A pair of priceless candlesticks, intended as a gift from Emperor Franz Josef to a ladylove in Petersburg, Russia, are shown by the Emperor's emissary to both a revolutionary conspirator and a spy for the Tsar of Russia. Each candlestick has a secret compartment and each ends up with a secret message from the respective factions. (Not really a spoiler; in my edition that much information and more is in the blurb on the back cover.) The fun starts when the candlesticks are stolen, sold, and resold twice more! It is an amusing story and an interesting depiction of early 20th century Europe. ( )