The letter X contains, within its simple shape, multitudes, for it stands for much in the mathematical arts - and sometimes, indeed, X marks the spot.

But could it stand for more? Could it have a darker meaning?

The Unknown Quantity by E. R. Punshon was first published in 1916 and is, like all our tales, a product of its time. For show notes, content warnings, and the full text of the tale, visit SamanthaScathe.com

Now we turn to a world of blood and mathematics....

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