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Audiobook: An Eye For An Eye – Full AudioBook
Author: William Le Queux
Genre: General Fiction, Romance, Mystery, Thriller, Suspense, Horror, and Detective Novel
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An Eye For An Eye by William Le Queux
Frank Urwin and Richard Cleugh are two bachelor journalists sharing a flat in London. One evening while chatting, Urwin receives a telegram from a police acquaintance to come to the local police station at once. Urwin visits Inspector Patterson who is greatly agitated. Patterson invites Urwin for a drink and tells him of a strange occurrence at a local house. The two visit the house where they discover a dead young male and attractive young female. For some reason, Patterson is reluctant to report the apparent murders. While at the house, the telephone rings and Urwin answers it. A strange voice asks if the deed has been done? Urwin indicates it has and agrees to meet the caller at St. James’s Park. Urwin finally convinces Patterson to report the crime and a second visit occurs with additional police. This time however, the dead female is not the same person.
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This is audiobook caboodle YouTube channel click on the Subscribe button and listen unlimited audiobooks anytime anywhere an eye for an eye by William lacue chapter 1 the mystery man hush think if you were overheard well my dear fellow I can only assert what’s true I said
I really can’t believe it observe my companion shaking his head doubtfully but I’m absolutely satisfied I answered the two Affairs mysterious as they are are more closely connected than we imagined I thought I had convinced you by my arguments a revelation will be made someday and
It will be a startling one depend upon it you’ll never convince me without absolute proof never the idea is far too hazy to be possible only a Madman could dream such a thing then I suppose I’m a mad
Man I laughed no old chap I don’t need any insult of course my friend the journalist a youngish dark-haired man hastened to assure me but the whole thing is really too extraordinary to believe we were seated together one June morning some years ago in a train on the Underground
Railway and had been discussing a very remarkable occurrence which had been discovered a few days before a discovery that was a secret between us scarcely however had he uttered his final denunciation of my theory when the train ran into the sulfurous evermirke station at Blackfriars
For the electrification of the line was not then completed and promising to continue our argument later he paid me goodbye sprang out and hastened away in the crowd of silk habit City men on their way to their offices he was rather tall aged about 30 with a well-cut clever face a complexion
Unusually dark a well-trimmed black mustache and a smart gate which gave him something of a military bearing yet his cravat was habitually tied with carelessness and he usually wore a light Overcoat except through the month of August his name was Richard clue one of the sharpest
Men in Fleet Street being special reporter of London’s most up-to-date evening paper the comet when alone I sat back in the illit railway carriage and during my short journey to Cannon Street reflected deeply the affair was as he had said absolutely bewildering indeed this chain of
Curious facts this Romance of love and devotion of guile Intrigue and of the cardinal sins which it is my intention to hear record proved one of the strangest that has ever occurred in our giant London it was an absolute mystery readers of newspapers know well the many strange stories told
In courts of Justice or on Earth by the untiring liner And the reporter who is a specialist in the discovery of crime yet when we walked streets of our Metropolis when the fevered crowd jostles in
The Mad race of Life there is more romance around us and of a character far more extraordinary than any that has ever appeared in the public Prince the secrets of London’s ever-throbbing heart and her hidden and inexplicable Mysteries which never get into the papers or Legion this is one of them
In order to understand the facts all right it is necessary to hear explain that I Frank Irwin and myself a member of that ubiquitous and much maligned profession journalism being engaged at the time of the opening of this narrative as special reporter of a highly respectable
London Daily Newspaper a journal which was so Superior that it never allowed itself to make any Sensational statement its conductors as studiously avoided sensationalism as they did libel and although we were very often in possession of startling facts and Sensational statements
Which would have sold the paper and caused it to be quoted next morning up and down the country yet we of the staff forbidden to write anything so undignified kept our information to ourselves or
As was once rumored the office boy a Thrifty youth went forth and calmly sold it to one of our more enterprising rivals hence owing to the heaviness of its articles which usually contained chunks of foreign quotations and the paucity of its news the paper was dubbed by its staff the magazine
Before being appointed to this pseudo newspaper where by the way work was light and remuneration good I had been for several years engaged upon one of the enterprising evening journals who print their specials on tinted paper and by reason of my constant investigations I had
Become well known to the police and perhaps something of a specialist in the revealing of hidden facts and the unraveling of mysteries dick clue was my most intimate friend for we shared Chambers and graze in and rather dingy and typical Bachelors Abode be it said but it had the
Advantage of being close proximity to Fleet Street and situated as we were flying all over London day after day we could not afford to live out in a peculiarly journalistic suburb of Brixton our little flat contained a very sad and shabby sitting room in which stood a couple of writing
Tables whereat we often worked joining in and re-echoing each other’s implications a couple of bedrooms and a small box room which containing a gas stove over which the diurnal chops were fried was turned by the in authorities a kitchen we however irreverently turned it the sink
Old Mrs jode a worthy old soul who lived across in federal Lane did for us and was well known as the Hag on account of her passe and extremely bizarre appearance her duties were not very onerous consisting of preparing our morning tea doing up the
Rooms cooking the Eternal chops or the Everlasting steaks at six when our respective special editions having gone to press we both returned hungry to our dens and lastly in drinking our whiskey she preferred Jin but took Whiskey In order to put us to no inconvenience clue was one of the queer
Figures in journalistic London essentially of the Bohemian type easygoing and possessive equate dry humor many were the stories told in Fleet Street of his utter disregard for the covenances shrewd witty clever well-educated he was no respecter of persons if he went forth to make
An inquiry for his journal he hesitated at nothing with a constant companionship of an extremely foul Briar pipe it was his Habit to interview people and obtain latest details of the day’s sensation without removing it from his lips and it was well known down at the Press Club that dingy
But interesting institution in one office court that on one field day at Aldershot he had actually chatted with the commander-in-chief pipe in mouth and afterwards put the conversation on the wire in the form of an interview when having nothing to do he would clean that pipe for recreation and
Such operation usually caused a rapid exit from the vicinity known to all in Fleet Street as the mystery man he was clever looking and dignified and could snuff out an uncommunicative secretary or a papa’s policeman With His Marvelous control of Expressions sarcastic without being abusive
He was undoubtedly a smart man and to be smart in journalism nowadays requires a good deal more than ordinary intelligence an ex-jesus man he had been a true blue been plowed for the Army studied medicine and traveled pretty widely until having been a brilliant failure he had drifted into
Journalism like so many other men have drifted commencing as an outside contributor or liner and eventually by then of the swiftness and marvelous tact and ability with which he got at the bottom of the inquiries he made he joined the regular staff of a popular evening sheet which by reason
Of having once tried the experiment of printing on Senate paper was known in press circles as the stinker and subsequently became chief of the reporting staff of the Comet as smart as staff as could be found in London in common with many other men in Fleet Street that never sleeping
World of tape and flimsy Dick had one failing he had a pension for the particular brand of whiskey sold at the cheese the ancient House of steak pudding Fame but he was always moderate for his great pride was that his sub-editors could place the greatest Reliance in him as indeed they could
Dick clue was certainly smart even though his hair was often unkempt and a bundle of copy paper usually poked out of the side pocket of his well-worn Overcoat over and over again had he proved himself a very brilliant Pressman and it startled London by the latest details he had
Elicited where the police had failed I had arrived at our Chambers about six after a heavy day I had visited barking in Wadsworth and had made an inquiry at Hammersmith three districts far afield from one another therefore I felt [ __ ] and hungry the hag was engaged in fizzling the
Usual daily stake in the gas fumes filling the place with a decidedly appetizing odor nevertheless between dick and I there was an arrangement that neither should eat without the other unless a telegram arrived announcing a protracted absence therefore I lit a cigarette
