn't it?" she asks, blowing smoke rings. "Us. Out here. Trying to claw back a little sanity. I don't know how you do it. The longer I stay in this house, the more I remember why I wanted to leave. But I'm glad I could see you again. Knowing you was always the best part about knowing Bryce. I only wish I'd realized that before I wasted six years of my life." Taking one more drag, she flicks the cigarette into the pond. "I shouldn't keep you. Good luck tonight. May we both live to see the morning." Célina walks north into the ballroom. >n Ballroom To the west, you could enter the kitchen; to the east, the lounge; and double-doors lead south to the garden. Dina d'Latour is standing by the piano as Tito strikes keys. Dr Malatesta has a wicker cage (containing a bat) tucked under his arm. Célina sits nearby. Miss Constance and Miss Constance are gossiping with Emilia Ives. Bishop Buono is groggily waiting for the performance to start, and Baron Twombly is stroking what's left of his beard. Countess Orlofsky remains aloof while Master Bryce scrambles around. A glowing chandelier hangs from the ceiling. Chairs are arranged for the guests to eventually sit. >attend dina "Everyone is here, but not everyone can sit," says Dina d'Latour. "What recital does not provide chairs for the whole audience? Bring another, al più presto." >e Lounge To the west, you could enter the ballroom; to the north, the drawing room. Next to a fainting couch, some flickering candles are situated on table. >n Drawing Room To the west, you could enter the mosaic hall; to the east, the powder room (unoccupied); and to the south, the lounge. A replenished drinks cabinet dominates one corner, and a few candles are burning. You can also see a silver tray (empty) and a chair. >attend chair You gather the chair with both hands. >s Lounge To the west, you could enter the ballroom; to the north, the drawing room. Next to a fainting couch, some flickering candles are situated on table. >e You can't go that way. >w Ballroom To the west, you could enter the kitchen; to the east, the lounge; and double-doors lead south to the garden. Dina d'Latour is standing by the piano as Tito strikes keys. Dr Malatesta has a wicker cage (containing a bat) tucked under his arm. Célina sits nearby. Miss Constance and Miss Constance are gossiping with Emilia Ives. Bishop Buono is groggily waiting for the performance to start, and Baron Twombly is stroking what's left of his beard. Countess Orlofsky remains aloof while Master Bryce scrambles around. A glowing chandelier hangs from the ceiling. Chairs are arranged for the guests to eventually sit. >attend chair (the chair) You place the chair back with the others, completing the seating arrangement once again. >attend dina Everyone settles into their seats. With the master in no fit state to address the room, you humbly take it upon yourself to introduce the great soprano; and the great soprano takes it upon herself to introduce Die Fledermaus, a charming little operetta by Johann Strauss II (and a perennial favorite of the master's dearly departed mother), from which she'll perform a selection. "For the widows and orphans, I will sing tonight!" continues Dina d'Latour. She nudges her husband. He begins to play. Music fills the manor, swelling softly, growing stronger. Mrs d'Latour takes a deep breath ? and then she sings. If her voice were less tectonic, the master's squeals of agony might detract from the aria. Dina and Tito d'Latour: + $7,000 >attend bryce Master Bryce squirms and covers his ears. You discreetly tighten his harness. He snarls. He spits. He even bites. But you fasten the emergency buckle. "I've never seen anyone so passionate about opera!" says Dr Malatesta. "Clearly you have not been to Bayreuth," Countess Orlofsky retorts. Dina's voice soars to a higher pitch. Windowpanes vibrate, wine-glasses shake, and the master's spectacles suddenly crack. Blinded by the candlelight, he scrambles to hide under his chair. Dr Malatesta: + $15,000 Countess Orlofsky: + $0 >attend bryce You try to coax Master Bryce out, but he crawls under Bishop Buono's chair instead. Now that his spectacles are broken, the candlelight is too bright for him to bear. "Best seats in the house, eh?" asks the baron, nudging Emilia Ives. >think At the moment, you need to: ? Darken the ballroom to placate Master Bryce. ? Locate Master Bryce's banknotes and dynastic jewels. ? Locate Baron Twombly's gold pocket-watch. ? Locate Emilia Ives's emerald necklace. ? Locate Bishop Buono's ruby rings. ? Locate Dina d'Latour's diamond dragonflies. >w Kitchen To the east, you could enter the ballroom; to the north, the dining room; and a staircase leads down into the cellar. Candles burn on the counter. The icebox is open and still works, but the other appliances have known better days. >d Cellar You could take a staircase up to the kitchen. Bottles line the walls, nestled snugly in dust-covered racks. Beside an