In the style of the melodrama, Pullman has created sleazy, nasty villains and wholesome, trustworthy, kindhearted heroes and heroines. Even though Sally Lockhart is young, sensitive, and, at times, willing to let Frederick Garland take charge, she is also a resourceful, fearless, determined, and independent heroine. Frederick Garland, the photographer, and Jim Taylor, the office boy, emerge as the principal heroes to help take up Sally's quest. In the end, however, Sally must confront the villains alone. One of the villains, the mean, conniving, manipulative Mrs. Holland who lives at Hangman's Wharf, is a true scoundrel with only one thing in mind: To find the Ruby of Agrapur no matter what it takes. Another villain is the shadowy Hendrick Van Eeden who, with his many identities such as Mr. Todd and Ah Ling, is a lurking menace.

Along with the major characters of Mrs...