Cast myself into the triple rickety but very comfortable armchair and waited by the open window I was just a trifle Melancholy that evening for there had come back to me Recollections of a love Bond long since severed of a face which was once very dear to me but I was a lonely
Bachelor now all was of the past soon however as I sat thinking I saw a clue hurrying across the square his silk hat a trifle Rusty tilled at the back of his head and a few moments later he
Burst merrily into the room saying sorry to keep you so long old chap but we brought out an extra tonight there’s a bit of a row down in Parliament then calling to Mrs Jobe who was pottering in the
Sink Beyond he said come along mother look sharp with the horse flesh we sat down and commenced our meal while he overflowing with Spirits told me how he had been out on an inquiry near to the
Welsh harp spending a very pleasant afternoon there and how he meant to write it up for the mornings the old Instinct of the liner was still upon him and on his littered table he always kept
His Agate stylus and oil tissue known as flimsy his blacks and his square tin wear on to right the sub-editors of the morning papers the judges of next day’s intelligence could always rely on Dick Clue’s stuff therefore they used it and he profited at a rate of a
Penny farthing per line he was in brief purveyor of Sensations to the newspaper reading public I’m going to take a lil out tonight my companion said between mouthfuls of stake for he was ravenously hungry smart girl Lil yes I answered she’s awfully nice by jobold chat by nvu
The mystery man smiled contently with a piece of meat poised gracefully on his pork then he began humming the latest Love Song which the barrel organs had made popular beating time with his Fork at the same time placing his hand upon his heart in true operatic Style
This proceeding was however interrupted by the entrance of the hag bearing a telegram for me on opening it I found it contained only one word Cub signed by the initial p I tossed it across to my companion without comment and as I did so was surprised to notice a strange
Puzzled look upon his dark face he glanced at it then handing it back to me exclaimed wonder what’s up at Kensington something unusual or Patterson wouldn’t have wired I said he’ll go of course yes I’ll just see what it looks like and if there’s anything in it I’ll let you know
Well old wobbler he laughed if it’s a good thing leave a bit of the latest intelligence for me to pick up for my early edition tomorrow tonight I can’t disappoint Lily you know she’s
A good girl and never worries I’ll tell you all about it when I come back then you can write up something in Readiness for tomorrow if it’s a mystery my people won’t touch it you know of course he said your staff is only paid to book Pleasant the mysterious telegram had come from
The police headquarters at Kensington an early intimation that something unusual had occurred in years of reporting in London I had become friendly with many police inspectors and detectives and it long ago made arrangements with some of them whereby they would send me a Wire by day or a line
By Boy messenger at night with information of the latest sensation the reason why all were signed with initials was because such intimation was contrary to the order of the chief commissioner I therefore left dick sucking his foul Briar and taking a motor bus to Kensington entered
The police station which stands back hidden in a courtyard opposite Saint Mary Abbott’s Church in the charge room with its bare gray painted walls its steel railed dock for prisoners it’s loud ticking clock and its desk where on the oblong charge book lay open I found my old
Friend inspector Patterson in Earnest conversation with two men of the working class who spoke with a strong Cockney accent and addressed him familiarly as governor they were evidently policemen’s noses or in Criminal parlance narx good evening Mr Irwin the inspector exclaimed putting forth his big hand
He was a tall Fair mustache easy-going fellow an excellent officer tenderhearted with a deserving poor was concerned but harsh and unbending towards the habitual offender from Constable as I had first known him in the tea or Hammersmith division he had been moved to Saint Luke’s to Paddington to
Lehman Street and a Bow Street until Owen to the marks which various magistrates had made upon his charge sheets he had now at last risen to the rank of first class inspector he was discreet
In every action therefore he did not refer to the telegram he has sent me lest any of the men should overhear but when we had chatted for a few moments he whispered go over to the bar at High Street
Railway station and wait there for me I want to see you very particularly I nodded then after some further conversation I left him and wandered across to the refreshment room he had indicated end of chapter 1 record chapter 2. the penny in paper about 20 minutes elapsed before Patterson
Rejoined me but expressing a fear that we might be overheard there we went forth together and strolled along High Street until coming to a quiet turning which I think LED past the workhouse we strolled along it and there he commenced his explanation the fact is he said in a nervous hush
Voice there’s been a most extraordinary occurrence here tonight the mystery is the strangest in all my experience and I’ve made inquiries into one or two of my times you know tell me all about it I
Said my curiosity wedding I wish I could my dear fellow he answers I mean tell me all the known facts nothing is known say for the discovery he replied as soon as it became known I wired to you
When the papers get hold of it it will make the greatest sensation ever known in London well that’s saying a good deal I remarked who made the discovery I did he answered adding quickly but don’t mention me or the superintendent May suspect me of giving you information he already
Had to suspicion that I’m a bit too friendly with you gentlemen of the press a contravention of the commissioner’s orders against giving information to the papers might get me carpeted up at the yard you know and the discovery I asked impatiently what’s its nature most astounding he replied with
A bewildered look I’m a police officer or when he added Horsley and I’m not often unnerved but tonight by Joe I’m upset all together upset the whole Affair is so devilish uncanny and unnatural well tell me the story I urged if it is so strange the evening papers will have a good
Time tomorrow no no he cried in quick alarm you must publish nothing yet nothing you understand that I give you these facts only on condition that you promised not to publish anything until I give you permission you alone will know of it we must preserve the utmost secrecy not a word must leak
Out yet you understand in what an awkward position you would Place me were you to publish anything of this affair of course I promise to keep the matter a strict secret I answered there are many
Cases in which the publication of the details of a crime might defeat the efforts of the police and this I suppose to be one of them well he said I made the discovery in a most curious manner
Just before seven o’clock this evening just as it was growing dark I was returning to the station after visiting the fixed point at the corner of Earls Court Road you know the spot just opposite Holland Park I nodded I knew that particular street corner where Earl’s
Court row joined Kensington Road quite well I had previously been my usual round through Hampton Hill Road and Holland walk and was strolling back along the main Kensington Road past that Terrace of houses upper Fillmore place when my attention was suddenly arrested by seeing on the
Steps leading from the pavement up to the front garden of one of the houses a small object moving it was inside the gate and in a dim Half Light I bet to examine it what do you think it was don’t
Know I replied don’t ask riddles describe facts well it was the very last thing one would dream of finding a London doorstep a small strangely marked snake a snake I echoed you did the rest of her being found without visible means of subsistence I suppose no he answered controlling the smile which
Played about his lips but the things too serious for joking as you’ll realize when I told you all well the squirming reptile as soon as it saw me coiled itself around and with heter wrecked and swelled commenced hissing viciously I saw that there was considerable danger in a thing like that
Being at large and surmising that it had escaped from the house having been kept in captivity by somebody thought of such pets I opened the gate passed it not however without it making a dart
At me and walking up to the door rang the bell the house was in total darkness but daylight had only just faded and in many of the houses in the same Terrace the gas in the hall had not yet been lit I
Rang and rang but there was no response in a large house of that character it seemed strange that no servant was about indeed most of the houses there large roomy and old-fashioned let furnished apartments but this one seemed to be superior to its neighbors inasmuch as it has a balcony
On the first floor and the small front garden is well kept in comparison to the patches of bald weedy grass with which the others are content as I stood on the doorstep trying to arouse the inmates I watched the reptiles squirming about the paid path apparently enjoying its Liberty immensely
I placed my ear attentively at the door trying to detect some sound of movement which failed until suddenly I heard within the ringing of an electric Mel subdued by reason of the closed door it was certain that after all someone was Within was your summons answered I asked eagerly no
