The setting for The Great Train Robbery was Victorian England during the middle of the nineteenth century. It was very similar to the setting of The Count of Monte Cristo, except for not taking place in France. Michael Crichton researched the time period very well. He makes the reader feel like they are living in England during that time.
The main character's name is Edward Pierce. He is a mysterious gentleman. No one knows anything about his past. Most people assume that he has just inherited a large fortune. No one would assume that he is a master cracksman about to attempt an unthinkable crime.
The crime is stealing gold bullion from a train. Once a month a large bank in London transfers ₤12,000 of gold to a branch in France. The gold goes by train and steamboat. The gold is transferred from the bank to the railway station by an arm
They were not at all suspected. They had gotten away with the gold. After the investigations had settled down, Agar's mistress told the authorities. Agar told them that Pierce was the mastermind. He was arrested. He didn't deny stealing the gold, but he would not tell where it was. They tortured him, but he didn't give in. He kept his pride and his dignity. At his trial he was a complete gentleman as he told them everything except where Barlow and the gold were. On the last day of the trial Pierce escaped. Neither Pierce nor the gold bullion was ever seen again.
It took about one year's time from when Pierce started planning until he had the gold. First, he found a screws man named Agar. Agar was a master with keys and locks. Pierce was very cautious and didn't tell Agar the plan. Then they copied the keys.
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