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James B. Duke  He is often seen in the third floor bay window to the left, but occasionally in one of the north-side bays facing the lake. All sightings in recent memory have been from outside the building. We have received numerous reports from those studying on the third floor of the faint, but persistent, smell of tobacco smoke. When the "Oversize" collection resided on the third floor, we found, fairly regularly, a large number of its volumes out on the tables and chairs in the bay, as well as on the floor, stacked open in what would suggest a sort of pattern or intentional array. Oddly, however, in each case there seemed to be little or no common subject matter, or plausible thread of interest associated with the open volumes. We have, on occasion, sought the aid of cryptographers and clairvoyants in our attempts to ascertain whether he means the arrangements to be messages to us of some sort, but to no avail. Some have suggested that Mr. Duke may not be interested in the books' printed content at all, but rather in some loose paper or object hidden in the binding. We have seen no signs, however, that J.B. has followed the "Oversize" collection to its new home on the main floor. Perhaps he has found what he was looking for, and so desists, or perhaps he is reluctant to deal with the noise and open spaces of the first floor, for now. Regardless of present inclinations, you will find an unmistakable glint of bemusement that seemingly mocks the businesslike demeanor in the portrait, a subtle communication, perhaps, that he is not done yet. |
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