I rank fully a dozen times but nobody came it occurred to me that within might be an invalid and that hearing my ring he or she had rung the Bell to the kitchen but the servants were absent there
Was an area door so I descended and tried that the handle yielded it was unlocked therefore I pushed it open and went in though I was certainly not prepared for the discovery I afterwards made as I entered the electric bill commenced ringing again but it was apparently above me on the ground
Floor and not in the kitchen Where I Stood in the cooking stove the fire was dying out and there were other signs that servants had been around recently finding no one in the basement I ascended to the first floor when their greeted mind nostrils a most delicious fragrance very
Similar to the incense which the Roman Catholics burn the place smelled like the Brompton oratory well what did you do next I asked excited at his extraordinary narrative I searched the two big rooms a dining room and a back sitting room on the ground floor
But finding no one I stood at the bottom of the stairs and shouted thinking to discover the whereabouts of the invalid who had rung the Bell there was no answer the place was dark so
I struck a match ascended to the first floor and entered the front room which proved to be a good sized well furnished drawing room dimly lit by the Street Lamp opposite shining through the windows at the further end suspended from the ceiling a curious lap was burning in red glass just like
Those one seasoned Roman Catholic churches and on examining it I found it to be a little float in oil so arranged that it would burn continuously for many days and nights without attention it looked strange and weird a red spot in a bit Darkness at the end of the room
But what was stranger and more amazing was a discovery I made a moment later when my eyes having grown used to this semi-up security of the room I discerned two human forms one that of a
Woman lying back in an armchair as if asleep any other a man who had fallen close by and was lying outstretched upon the carpet even the faint light of the match I struck told me that both were dead and so startled was I by this unexpected Revelation that was scarcely a second glance
Around the weird place I hastened downstairs and left by the front door you went on to the station at once I suppose yes he answered and then after a pause he looked straight into my face adding but
To tell you the truth Erwin you and I are the only persons who know of this affair I haven’t recorded it haven’t reported it I echoed why not delay May prevent the mystery being unraveled I know it’s
Absurd I’m foolish he foldered in an unsteady voice but the fact is I entertain a deep rooted superstition about snakes my poor white was always dreaming of snakes before she died and strangely enough whenever I have seen those reptiles in my dreams some bad luck catastrophe a bereavement has
Always fallen upon me immediately afterwards it isn’t like you to speak to us Patterson I said knowing him to be a Fearless man who more than once had boldly faced a burglar’s revolver
I really don’t know what to do he said it’s nearly two hours ago since I entered the place I was so upset when I came out that I went to the telegraph office and wired to you in the hope that you might
Be able to suggest some plan of action report it once and let’s thoroughly investigate it I said promptly no I can’t record it on account of that snake if I did I feel is sure that some
Fatality would fall upon me you’re unnerved by what you’ve seen I said it certainly was not a nice position to unexpectedly find oneself alone with the dead in a dark deserted house like that
In any case however the matter is a queer one and must be sifted yes he said it appears to be a most remarkable affair well I explained if you were determined not to report it just at
Present I’m ready to go with you and search the place the area door is still unlocked you say he hesitated pale and agitated the effect of this discovery upon him had been really remarkable yes the door is still unlocked of course he said reflectively but personally I don’t care about
Returning rubbish my dear chap I explained I don’t believe in superstitions the finding of the snake was curious no doubt but this isn’t the first time snakes have been found in the Streets of London lots have been discovered about covered garden market having come over in baskets of fruit
He was silent evidently his Discovery had been a very unusual one I know well the row of houses he had indicated the most old-fashioned perhaps in the district for they had formed a part of the old Kensington over a century ago and even now the great iron extinguishers ornament at some of the
Doorways mute remembrancers of the days of sedan chairs and Linkedin let’s go and explore the place and Report afterwards I urged my appetite for adventure wedded by his strong disinclination to return I’ll report it as a discovery of my own if you are disinclined to do so very well he answered
It less let’s go but before we enter I tell you that it is a very mysterious house recollect that strange ringing I heard we’ll look into all that later on I said surprised at his unusual agitation
There facing one of the busiest thoracas of the West End little harm surely could come to us come along I said and thus persuade it he quickened his footsteps we passed along Abington Villas into Earls Court Road where meeting a constable on duty he borrowed his lamp then turning into the
Kensington Road we at length reached the house of mystery which as he had said was a gloomy looking place in total darkness we peered eagerly inside the gate but could distinguish no sign of the reptile which had so strangely attracted my friend’s attention in the first instance
It was no doubt withdrawn among the plants and shrubs in the little smoke-dried garden and was watching us unseen without hesitation in order not to attract the Curiosity of any passerby whose attention might be arrested by Patterson’s uniform we walk straight to the area door and gaining the
Kitchen at once lit the gas as he had said there was every sign that the place had been recently occupied but with only a cursory examination of a basement we passed upstairs to the dining room
Here we also lit the gas and saw that the table had been laid for three persons in a matter quite luxurious with real silver cut glass and Tiny bases of fresh flowers arranged artistically beside each plate were blue glass finger bowls filled with water which gave out a
Strong perfume of roses the chairs had been placed the hors d’oeuvres olives Anchovies and caviar were already on the table showing that all preparations for dinner had been made yet strangely enough in the kitchen the greater part of the meat and vegetables
Remained uncooked from this room we passed into the smaller one adjoining lighting the gas as we went but this seemed to have been used as a smoking room and contained nothing of note it was however in the drawing room above where we made the most astounding discoveries the apartment
Was spacious for the size of the house upholstered in pale blue with Furniture of expensive character and large growing Palms planted on stands in the center was a great circular set tea and in the Corner’s wide soft divines of pale blue velvet with golden Fringe comfort and luxury had been
Studied by whoever had furnished a place for as we lit one of the side gas brackets we saw that it was really a very artistic room the floor covered with a real turkey carpet of softest Hues while the few paintings of the walls were Choice examples of well-known artists
At the end opposite the great was suspended from the ceiling by three guilt chains the mysterious little red lamp burning steadily without a Flicker and beneath it Fallen back in a large armchair was a woman whose face although wax in white was eminently beautiful the paleness of
Death was upon her yet her handsome head with its wealth of gold brown hair was pillowed upon the cushion of yellow silk and upon the cold slightly parted lips they’re played a strange bitter smile she was young 20 or so dressed in an artistically made gown of hail mauve trimmed with lace her
Teeth were even and perfect her cheeks round and well molded her chin slightly protruding and if he could little nose but that smile and death seemed revolting in its hideousness her eyes large of a deep blue once luminous as stars no doubt but now dull and filmy were wide open as though gazing
Out upon us in an Endeavor to speak and tell us the truth of the strange and tragic occurrence I looked upon her bewildered dumbfounded not three yards away stretched at her feet was a man of about 35 well-dressed in a frock coat in light-colored trousers with collar and cravat of
The latest mode and wearing on his cold stiff hand a ring set with a single Diamond of unusual luster his face was towards the carpet and while I held the lamp Patterson thin and turned him over we then saw that he was dark and good looking a gentleman evidently although from the upward
Curl of his mustache and his smartness of attire he appeared to be something of a pop it looks a good deal like murder and suicide Patterson explained still bending over him I wonder who he is there’s initials on his sleeve links I said for I had detected an
Engraved Cipher upon the plain gold buttons at his wrist their two k’s intertwined surmounted by a Crest my companion said in a strange voice I wonder what’s on him and he proceeded to search the breast pocket of the Dead Man’s coat the contents which
We afterwards examined together consisted only of two prospectuses of new companies an Amber cigar tube mounted in gold and the envelope of a letter addressed in woman’s hand to George grow Jose rizante chairing cross and buried the Manchester postmark of three days before