open utility closet, a glowing candle illuminates the room. You can also see a steering wheel. >attend wheel You gather the steering wheel with one hand. >x closet Inside the utility closet, you can see a broken rod and a fusebox. >attend rod This steering wheel might not have been designed as a replacement crank, but when you slot it onto the rod, it fits exceptionally well (after you jam it into place). >attend wheel This whole arrangement is rather rickety, but you manage to turn the steering wheel without your jury-rigged system popping apart (although the screaming metal doesn't inspire confidence). After you've turned it completely forward, the wheel locks into place. >attend wheel You turn the steering wheel back in the other direction. Not only does your jury-rigged system clank and clatter, but you're also hoisting an enormous weight. Nevertheless, you persist (as always). After you've turned it completely forward, the wheel locks into place. >attend wheel This whole arrangement is rather rickety, but you manage to turn the steering wheel without your jury-rigged system popping apart (although the screaming metal doesn't inspire confidence). After you've turned it completely forward, the wheel locks into place. >u Kitchen To the east, you could enter the ballroom; to the north, the dining room; and a staircase leads down into the cellar. Candles burn on the counter. The icebox is open and still works, but the other appliances have known better days. >e Ballroom To the west, you could enter the kitchen; to the east, the drawing room; and double-doors lead south to the garden. Dina d'Latour is singing while Tito d'Latour plays the piano. Bishop Buono, Miss Constance, Miss Constance, Emilia Ives, Baron Twombly, Célina, Dr Malatesta (holding a wicker cage (containing a bat)), and Countess Orlofsky are seated nearby to listen. Master Bryce is hiding under a chair. A glowing chandelier has been lowered closer to the floor. Dina d'Latour hits a high note, prompting the chandelier to shake. >attend chandelier One by one, you snuff the candles on the chandelier. Only the moonlight, pouring through the double-doors from the garden, remains to illuminate the room. "How romantic," sighs Miss Constance, and Miss Constance touches her heart. Master Bryce crawls out from under the chair. He starts to nibble the newly-snuffed candles, still occasionally squealing whenever Dina d'Latour hits a high note. Miss Constance: + $90,000 Miss Constance: + $90,000 >attend bryce Still hungry after raiding the icebox earlier, the master has evidently determined to add non-drip wax to his diet. He nibbles the candles and scrambles around the chandelier to evade you. "Breathtaking," says Miss Constance, and Miss Constance dabs an eye. >think At the moment, you need to: ? Raise the chandelier again. ? Locate Master Bryce's banknotes and dynastic jewels. ? Locate Baron Twombly's gold pocket-watch. ? Locate Emilia Ives's emerald necklace. ? Locate Bishop Buono's ruby rings. ? Locate Dina d'Latour's diamond dragonflies. >e Lounge To the west, you could enter the ballroom; to the north, the drawing room. Next to a fainting couch, some flickering candles are situated on table. >w Ballroom To the west, you could enter the kitchen; to the east, the drawing room; and double-doors lead south to the garden. Dina d'Latour is singing while Tito d'Latour plays the piano. Bishop Buono, Miss Constance, Miss Constance, Emilia Ives, Baron Twombly, Célina, Dr Malatesta (holding a wicker cage (containing a bat)), and Countess Orlofsky are seated nearby to listen. Master Bryce is circling the unlit chandelier, which has been lowered closer to the floor. Tito d'Latour 'tickles the ivories' (in the common parlance). >w Kitchen To the east, you could enter the ballroom; to the north, the dining room; and a staircase leads down into the cellar. Candles burn on the counter. The icebox is open and still works, but the other appliances have known better days. >d Cellar You could take a staircase up to the kitchen. Bottles line the walls, nestled snugly in dust-covered racks. Beside an open utility closet, a glowing candle illuminates the room. >attend wheel You turn the steering wheel, straining with all of your (dwindling) strength to hoist the chandelier. Bolts pop. Metal bends. You grit your teeth and twist harder. Finally, the mechanism locks into place, and your jury-rigged system jams with a disconcerting Clang! >u Kitchen To the east, you could enter the ballroom; to the north, the dining room; and a staircase leads down into the cellar. Candles burn on the counter. The icebox is open and still works, but the other appliances have known better days. >e Ballroom To the west, you could enter the kitchen; to the east, the drawing room; and double-doors lead south to the garden. Dina d'Latour is singing while Tito d'Latour plays the piano. Bishop Buono, Miss Constance, Miss Constance, Emilia Ives, Baron Twombly, Célina, Dr