E Phillips Oppenheim was a British writer known for his thriller novels. He is credited with writing over 100 novels including suspense, international intrigue, romance, parables, and comedies. His protagonists are known for their love of luxury, gourmet meals, and their enjoyment of criminal activities. The Yellow Crayon was written in 1903. The order of the Yellow Crayon was a secret society composed of nobles. It began as a united front against socialists and anarchists. Members must obey any order written in yellow. When the story begins the head of the order is a scoundrel who is using his power for his own means.