The letter had unfortunately been destroyed only the envelope remained but we both recollected that persons who have letters addressed to the Costa rastante do not usually give their correct names in one of the best Pockets where three 10-pound notes folded carelessly together while in the
Trousers Pockets was a quantity of loose silver beyond that there was nothing else upon him contrary to the effect of death upon his unfortunate companion his face was slightly distorted the tip of the tongue protruding and both hands clenched showing that he had endured
A momentary spasm of Agony as the last spark of Life died out while from the fact that a small tripod table with painted plate glass top had been overturned and broken it seemed apparent that he had staggered and clutched wildly at the first object within his reach but on neither could we
Detect any womb nor was there anything to show the cause of death I examined the hand of the woman a tiny slim cold hand the contact of which thrilled Me by its chilliness and saw that her rings set with emeralds rubies and diamonds were of the finest quality she’s beautiful Patterson
Observed gazing down upon her perhaps she was his wife perhaps I said curious that they should both have died together in this manner they were evidently sitting here chatting before dinner when both were either murdered or died suddenly before assistants could reach them she died before he did
What makes you think that I ask quickly my eyes wandering around the large comfortable room the atmosphere of which was Heavy with fragrant odors because he placed that cushion beneath her head answered the shrewd observant police officer he had kissed her and she was in the
Act of smiling at his last Act of love when her heart suddenly failed and soul and body parted and he died immediately afterwards you think yes that’s what I surmise what’s your opinion I could form no Theory at present I answered bewildered in the course of years spent in
The investigation of crime for journalistic purposes I had had my wits sharpened and rather prided myself upon the soundness of the theories I propounded in the articles I wrote Patterson knew this and probably for that reason had invoked my companionship in this curious Affair together we
Made a searching examination of the whole room but there was absolutely nothing to show the motive or even the mode of the tragedy the absence of servants was of course extremely suspicious but neither of us attached much importance to that a close examination of the scene was our present
Object experience having taught that upon the scene of most crimes there remains some trace of the Assassin the old saying that murder will out is truer than the majority of people believe for even that night we had had a striking illustration in Patterson’s attention being attracted by the
Snake in the Gateway beside the dead woman’s chair was lying a handkerchief a tiny square of lawn and Lace which I picked up it emitted an odor very sweet and subtle such as I had never before smelled Patterson sniffed it but placed it down some new Senti said women are always going in
For the latest inventions and perfumes but this is an extraordinary one I said again smelling it terribly strong too I added for the odor had a strange half intoxicating effect upon me the small red light steadily burning the fragrance of the incense the two dead forms lying there
Still and cold and the single gas burner hissing as it flared combined to present a weird lurid picture each detail of which has ever since been indelibly photographed upon my memory the smile of death upon that woman’s lips was horrible that look of hers has ever since haunted me for now
That I know the truth and have realized all that had taken place in that room prior to the tragedy that laugh of derision has a significance which renders its recollection bitter gruesome hideous I know not what prompted me at that moment but bending again beside the prostrate man I placed my
Hand inside his vest recollecting that sometimes tailors adopting the French mode made Pockets there and that therein many men carried articles of value in secrecy and safety as I did so I felt that there was a pocket in the lining that it was buttoned and that there was something within
Quickly I unbuttoned it and Drew forth a small packet wrapped in glazed writing paper dirty and worn through being carried for a long time with care I opened it and inside found an object which caused both of us to give Ben to an ejaculation of wonder it was simply a penny
His mascot I suppose remarked the inspector a lucky coin but it has no hole through it I observe the hole is of no importance Bitcoin may have been given him for luck replied my companion lots of people believe in such things especially betting men he was evidently very careful leban I said at
The same time searching and finding another pocket on the other side of the vest and from this I took a neat little cloth covered case not much larger than those containing cigarette tubes and found on opening it that it contained a small hypodermic syringe complete with its needles and accessories
This shows that he was addicted to the morphea habit I remarked an overdose perhaps my friend who had now recovered something of his coolness and self-possession took the tiny instrument and examined it carefully beneath the gas light there’s been no morphea in this late
That he said it’s quite dry and certainly hasn’t been used today let’s search the whole house I suggested we may find something which will give us a clue as to who and what these people were funny that the servants don’t come back isn’t it I don’t expect they will Andrew Patterson depend
Upon it that there’s more mystery in this affair than we at present suspect why look at these he said passing over to me the three banknotes found upon the dead man they are spurious no Second
Glance was needed to convince me that he spoke to the truth they were clever imitations of 10 pound notes but the paper the despair of the forger was thick and entirely different to that of the genuine banknote again I glanced at that beautiful woman’s face with a smile of mingled ecstatic
Pleasure and bitterness her sightless eyes seemed fixed upon me following me as I moved I drew back horrified shuddering her gaze was ghastly it certainly is a most mysterious Affair I ejaculated again glancing around the place you want it once to report it no cried my companion quickly the
Discovery must be yours you must report it Mr Irwin why because as I’ve already told you I fear to do so on account of the snake I smiled at his curious objection but an instant later grew serious because the sharp and sudden ringing of an electric Bell somewhere on the ground floor
It was the belt my companion had heard when first knocking at the door we both listened for a few moments while the ringing continued until with a sudden resolve I dashed downstairs to ascertain where the Bell was without difficulty I found it for there in the hall revealed
By the gas lamps we had lit was a telephone instrument with its Val agitated violently without a second delay I placed the receiver to my ear and gave the usual signal hello hello the were and clicking stopped and a voice squeaky as that of an elderly person said petulantly I’ve
Been ringing up for an hour or more what’s wrong that you haven’t replied you’re at 58 aren’t you yes I answered recollecting net 58 was the number of that house nothing is wrong why can’t you be patient I felt uneasy answered a mysterious voice apologetically I thought there might possibly have
Been some hitch as you haven’t rung up no I responded none then of course it’s all over inquired The Voice I started at this strange query this unknown Inquirer was evidently in possession of the truth and believed himself to be talking to an accomplice he knew of the
Commission of the crime therefore it occurred to me that by the exercise of due caution I might be able to discover his identity yes I answered breathless and excitement both asked the boys both I responded good then I shall see you at the place we arranged eh of course I answered but when
I forgotten forgotten echoed the squeaky voice in a tone of undisguised disgust take care of your blunder yet you’re a confounded idiot why tomorrow at midday I know I’m a fool I replied but in the excitement it’s quite slipped my memory where you said I was to meet you
Then holding the receiver tremblingly to my ear I listened with quick heart beating for the response of that mysterious far distant voice which squeaks so strangely sounded thin and high pitched more like that of a woman than of a man you’re a confounded fool to waste time like this
If you’re still at 58 said the voice you said so before I responded but where shall I meet you end of chapter 2 recording chapter 3 an appointment The Voice answered at last I’ll meet you beside
The lake at St James’s Park Buckingham Palace end at 12 tomorrow remember that very well I responded eagerly anything more no was the reply be careful how you get out and where you go so long then next instant I Knew by the sound that the connection had been switched off what’s the matter
Asked Patterson now beside me wait and I’ll tell you afterwards I said at the same time ringing up again in response I was answered by a feminine voice at the exchange who inquired what number I desired tell me Miss who was just speaking to me kindly oblige me as it’s most important
There was silence for a few moments then the female voice inquired are you there to which I responded you were on a moment ago with 14 comma 982 the public call opposite Putney
How long was I on about 10 minutes have I been on to the same place before this evening I asked no several numbers have been ringing you up but you haven’t replied who were they oh I really can’t