Malatesta (holding a wicker cage (containing a bat)), and Countess Orlofsky are seated nearby to listen. Master Bryce dangles from the unlit chandelier. >attend bryce Merciful heavens! Master Bryce is suspended above the guests. His harness must be tangled on the chandelier! He's flapping his arms, but nobody notices in the dark. You'll have to get him down before? No, it's too late! His trousers are already starting to leak! He always gets the urge, nowadays, when he's elevated. Sticky droplets trickle onto unsuspecting heads. Forbidden liqueurs plop into cocktail glasses. Bishop Buono swirls one, takes a sip, and smacks his lips. "Divine!" the bishop proclaims. "And I would know!" Bishop Buono: + $400 >think At the moment, you need to: ? Get Master Bryce down from the chandelier. ? Locate Master Bryce's banknotes and dynastic jewels. ? Locate Baron Twombly's gold pocket-watch. ? Locate Emilia Ives's emerald necklace. ? Locate Bishop Buono's ruby rings. ? Locate Dina d'Latour's diamond dragonflies. "Stop squeaking," says Dr Malatesta, shushing the bat in the wicker cage. >e Lounge To the west, you could enter the ballroom; to the north, the drawing room. Next to a fainting couch, some flickering candles are situated on table. >w Ballroom To the west, you could enter the kitchen; to the east, the drawing room; and double-doors lead south to the garden. Dina d'Latour is singing while Tito d'Latour plays the piano. Bishop Buono, Miss Constance, Miss Constance, Emilia Ives, Baron Twombly, Célina, Dr Malatesta (holding a wicker cage (containing a bat)), and Countess Orlofsky are seated nearby to listen. Master Bryce dangles from the unlit chandelier. >w Kitchen To the east, you could enter the ballroom; to the north, the dining room; and a staircase leads down into the cellar. Candles burn on the counter. The icebox is open and still works, but the other appliances have known better days. >d Cellar You could take a staircase up to the kitchen. Bottles line the walls, nestled snugly in dust-covered racks. Beside an open utility closet, a glowing candle illuminates the room. >attend wheel No matter how hard you twist the steering wheel, it doesn't budge. >u Kitchen To the east, you could enter the ballroom; to the north, the dining room; and a staircase leads down into the cellar. Candles burn on the counter. The icebox is open and still works, but the other appliances have known better days. >e Ballroom To the west, you could enter the kitchen; to the east, the drawing room; and double-doors lead south to the garden. Dina d'Latour is singing while Tito d'Latour plays the piano. Bishop Buono, Miss Constance, Miss Constance, Emilia Ives, Baron Twombly, Célina, Dr Malatesta (holding a wicker cage (containing a bat)), and Countess Orlofsky are seated nearby to listen. Master Bryce dangles from the unlit chandelier. Cocktail glasses vibrate as Dina d'Latour's pitch climbs higher. >attend chair Now that Dina d'Latour is performing, you shouldn't disturb the seating arrangement. >e Lounge To the west, you could enter the ballroom; to the north, the drawing room. Next to a fainting couch, some flickering candles are situated on table. >n Drawing Room To the west, you could enter the mosaic hall; to the east, the powder room (unoccupied); and to the south, the lounge. A replenished drinks cabinet dominates one corner, and a few candles are burning. You can also see a silver tray (empty). >w Mosaic Hall To the north, you could enter the foyer; to the west, the dining room; to the east, the drawing room; and the grand staircase leads up to the second floor. Underfoot, the hall is patterned with a massive mosaic. In that mosaic's center stands a gilded compass on a pedestal. Candelabras flicker in the room's corners. You can also see a curtain-rod. >attend compass Now that Dina d'Latour is performing, it would be unconscionably rude for the master to leave the ballroom. >attend curtain rod You gather the curtain-rod with both hands. >e Drawing Room To the west, you could enter the mosaic hall; to the east, the powder room (unoccupied); and to the south, the lounge. A replenished drinks cabinet dominates one corner, and a few candles are burning. You can also see a silver tray (empty). >s Lounge To the west, you could enter the ballroom; to the north, the drawing room. Next to a fainting couch, some flickering candles are situated on table. >w Ballroom To the west, you could enter the kitchen; to the east, the drawing room; and double-doors lead south to the garden. Dina d'Latour is singing while Tito d'Latour plays the piano. Bishop Buono, Miss Constance, Miss Constance, Emilia Ives, Baron Twombly, Célina, Dr Malatesta (holding a wicker cage (containing a bat)), and Countess Orlofsky are seated nearby to listen. Master Bryce dangles from the unlit chandelier. "Is that transcendence I finally feel?" asks Countess Orlofsky. "Nein." >attend bryce You jab the curtain-rod overhead. Master Bryce flaps his arms desperately, trying to flutter away, but you prod his harness. The straps strain. The chandelier sways. He's almost loose ? but wait! There's nothing to cushion his fall. Only the merciless marble floor. >think At the moment, you need to: ? Get Master Bryce down from the chandelier. ? Locate Master Bryce's banknotes and dynastic jewels. ? Locate Baron Twombly's gold pocket-watch. ? Locate Emilia Ives's emerald necklace. ? Locate Bishop Buono's ruby rings. ? Locate Dina d'Latour's diamond dragonflies. Emilia Ives rubs her bare throat, preoccupied by her missing necklace. >attend bryce Before you unhook Master Bryce, you'll need something to cushion his fall. >e Lounge To the west, you could enter the ballroom; to the north, the drawing room. Next to a fainting couch, some flickering candles are situated on table. >n Drawing Room To the west, you could enter the mosaic hall; to the east, the powder room (unoccupied); and to the south, the lounge. A replenished drinks cabinet dominates one corner, and a few candles are burning. You can also see a silver tray (empty). >s Lounge To the west, you could enter the ballroom; to the north, the drawing room. Next to a fainting couch, some flickering candles are situated on table. >attend couch The pillows on this fainting couch aren't nearly expansive enough to cushion the master's fall. You'll need something king-sized. >n Drawing Room To the west, you could enter the mosaic hall; to the east, the powder room (unoccupied); and to the south, the lounge. A replenished drinks cabinet dominates one corner, and a few candles are burning. You can also see a silver tray (empty). >w Mosaic Hall To the north, you could enter the foyer; to the west, the dining room; to the east, the drawing room; and the grand staircase leads up to the second floor. Underfoot, the hall is patterned with a massive mosaic. In that mosaic's center stands a gilded compass on a pedestal. Candelabras flicker in the room's corners. >e Drawing Room To the west, you could enter the mosaic hall; to the east, the powder room (unoccupied); and to the south, the lounge. A replenished drinks cabinet dominates one corner, and a few candles are burning. You can also see a silver tray (empty). >attend curtain rod You set aside the curtain-rod. >w Mosaic Hall To the north, you could enter the foyer; to the west, the dining room; to the east, the drawing room; and the grand staircase leads up to the second floor. Underfoot, the hall is patterned with a massive mosaic. In that mosaic's center stands a gilded compass on a pedestal. Candelabras flicker in the room's corners. >u Upstairs Corridor To the west, you could enter the study; to the east, the master's bedroom; and the grand staircase leads down to the first floor. A candle burns on a table by the staircase. >e Master's Bedroom To the west, you could enter the upstairs corridor. A candle burns on the windowsill by the bed. >x bed A king-sized bed, of course. With his revolving door of paramours, Master Bryce puts every inch of this mattress to use. >attend bed You grip the mattress with both hands and drag it onto the floor. Your spine was never meant to twist this way. Sweat rolls down your forehead. Your pulse pounds. The mattress resists you at every step, flopping awkwardly and getting caught on furniture, but you continue to haul it along. >w Upstairs Corridor To the west, you could enter the study; to the east, the master's bedroom; and the grand staircase leads down to the first floor. A candle burns on a table by the staircase. Gritting your teeth, you continue to pull the mattress. >d Mosaic Hall To the north, you could enter the foyer; to the west, the dining room; to the east, the drawing room; and the grand staircase leads up to the second floor. Underfoot, the hall is patterned with a massive mosaic. In that mosaic's center stands a gilded compass on a pedestal. Candelabras flicker in the room's corners. What did those ladies do to this mattress? The odor stings your sinuses! >e Drawing Room To the west, you could enter the mosaic hall; to the east, the powder room (unoccupied); and to the south, the lounge. A replenished drinks cabinet dominates one corner, and a few candles are burning. You can also see a curtain-rod and a silver tray (empty). You struggle to maneuver the mattress around a corner. >s Lounge To the west, you could enter the ballroom; to the north, the drawing room. Next to a fainting couch, some flickering candles are situated on table. Leaning against the mattress, you shove it through a doorway. >w Ballroom To the west, you could enter the kitchen; to the east, the drawing room; and double-doors lead south to the garden. Dina d'Latour is singing while Tito d'Latour plays the piano. Bishop Buono, Miss Constance, Miss Constance, Emilia Ives, Baron Twombly, Célina, Dr Malatesta (holding a wicker cage (containing a bat)), and Countess Orlofsky are seated nearby