Tell you now it’s quite impossible I remember that the call office at Piccadilly Circus is one and I think the one in the minorities they were all call offices no private persons I’m unable to say I’ve been on duty for the past four hours and have connected up thousands of numbers then you
Can’t tell me anything else I ask disappointedly no I’m sorry I can’t replied to girl I was about to place the receiver on its Hook when a sudden thought occurred to me and again I addressed her
This matter is a most urgent one I said can you just ask at the call office for a description of a man who has just been speaking there’s no one there it is merely an instrument placed in
A passage leading to some offices was the reply I hung up the receiver and turning to Patterson repeated the conversation extraordinary he ejaculated when I had concluded we must keep that appointment the inquiry is plain Troop that murder has been committed and further that more than one
Person is in the secret but is it not strange that this person whoever he is should dare to telephone in that manner it certainly is a bold move my companion answered but from his conversation it is evident that the Assassin promised a telephone to him and was either Disturbed in
His work and compelled to escape hurriedly or else forgot it all together again it’s plain that to avoid detection the unknown man went from one call office to another always ringing up to this house and never obtaining a response until you answered his inquiry was certainly a
Guarded one and your answers were smart too he left you were careful not to commit yourself do you think he’ll keep the appointment I asked eagerly that remains to be seen answered my friend glancing at the bullseye to see if it were burning well if he’s not a blunderer he won’t
Well let’s hope he does I said you would arrest him of course I don’t know he answered doubtfully we might learn more by keeping observation upon him for a day or two well I said we haven’t yet searched the place thoroughly let’s see what is above my companion followed me upstairs rather
Reluctantly I thought passing the room where the mysterious tragedy had occurred and ascending to the floor above there were four bedrooms each well furnished but finding that they contained nothing of a suspicious character we continued to the top floor where there were several smaller low
Ceiling rooms opening from a narrow passage two of them were evidently the sleeping Departments of the servants the third was filled with Lumber but the fourth which overlooked the Mac premises long and narrow was fitted as a kind of Workshop or laboratory a curious smell greeted our nostrils
As we opened the door a smell very much like the perfume on the dead woman’s handkerchief we found a gasket and lit it afterwards gazing around the place with some surprise of hun shelves around the walls were various bottles containing liquids on the table stood two curious looking
Globes of bright steel riveted like those of a steam boiler and connected by a long tubular coil rolled into three consecutive spirals which ended with a kind of nozzle from the fact that an electric battery and a lathe also stood in the room we at once came
To the conclusion that the master of that house had been engaged in some scientific investigations from place to place we went searching every corner for any written document or letter until at last I found crumpled and cast into the empty grate an old envelope on which I read the address Professor
Douglas Dawson at any rate we’ve got the name of the occupant of this place I said handing my fine to the police officer Dawson he repeated Dawson I fancy I’ve heard that name and connection with
Scientific discovery I don’t know I said if he’s a well-known man we shall soon find out all about him at the Royal Institution I was standing near the fireplace with the envelope still in my hand when of a sudden I was startled by a strange scuttling Noise near my feet good Heavens gas
Patterson his eyes riveted on the spot look there look at that glass case there are snakes in it I sprang away and looking in the direction he indicated saw that a glass case standing on the ground contained two great snakes with beautiful markings of yellow and black even as I looked
They were coiled with their flat heads erect and their bead-like eyes shining like tiny stars of The Shadow their bodies half hidden in a blanket nice nice kind of pets to keep in a house observe
Patterson that’s one of them that escaped into the garden I expect I quite agree I said this place is decidedly the reverse of cheerful hadn’t we better reported at once there’s been a mysterious tragedy here and immediate efforts should be made to trace the Assassin but my dear fellow how do you know
They’ve been murdered he argued there’s no marks of violence whatever not as far as we’ve been able to discover a doctor can tell us more after the postmortem I responded there were many very strange features connected with this remarkable Discovery my friends reluctance to commence an
Investigation his firm resolved not to report the discovery the mysterious voice at the telephone the fact that some experimental scientists had his laboratory in that house and the revelation of the unaccountable tragedy itself were also extraordinary that I stood utterly bewildered
Absolutely nothing remained to show who were the pair lying dead and no explanation seen possible of that strange red light burning there so steadily and unflickering by the appearance of the glass and the dust in the oil the tiny lamp must have burned on incessantly for a very long time
Strange it was that there within a few yards of one of London’s great arteries of traffic that Charming woman and her companion should have been cut off swiftly and suddenly without a hand being stretched forth to save them in company we went downstairs leaving the light in the laboratory
Still burning and re-entered the drawing room to take a final glance around as I approached a prostrate body of the men I felt something beneath my foot and glancing down saw that some coppers had evidently fallen from his pocket and were lying strewn about the carpet then having remained
A few minutes longer we both went out by the door we had entered locking it and taking the key we must report a Patterson I said it certainly has some queer and very extraordinary features yes he responded adding slowly did you notice anything strange up in that top room where the chemicals
And things were yes a good deal I answered it isn’t everyone who keeps snakes as pets I don’t mean that he answered but did you notice on the table a glass full of liquid like water yes well that stuff was bubbling and boiling without any heat beneath perhaps the man who experiments
There as a conjurer I suggested smiling at his surprise at seeing liquid boil when exposed to air police officers know little of any other science saved out of self-defense now he said seriously as we strobe forward together in the direction of Kensington Church
You must go to the station and Report the discovery as if made by you you understand remember the snake attracted your attention you entered found the man and woman lying dead lit the gas search the house then left to get assistance and met me
That’s all very well I answered but you forget that you borrowed that lamp from one of your own men and that I called on you first ah he gasped turning slightly pale I never thought of that why don’t you report it yourself I urge for superstitious reasons he laughed nervously
Hang Superstition I cried adding of course I’ll report it if you’d like but it would be far better for you to do so and risk this mysterious bad luck that you fear he was silent for a moment thinking
Deeply then answered it is strange hard voice perhaps you’re right Irwin I I’m a confounded fool to be afraid and with an effort quite apparent he braced himself up and we entered the police station ascending the stairs we were soon closeted with Octavius void inspector of the criminal
Investigation department attached to that division a middle-aged dark bearded pleasant-faced man in plain clothes who as soon as he heard our story was immediately ready to accompany us while five minutes later the clicking of a telegraph told that news of our Discovery was being transmitted
To headquarters at New Scotland Yard Patterson took down the London directory and turning it up at upper Fillmore Place found that the occupier of the house in question was Andrew calendar he made inquiries in the section House of the men off duty as to what was known of that house but
Only one Constable made a statement and it was to the effect that he had while on duty at Kensington Road seen a youngish lady with Fair hair whose description tallied with that of the dead
Woman come out and go across to the shops on the opposite side of the road do you know anything of the servants inquired Patterson well sir the man answered one was a man and the other a woman how
Do you know because the servant of the house next door told me so the woman was the cook and the man did the housework she said that the house was a most mysterious one is she there now my friend
Asked no sir she was discharged a fortnight ago dishonest I think and you don’t know where she is Boyd had by this time pulled one of his plain clothes men who had obtained lamps turning the dark slides over the flame the station sergeant had carefully ruled the line and written something
In that remarkable register kept in every London Police Station wherein is recorded every event which transpires in the district from a tragedy to the return of a subdivisional inspector from his rounds or The Grooming of the horses then after a short conversation with one of the
Second class inspectors we all floor accompanied by a sergeant started for upper Fillmore place in order not to attract attention we separated Patterson walking with me to the opposite side of the road while the detectives walked together and the sergeant alone little did the passersby