to listen. Master Bryce dangles from the unlit chandelier. Bishop Buono's head nods, then he jerks back upright. "I'm awake!" >attend bed You drop the mattress on the floor beneath the chandelier. >e Lounge To the west, you could enter the ballroom; to the north, the drawing room. Next to a fainting couch, some flickering candles are situated on table. >n Drawing Room To the west, you could enter the mosaic hall; to the east, the powder room (unoccupied); and to the south, the lounge. A replenished drinks cabinet dominates one corner, and a few candles are burning. You can also see a curtain-rod and a silver tray (empty). >attend curtain rod You gather the curtain-rod with both hands. >s Lounge To the west, you could enter the ballroom; to the north, the drawing room. Next to a fainting couch, some flickering candles are situated on table. >w Ballroom To the west, you could enter the kitchen; to the east, the drawing room; and double-doors lead south to the garden. Dina d'Latour is singing while Tito d'Latour plays the piano. Bishop Buono, Miss Constance, Miss Constance, Emilia Ives, Baron Twombly, Célina, Dr Malatesta (holding a wicker cage (containing a bat)), and Countess Orlofsky are seated nearby to listen. Master Bryce dangles from the unlit chandelier above a mattress. Miss Constance and Miss Constance lean forward, spellbound. >attend bryce Just as Dina d'Latour hits another high note, you snag the master's harness. Straps break, buttons ricochet, but the emergency buckle! It's still caught when Master Bryce comes down ? and brings the chandelier with him. What a crash! What a tangle of twisted metal! Emilia Ives screams. Bishop Buono hiccups. Baron Twombly dodges falling plaster, and Célina topples from her chair, spilling valuables across the floor: ruby rings, diamond dragonflies, an emerald necklace, dynastic jewels, banknotes, a gold pocket-watch, and impeccable ivory dentures. "Are those...?" asks Dr Malatesta, probing his naked gums. "My teeth!" Célina scoops up the loot again with a hiss. She arches her back, leaps onto the toppled chandelier, then climbs the chain (still dangling overhead) through the newly-made rift in the ceiling. Right behind her, Master Bryce follows. [Please press any key to continue.] (scene change) Excerpted from the New Gothenburg Post: ...latest string of burglaries, suggesting the work of a single culprit. Even the world's greatest acrobats, however, would struggle to replicate certain feats of athleticism displayed by the perpetrator, whose modes of ingress and egress require a literally-feline flexibility... [Please press any key to continue.] "What are you waiting for?" shouts Countess Orlofsky; or rather, Detective Gundersøn. "It's not too late! They're still on the roof! Can't you get up there? We have to stop them! Take the compass. I know it's attuned. I'll guard the perimeter. Don't let the thief get away!" Mosaic Hall To the north, you could enter the foyer; to the west, the dining room; to the east, the drawing room; and the grand staircase leads up to the second floor. Detective Gundersøn is loading a pistol. Underfoot, the hall is patterned with a massive mosaic. In that mosaic's center stands a gilded compass on a pedestal. Candelabras flicker in the room's corners. >think At the moment, you need to: ? Use the magnetic compass to stop Célina. Somewhere from the south, coloratura wails carry through the manor. >attend compass Desperate times call for desperate measures. You wrench the compass from the pedestal, defacing the family crest. Standing here and guessing the master's location is a luxury you can no longer afford, but now you can carry the compass upstairs. If you climb through his bedroom window, you should be able to reach the roof. "Will someone put a cork in that soprano?" the baron's voice bellows. >u Upstairs Corridor To the west, you could enter the study; to the east, the master's bedroom; and the grand staircase leads down to the first floor. A candle burns on a table by the staircase. "A real robbery! How exciting!" two voices cry in perfect unison. >e Master's Bedroom To the west, you could enter the upstairs corridor. A candle burns on the windowsill. Sounds of breaking glass and splintering wood echo from the first floor. >out Outside the bedroom window, the roof slopes away amongst gables, turrets, gargoyles, and drainage-pipes. There's a new cavity where the ballroom ceiling collapsed, providing Célina and Master Bryce with their exit. You pry open the window and step outside (cautiously) onto a ledge. From this height, you can see everything. Sparks leap and crackle from the compass in your hand. [Please press any key to continue.] ACT II.2 Excerpted from the New Gothenburg Post: ...rats, cats, and bats amongst the escaped specimens. Report any sightings to the New Gothenburg Animal Control Center immediately. Avoid physical contact. Thought to be highly contagious, exposure may lead to symptoms ranging from temporary psychosis to permanent... [Please press any key to continue.] You can't climb across these rooftops yourself. They're far too treacherous. But as you watch Master Bryce and Célina scramble between chimneys, you attend to the compass. Perhaps if you move him to knock obstacles into her path, you can put a stop to this pursuit. With rust-eaten weathercocks and gutters to the west and east, the architecture would crumble easily. The Rooftops of Wyatt Manor You can flick the needle north, south, west, or east. Master Bryce gleefully flaps his arms. >w You flick the compass needle to the west. Master Bryce lunges westward with a delighted chirp. Célina licks her hand and rubs her face. >w You flick the compass needle to the west. Master Bryce swerves westward, grabbing a gutter to stop himself from tumbling into the garden (although it's disconcerting to see how much the gutter bends). Célina hurries to the east. >e You flick the compass needle to the east. Master Bryce flaps his arms as he hops eastward. Célina clambers south toward the eaves ? but a bullet zips past her head! (Detective Gundersøn evidently has a clear line-of-sight from the the ground below.) She snarls and draws back to the east. "What do you think you're doing, Bryce?" she asks. "Are you thinking at all?" >s You flick the compass needle to the south. Master Bryce skitters southward, skirting the eaves. He still has enough sense to stop before taking a plunge. Célina prowls past the master to the west. Leaping onto the eaves from the garden wall, a black cat prowls across the roof. >w You flick the compass needle to the west. Master Bryce lunges westward with a delighted chirp. Célina grabs a gutter to climb away from the master ? but a gunshot rings out! She releases her grip, leaping east. >e You flick the compass needle to the east. Master Bryce flaps his arms as he hops eastward. Célina prowls past the master to the west. "How many times do I have to say it?" she asks. "This relationship is over. Stop trying to catch me, Bryce!" >w You flick the compass needle to the west. Master Bryce lunges westward with a delighted chirp. Célina stalks eastward, slipping past the master. The black cat hisses and swipes a claw at Master Bryce. You'll never corner Célina just by chasing her in circles. There's too much open space! If you slam the master into the architecture along the roof's western and eastern edges, however, he might knock a few obstacles into her path. >w You flick the compass needle to the west. Master Bryce grabs the gutter again as he tumbles westward. Drainage-pipes strain and break away from the manor. They drench the master with brackish water. He splutters back to the east. That's it! With enough wreckage, Célina might trip and lose her balance. Perhaps the master should test the structural integrity of the chimney to the northwest or the trellis to the northeast... Célina hurries past the master to the east. >nw You could flick the needle north, south, west, or east. Célina climbs to the north. "Some plutocrats just can't handle rejection," she says. A couple of bats glide through the night sky overhead. >n You flick the compass needle to the north. Master Bryce flaps his arms, careening northward. Célina prowls around a gargoyle ? but a bullet ricochets off the stone! She dives for cover to the west. Running toward Célina, the black cat leaps into her arms. "Let's blow this joint," she tells the cat, helping it crawl onto her shoulder for a perch. >n You flick the compass needle to the north. Master Bryce scrambles northward ? and almost collides with you! Célina scurries away from the master to the east. >e You flick the compass needle to the east. Master Bryce drools and dashes eastward. Célina slinks to the west to evade the master. "We'll always have the Fromagebleau," she says, "but the past is the past." >e You flick the compass needle to the east. Master Bryce smashes into a great stone bat. It wobbles with alarming freedom on its pedestal. Célina scampers to the west. >e You flick the compass needle to the east. Master Bryce smashes into the gargoyle again. With its massive marble wings, it's rather top-heavy. It topples. It shatters. Chunks threaten to crush the master, but he dodges westward. What else needs renovation? There must be more features to destabilize... Célina slinks around a weathercock ? but a bullet ricochets off the metal! She ducks her head and crawls east. >w You flick the compass needle to the west. Master Bryce pants, tongue lolling, as he rushes westward. Célina scampers to the south. "Give up, Bryce," she says. "Don't make me regret coming to this party." A bat suddenly smacks your face! You brush it away, but more flock overhead. >w You flick the compass needle to the west. Master Bryce reels westward, hitting a gigantic weathercock shaped like a bat. It spins around and around, repeatedly slapping his face with its rusted