Suspect when they saw Patterson and meet strolling leisurely along that we were on our way to investigate what afterwards proved to be one of the strangest and most remarkable Mysteries that it ever puzzled the Metropolitan Police end of chapter 3 recording chapter 4 the three cards
On reaching the house Boyd an expert officer who had spent years in the investigation of crime ascended with a subordinate to the drawing room while we remained on the ground floor to complete our search the sergeant being stationed inside the hall our further investigations were not very
Fruitful the fact that dinner was laid for three indicated that a third person had been present or was expected the room did not differ from any other except that it was perhaps better furnished than one would have expected in such a house for although in a first class and rather expensive
Neighborhood the row of houses had declined in popularity of late years and was now an inhabited mostly by the lodging house Fraternity in moving about the room however my coat caught the plate
Laid for the person who was to occupy the head of the table and it was nearly swept off I saved it however but beneath was revealed a plain white card which until that moment had been concealed
Patterson caught sight of it at the same moment and taking it in my hand I examined it finding that it was a plain visiting card a ladies size one’s side being blank and the other bearing a roughly drawn Circle in ink there was nothing else that’s certainly curious my companion remarked
Looking over my shoulder yes I said lifting a second plate to see what was there concealed and finding another card in all appearances similar plane but bearing across its reverse a single straight line drawn with a pen right Joe observe Patterson lifting the other plate and finding a
Third card this is certainly very strange he turned the card over but it was blank on both sides I wonder what game is this or whether these have any connection with the crime I exclaimed holding all three of the cards in my hand turning them over and examining them carefully beneath the
Light by the ink I have the appearance of having been prepared long ago see I added holding one of them towards him the corners of this one are slightly turned up and soiled it has been carried
In someone’s pocket and is not a fresh card again Patterson took it and examined it it was the one with the line drawn across it the others were quite clean as if just taken fresh from a packet there’s some mystery about these he said reflectively as though speaking to himself
If we could but solve it we should likewise solve the problem of a crime depend upon it no doubt I Ascend it each of them having some meaning a cult but extraordinary they were turned Pace downwards so that the accidental removal of the plate would not reveal the device upon them
The devices are simple enough but undoubtedly they have some hidden meaning my friend said they were evidently concealed there and the three persons unsuspecting were to discover them when the first place were removed I suggested he placed them together on the table saying better
Let Boyd see them when he comes down this affair grows more queer and complicated as we proceed don’t you recollect I said suddenly in the Dead Man’s Pocket was a card exactly similar but quite blank you threw it into the fireplace ah of course he answered quickly that fact shows that
He had something to do with these mysterious symbols I wonder what is their real meaning I wonder I said as you say the mystery grows each moment more and more inexplicable curious too that the snake in the Garden Path should have directed your attention to it no he said quickly his face
In an instant pale and serious don’t mention that there is a good fellow I’m trying not to think of it for when I recollect all that it means to me I’m unnerved nah I laughed surely there’s nothing
To fear it only shows that however careful the Assassin is to cover his crime it must be on earth sooner or later the finger of fate always points to the crime of murder however well it may be
Concealed true he sighed his brows knit in serious thought but the finger of fate has in this case shown me an omen of evil you’re a fool Patterson I said bluntly you have here every chance to
Distinguish yourself as a shrewd officer yet you calmly stand by talking of Omens and all that rot yes he answered I know I’m an idiot Mr Irwin but I can’t help it that’s the worst of it well I suggest it while Boyd is upstairs why not make inquiries of the next door neighbors
Regarding those who occupy this place he had once acted on my suggestion and together we went out and rang the bell of the house adjoining on the right my friend’s curious apathy in this matter surprised me for usually he was a quick active fellow who prosecuted his inquiries methodically
And worked up evidence in a manner that had more than once called forth the Commendation of the judge at the Old Bailey that night however he was plainly upset nervous trembling and agitated in a manner quite unusual to him void the keynote quick-witted detective inspector had noticed
This when at the police station but Patterson had only replied I’m a bit unwell that’s all our summons at the house next door was answered by the occupier’s wife a rather Stout white-haired gailey-capped old lady named love the appearance of Patterson in uniform surprised her but when
She had asked us Ian and we were seated he said there is no occasion to be alarm Madam I have merely called to make an inquiry of you it is in your power to render us assistance in a rather
Confidential matter regarding the occupiers of the house next door your neighbors on the left what do you know of them nothing she answered they came about six months ago a young lady and a very old
Gentleman with a single maid servant they speak to no one and as far as I have observed have very few friends I have often remarked to my son who is a civil engineer and now a way making the railway in
China that they are a mysterious couple what is wrong with them oh it’s simply A Private Matter my companion answered carelessly not wishing to alarm the neighborhood by news of our discovery what is the Old Gentleman like can you describe him I inquired no doubt she took me for a detect
It but at that moment this spot did not occur to me he is 60 I should think old and decrepit with white hair and always walks with a stick and the lady was his daughter suggested the inspector
I suppose her to be his daughter she answered the old man’s name is Dawson I believe at least one day a messenger boy brought a note here by mistake addressed to Professor Dawson the daughter is a very good pianist and plays every morning regularly they are well off as far as
You can judge Patterson inquired with his assumed careless heir no I don’t think they are because my maid heard at vouchers the Grocer’s address across the way that they owed a large bill which they couldn’t settle again people who have a house of that sort do not have coal by the hundred weight
Taken down into the kitchen as they do Patterson nodded no more sure sign of a light purse is there than the purchase of coal by the half sack yet the interior of that house with its well-laid dinner
Table certainly did not betray any sign of poverty indeed I had noticed in the cellar a Dusty stock of choice wines Hawks quartz and Champagnes of expensive brands you don’t know the young lady’s name that ask my friend after a slight cause if she’s really his daughter it would I suppose be
Dawson she replied with a smile but I’m not certain remember as to either of their names perhaps your servants may know something about them servants generally gossip and pick up information about one’s neighbors you know you are right answered the affable old
Lady they gossip far too much unfortunately both my servants are out at this moment we chatted on but it was evident from her conversation that her servants knew little beyond what she did one statement she made was somewhat curious she alleged that a few nights before she was awakened
About two o’clock in the morning by hearing the loud shrill screams of a woman who seemed to be in the room next hers in the adjoining house she could hear a man’s voice talking low and gruffly at three or four times where the screams repeated as if the woman were in excruciating pain
What visitors came to the house Patterson asked at length very few a youngest gentleman came sometimes he called the other morning just as I was going out who admitted him the young lady herself many more questions Patterson put to the old lady but elicited no noteworthy fact
Except that two large heavy trunks had been sent Away by parcel’s delivery a couple of days before therefore thanking Mrs love who of course was extremely curious to know why the police were taking such an active interest in her neighbor we left and made inquiries of the people in the
Adjoining house on the opposite hand it was a lodging house and the owner a rather Surly old Widow was not at all communicative what she told us about it practically to what we had already learned she too had long ago set the old man and his daughter down as mysterious
Persons and her two servants had never been able to find out anything regarding them so after nearly half an hour’s absence we returned to the house of mystery watched of course by the persons in the houses on either side none suspected a tragedy but all remained at
Their Windows expecting to see somebody arrested in the dining room we found Dr Knowles the police divisional surgeon who had been sent for by the police he had already examined the bodies and was on the point of returning home well doctor what’s your opinion ask Patterson I could form none until