wings. Célina recoils from the broken drainage-pipe to the west, darting north to avoid the water. >w You flick the compass needle to the west. Master Bryce smacks the weathercock again. The weathercock spins back around and smacks him. He shrieks. The weathercock squeaks horribly as it snaps, and the master scampers eastward through a shower of rusty debris. Célina tries to scurry away from the master to the west, but she stumbles on the twisted weathercock. >n You flick the compass needle to the north. Master Bryce practically smacks into you, flailing his arms and wailing. Célina tries to scurry away from the master to the east, but she trips on the broken gargoyle. "It's all about possession with you, isn't it?" she asks. "Everything has to be yours. Even other people." More and more bats are flocking in the sky above Wyatt Manor. Whenever you flick the compass, their swarm churns in the same direction. >n You flick the compass needle to the north. Master Bryce slams into you headfirst. You land together in a heap, struggling not to drop the compass. Célina tries to scurry away from the master to the west, but she stumbles on the twisted weathercock. >s You flick the compass needle to the south. Master Bryce slides southward down the shingles. Célina tries to scamper to the east, but she trips on the broken gargoyle. >s You flick the compass needle to the south. Master Bryce teeters at the eaves again, waving his arms wildly for balance. Célina tries to scamper to the west, but she stumbles on the twisted weathercock. >s You flick the compass needle to the south. Master Bryce braces himself against the eaves. Loose shingles slide over the edge. Célina scampers to the south. "You'll never convince me to stick around with that attitude," she says. >w You flick the compass needle to the west. Master Bryce starts to inch westward, but it's too slippery for him to find footing. Célina leaps past the master toward the eaves ? but a gunshot rings out! She dodges away to the north. >w You flick the compass needle to the west. Master Bryce can't find footing amongst the collapsed gutters. Célina scampers to the south. >n You flick the compass needle to the north. Master Bryce flaps his arms, careening northward. Célina recoils from the broken drainage-pipe to the west, darting north to avoid the water. >w You flick the compass needle to the west. Master Bryce starts to move west, but he stumbles on rusty debris. Célina tries to scurry away from the master to the east, but she trips on the broken gargoyle. >w You flick the compass needle to the west. Master Bryce stumbles on rusty debris. Célina tries to scurry away from the master to the west, but she stumbles on the twisted weathercock. "You really know how to charm a lady, don't you, Bryce?" she asks. >n You flick the compass needle to the north. Master Bryce writhes and thrashes in disagreeable proximity to your person. Célina scurries away from the master to the south. >w You flick the compass needle to the west. Master Bryce stumbles on rusty debris. Célina recoils from the broken drainage-pipe to the west, darting north to avoid the water. >w You flick the compass needle to the west. Master Bryce stumbles on rusty debris. Célina scurries away from the master to the south. >e You flick the compass needle to the east. Master Bryce starts to move east, but he can't maneuver around the shattered gargoyle. Célina hurries to the east "Learn to take 'no' as an answer for once in your life," she says. >e You flick the compass needle to the east. Master Bryce can't maneuver around the shattered gargoyle. Célina slides to the west. >s You flick the compass needle to the south. Master Bryce slides southward down the shingles. Célina darts around the master to the north. >e You flick the compass needle to the east. Master Bryce twirls eastward like a (frightfully competent) ballet dancer. Célina tries to scamper to the east, but she trips on the broken gargoyle. "I never meant to hurt you, Bryce," she says. "Not physically." >e You flick the compass needle to the east. Master Bryce charges eastward only to find himself wrapped in his family crest. Emblazoned on a flag, the emblematic bat flutters into his face. He battles to disengage himself. Célina tries to scamper to the west, but she stumbles on the twisted weathercock. >e You flick the compass needle to the east. Master Bryce charges back into the flag. Its billows engulf his body. He screams. He shreds colors and pennants. Tatters fly as the flagpole falls, driving him westward again. Célina tries to scamper to the west, but she stumbles on the twisted weathercock. The black cat clinging to Célina's shoulder takes a swipe at the fluttering bats. >e You flick the compass needle to the east. Master Bryce starts to crawl east, but he stumbles on the fallen flagpole. Célina tries to scamper to the east, but she trips on the broken gargoyle. "We can do this all night," she says. "I'm