After the postmortem answered the prim youngish dark mustached man in silkhead and frock coat a typical Kensington practitioner who was known to be a great favorite with his lady patience are there no marks of violence none he responded although there seems no doubt that there has been
Foul Play yet the means used to accomplish their death remains an entire mystery that laboratory too is a very remarkable feature why I asked because the occupant of that place has made a discovery for which scientists have for years driven in vain the doctor replied what is it
You notice those strange Globes with a coil of tubing he said well from what I’ve found it seems that the experimenter has invented a means for the liquefaction of hydrogen in large quantities is that anything very remarkable I asked in my ignorance of recent science remarkable he echoed I
Should rather say it was the discovery will create the greatest interest in the scientific world other gases have all been handled as true liquids in measurable quantities while until now hydrogen has only been seen in clouds or droplets and never collected into a
Liquid mass upstairs however there was actually a glass bowl of liquid hydrogen the experimenter whoever he is has determined at last the exact temperature at which it will liquefy and thus a field for quite new researches as also for new generalizations has been thrown wide open
But why is this discovery so very important I asked still puzzled at the doctor’s unusual enthusiasm briefly because by it physicists and chemists can henceforth obtain temperatures lying within 35 degrees from the so-called absolute temperature of zero minus 459 degrees Fahrenheit a
Possibility is thus given to study physical bodies in the vicinity of that point which represents so to say the death of the matter that is absence of the molecular vibrations which we describe as heat this explanation technical though it was interested me I knew Dr Lee’s Knowles to
Be a rising man and Reporting lectures at the Royal Institution had often noticed him among the audiences there was no doubt that he was highly excited over the discovery for like myself he had seen the liquid hydrogen boiling without any visible Heat in the papers there have
Been Lots about Professor dewer’s experiments in the liquefaction of oxygen fluorine and a newly discovered helium and I remembered how all his efforts to bring hydrogen to a liquid state had failed now however the mysterious occupier of that house had succeeded and every known gas could
Now be liquefied but the murder observed Patterson his thoughts reverting to the crime for to him the most wonderful scientific discovery was his not can you form absolutely no opinion as to how it was accomplished the doctor shook his head there is nothing whatever to account for the sudden
Death as far as I can observe he answered to the woman however Nest must have come instantly while the man must have fallen and expired a few seconds later there’s seen many mysterious features in the affair the discoverer of this latest scientific fact is undoubtedly the old man who is absent
The father of the dead girl from him we may learn something to lead us to form conclusions I suggested an old man echoed Dr Knowles tell me all about him briefly Patterson related all that had been told us by the neighbors and when he had finished the doctor exclaimed then I could tell
You one thing which has proved undoubtedly the old man seemed to go in and out was in reality a young one for while looking over the laboratory I came across a white wig and a makeup box such as used
By actors go upstairs and you’ll find a complete disguise there broad cloth coat pepper and salt trousers baggie at the knees old-fashioned white vests and collars of antique pattern surely that can’t be true Patterson exclaimed in amazement it certainly is the doctor asserted depend upon
It that the man lying upstairs dead was the man who had been making these successful experiments and who for some unknown reason desired to conceal his identity recollect that they had few friends if any and that their manservant was a most discreet Foreigner who never gossiped
Then you think that to the world they assumed the position of father and daughter while in reality they were husband and wife I said most likely responded the doctor a man to make experiments on an elaborate scale as he has must necessarily have been absorbed in them indeed that apparatus must
Have taken a year to prepare and no doubt he has been making constant trials for months he probably intended to give forth his Discovery to the world as a great surprise but has been prevented from doing so by some extraordinary combination of circumstances which has resulted in his death
At that instant we heard a voice in the hall a quick sharp voice extremely familiar to me but nevertheless it caused me to start next instant however there entered the room the well-known figure of Dick clue hello fellow he explained reading me and taking me aside I thought I’d
Run down and see what’s in this plenty of ferret scenes doesn’t it yes I answered a most remarkable mystery but why have you come out here soon after you left I went to find Lily but she’s
Gone into the country so having nothing else to do I came down to see what had occurred I knew of course from Patterson’s telegram that it was something unusual have you been upstairs yes I’ve been whirring around this last half hour while you and Patterson have been making inquiries next door
I’ve been having a look about with the doctor it seems that there’s some wonderful apparatus in the laboratory a discovery or liquefying hydrogen has he told you about it yes I responded what’s your theory my jovo fellow he said smiling the whole Affair is so deadlish uncanny with those snakes
Upstairs water boiling without any heat beneath it and one thing and another that I’m utterly at a loss how to account for it all you think they’ve been murdered of course answered the astute clue but the doctor can’t discover how there was not a scratch upon them the discovery of those flash
Notes on the man looks as though he were a bit of a swell swindler doesn’t it yes I said then taking him across to the dining table I explained how we had discovered the three cards concealed beneath
The plates he took the cards in his hand turning them over and examining them carefully strange he ejaculated this adds still another phase to the affair it is really a most Sensational Discovery and will work up well for tomorrow no Mr Clue put in Patterson quickly overhearing his remark I beg
Of you to publish nothing whatever about it until I give you permission in this we are bound to preserve secrecy for the present in order that our inquiries may not be thwarted even the neighbors will remain in ignorance of the real nature of things so carefully do I intend to guard against
Any public sensation whatever information I can give you I will do so willingly in order that you can prepare your account of it but remember that not a word must be published until I give you permission quite right observed the doctor in such a matter as this any sensation in the Press might
Frustrate all your efforts to arrive at the truth very well and to Dick a trifle disappointedly of course you’ll give nothing to anybody else I want to be the first in the field with it
Of that I give you my word not a soul will know of this discovery outside the persons in this house at the present moment come let’s go upstairs and speak to Boyd and while the doctor wished us good
Evening and left my two friends are copying me upstairs where in the drawing room the detectives were continuing their searching investigation the woman is decidedly good looking isn’t she observed clue as we entered instinctively I turned towards the chair in which the body was still reclining
But next instant with a loud Cry of dismay which at the same moment was echoed by Patterson I stood aghast rigid immovable the sight which met our eyes was utterly bewildering the woman we had discovered there so lovely informant feature had a wealth of auburn hair and eyes of a deep
Intense blue while amazing though it was this woman before us was quite 10 years older dark complexioned with hair which in that light seemed blue black and half closed eyes as dark as jet good Heavens I cast look why that is not the woman we found when we first entered this place
But another where is the fair girl there’s no fair girl answered the detective Boyd as all started back at surprise at my astounding assertion this is the woman we found you must be mistaken no Patterson declared in a low hoarse voice of one filled with fear there is no mistake when
We first entered there was another woman here younger prettier with light hair and blue eyes this is the most unaccountable most amazing and most inexplicable of all our discoveries end of chapter 4 record this is audiobook caboodle YouTube channel place for finest collection of audio books and novels chapter 5 the second woman
The statement that the woman found by Patterson on his first entry there and seen by me afterwards had disappeared was at first discredited by our companions it seemed too astounding to be the truth nevertheless there was now reclining in the same armchair a woman who
Certainly bore no resemblance whatever to the beautiful pear-haired girl with eyes as touched deep pure blue those eyes had stared at me so horribly in the ghastly rigidity of death I recollected that smile upon her lips half of sarcasm half of pleasure that strange expression
Which had held the entranced yet horrified she had disappeared and here in her place was a dark complexion woman older nevertheless handsome a woman in whose refined face was a narrow romance and tragedy and upon whose hand was the marriage bond she too was dead the doctor had examined her
And pronounced like extinct how could this have occurred I exclaimed turning to Patterson as soon as I had recovered from the shot of the astounding Discovery it’s simply amazing he declared I’m utterly at a loss to account for it the woman we found here was most distinctly another person