just getting warmed up!" You can't see the sky. There are too many bats! They circle around Master Bryce. He flaps his arms, leaping and smiling ecstatically. >e You flick the compass needle to the east. Master Bryce stumbles on the fallen flagpole. Célina curses, swatting bats away. >attend flagpole Concentrate! You're currently attending to the compass. Let nothing divide your attention until you've captured Célina. You can flick the needle north, south, west, or east. Célina can't find a path through the debris. >e You flick the compass needle to the east. Master Bryce stumbles on the fallen flagpole. Célina curses, swatting bats away. >n You flick the compass needle to the north. Master Bryce flaps his arms, careening northward. Célina turns east, but the shattered gargoyle blocks her path. She turns west, but trips on the twisted weathercock. She turns south ? and slams into Master Bryce. He emits a high-pitched squeak. She caterwauls. They both tumble (inevitably) in your direction. Then you're tangled together, rolling down the roof, surrounded by fluttering bats and banknotes. Emeralds fly loose. Rubies bounce and scatter. Ivory teeth ping the shingles. You go over the eaves, and a gunshot rings out? [Please press any key to continue.] ? Epilogue ? Excerpted from the New Gothenburg Post: ...still at large. Mr Wyatt, thankfully, sustained no injuries, but his valet... [Please press any key to continue.] Célina is gone when you regain consciousness, of course. (Master Bryce can never hold her down for very long.) Detective Gundersøn is gone too: over the garden wall, after the cat burglar, still chasing her next promotion. But the master is right here. He's lecturing you. The fall must have knocked some sense back into him. Garden To the north, you could enter the ballroom. Dina and Tito d'Latour, Miss Constance, Miss Constance, Emilia Ives, and Baron Twombly are peering outside through the open doorway. (Somewhere inside, Bishop Buono is snoring again.) Dr Malatesta kneels at your side, checking your pulse. Master Bryce is lecturing you. Below the garden wall, crickets hop around the pond. >attend bryce "Steady!" says Dr Malatesta. "Don't strain yourself. Can you move your fingers? Try flicking that compass needle again." >think At the moment, you need to: ? Flick the compass needle to regain your coordination. >south Even now, you're clenching the compass. As you lie on the ground, recovering your breath (and reviewing the course of your life up to this point), you idly flick the needle to the south. Despite the embedded bullet, it still spins. "...not a single hors d'oeuvre in the icebox!" the master is saying. His head jerks to the south, but he doesn't go anywhere. He shrugs off the sensation and stares down at you. "Did you really fire Louis? I can't believe it. We'll have to order take-out!" >attend bryce "Just try to stay calm," says Dr Malatesta. "Keep moving your fingers." >w You flick the compass needle to the west. Master Bryce flinches but still doesn't go anywhere. "At least this evening wasn't a total waste. The Widows & Orphans Fund is a dependable tax break. We'll write off the donations. Who owns the Repentance Navy, anyway?" He smacks his forehead. "That's right. Wyatt Industries. I do." Master Bryce: + $99,000,000 >e You flick the compass needle to the east. "What are you doing with that compass?" asks the master, completely unmoved. "It belongs in the hall. Everything is a mess! You have a lot to clean up. Get to work ? and get me a drink." "Might I have another glass too?" asks Dina d'Latour, fanning herself. "This has been such a night!" "And one for me," says Miss Constance. "And one for me," says Miss Constance. "Yes," says Baron Twombly. "Drinks all around!" "Finally, darling, a good idea," says Emilia Ives, kissing his (stubbly) cheek. >quit You set aside the compass. You stagger to your feet. You brush past Dr Malatesta, elbow around Baron Twombly and Emilia Ives, squeeze between Miss Constance and Miss Constance, and march away from Dina and Tito d'Latour through the ballroom. Master Bryce is calling after you, demanding an explanation. He wants to know so many things ? where you're going, what you're thinking, how you can dare to show such disrespect ? and you could give him so many answers. You have enough unspoken words, bottled over a lifetime in his service, to fill memoirs, police reports, and newspapers beyond number. You could pop state secrets like champagne, uncork scandals distilled for decades, and serve radioactive gossip. You could shake the city. You could shake the stock market. Maybe you will. But as you bypass the wrecked chandelier, the overturned chairs, the bishop asleep on the soiled mattress, you bite your tongue just a little longer. If the master wants anything else from you tonight, he'll have to settle for two words. *** "I quit." *** Would you like to RESTART, RESTORE a saved game, or view the CREDITS? >