Then there must have been a triple tragedy observed void the body of the first woman must have been conveyed away during the time you were absent at the police station but why I asked what on Earth could be demoted impossible to tell Patterson answered perhaps the body is hidden
Somewhere in the house no Boyd replied we’ve made a complete search everywhere it has undoubtedly been taken away this fact in itself shows first that there is more than one person implicated in the crime and secondly that they were absolutely Fearless while further the incident of the
Telephone is in itself sufficient proof that they had taken the utmost precautions against detection are you quite certain that every cupboard and wardrobe has been looked into I asked doubtfully why from Garrett to seller we’ve thoroughly overhauled the place there are a couple of large
Trunks in one of the bedrooms but We examined the contents of both they contain books but Loose boards or places of that sort I suggested when we search a place respond at the Scotland Yard inspector with a smile we’re always on the lookout for places of concealment I’ve superintended the
Investigation myself and I vouch that nothing is concealed within this house do you think that the Assassin was actually in the house when we first entered that’s more than likely he answered with the pensive air evidently the incident you’d gone the body of the fairhair girl was somehow Spirited
Away where Ah that’s what we must find out perhaps a taxi driver will be able to throw a light upon the matter this is certainly a first class mystery observed dick with journalistic Instinct and a Keen Eye to those special interviews and latest revelations in which readers of his journal always
Revel it will make no end of a stir what a godsend now that the Gooseberry season is coming on a good murder mystery is always welcome to a certain class of London Daily journals but more especially in the season when Parliament is up the course are closed for the vacation and
The Well of Sensations runs low this season is termed in journalistic parlance the Gooseberry season on account of the annual appearance of the big Gooseberry that mythical monster of our youth the Sea Serpent and the starting of the usual silly correspondence upon why should we live or
Some equally interesting controversial subject we were all held in Black astonishment at this latest development of the extraordinary affair it had so many remarkable phrases that even to Boyd one of the shortest officers of the criminal investigation department it was bewildering
To me however The Disappearance of that dead woman with a fair pure face was the strangest of all that tangle of astounding facts that face had impressed me its every feature had been riveted indelibly upon my memory for it was a face which in life I should have fallen down and worshiped
As an idol for there was about a purity and charm which must have been highly attractive of evacity in those eyes which even in death had held me Spellbound I don’t see that we can do any more
Just now void remarked in a business-like tone who is subordinate you’ve seen the three cards which were beneath the plates on the dining table I asked yes he responded there’s some hidden meaning connected with them but what it’s impossible at present to guess in order to prosecute our
Inquiries we must preserve secrecy nothing must be published yet indeed Patterson you’ll apply to the coroner at once to take steps to withhold the real State of Affairs from the public if the Assassins find that no human cry is aroused we may have a far better chance of tracing them or
They may betrayed themselves it’s a Pity absorbed dick deeply disappointed a first-class sensation of this sort don’t occur every day why it’s worth four Columns of a line be patient Patterson urged you shall have an opportunity of publishing it before long and I’ll see that you are a long
Way ahead of your contemporaries don’t let the news agencies have a word they always try and get in in front of us said clue whose particular antagonists were the central news and the Press Association which possess facilities for the collection of news and is transmission by wire
To the various newspapers that form one of the most marvelous organizations in unknown London leave it to me said the inspector as soon as it’s wise to let the public know anything I’ll give you permission to publish the comment shall be the first in the field with it
Very well answered dick satisfied with Patterson’s answer that officer had been prominent a few years ago before in the investigations relative to those mysterious assassinations of women in White Chapel and was very friendly with the comet man as clue was termed in the journal which he represented
Many were the suggestions we put forth as to how the bodies of the victims could have thus been changed but no Theory we could Advance seemed likely to have any foundation in fact the mystery was certainly one of the strangest that had ever puzzled the crime investigators of London
The cause of its Discovery was a most remarkable incident and at every turn as the investigation proceeded mystery seemed to follow upon mystery until the whole Affair presented so many curious features that a solution of the problem seemed utterly impossible I bent beside the body of
The woman who reclining in the armchair with one arm followed by her side presented the appearance of one asleep her presence there was a profound Enigma a thought however occurred to me at that moment the dining table Below had been laid for three perhaps she was the third person
For the greater part of an hour we remained in that house of grim Shadows discussing the various phases of the astounding Affair until it lasts about 11 we all left to constables in uniform being stationed Within so secretly had this search been carried out that the neighbors though perhaps
Puzzled by Patterson’s inquiries entertain no suspicion of any tragic occurrence in Kensington Road all the shops facing upper Fillmore Place were closed said the tobacconists and the frequent public houses the put passengers were few and at that hour the stream of taxis with homeward bound
Theater goers had not yet commenced Market Garden cards from Hounslow are felt them piled high with vegetables rumbled slowly passed on their journey to coved garden and a few empty motor buses rattle along towards Hyde Park but beyond all was quiet for that great artery of Western London goes
Early to rest at the police station we took Leva Patterson and Boyd and entering a motor bus at Kensington Church arrived at our Chambers shortly before midnight there’s something infernally uncanny in the whole business said the mystery Monger as we sat smoking prior to turning in
It was our habit to smoke and gossip for half an hour before going to bed no matter what the time our talk was generally of chop events in our world of Journalism [ __ ] had a replete street intermingled with reminiscences of the day’s doing dick was sitting in the armchair reflectively
Sucking his eternal Briar while I sat at my table pondering over a letter I had found there on my return it was from Mary Blane for whom I had once long ago entertained a very strong affection but
Who had since gone out of my life leaving only a shadowy recollection of A Midsummer Madness of clandestine meetings of idle careless days spent in company with a smart eminently pretty girl in blue surge skirt cotton blouse and sailor hat all was of the past she had played me false
I was poor and she had thrown me over for a man richer than myself her nearly three years I had heard little of her indeed I confessed that she had almost passed from my memory until
That evening when I sat awaiting dick and now on my return I opened that letter to discover it in her well-known bold hand the hand of an educated woman the letter which had had some wanderings as its envelope showed and was dated from her father’s house up the river merely expressed
Hope that I was in good health and satisfaction at hearing news of me through a mutual friend such a letter struck me as rather strange I could only account for it by the fact that she desired to resume our acquaintanceship and that this was a woman’s diplomatic way of opening negotiations
All women are born diplomatists and women’s wit and powers of perception are far more acute than mans the letter brought back to me vividly the memory of that sweet merry face beneath the sailor hat the wealth of dark hair The Laughing eyes so
Dark and Brilliant the small white hands and their wrist confined by their golden Bangles yes Mary Bane was uncommonly good looking her face was one in ten thousand but she was utterly heartless I recollected how when with her mother she had spent a summer at Eastbourne what
A sensation her remarkable Beauty caused its Sunday parade on the Esplanade she was lovely without consciousness of it utterly ingenuous and is ignorant of the world’s wickedness as a child the daughter of a wealthy City man who combined company promoting with wine importing she had from
Childhood been nursed in the lap of luxury and being the only child was the idol of her parents their country house at Harwell near ditkat was in my father’s parish and from the time when her nurse used to bring her to the rectory until that well-remembered evening when in
The leafy Lane I had for the last time turned my back upon her with a hasty word of denunciation we had been closest friends she had played me false my hopes had been wrecked on life strange and tracked with sea and now whenever I thought of her it was only in bitterness
I have more than a suspicion that old Mr Blaine did not approve of our close acquaintanceship knowing that I was a mere journalist with an almost untaxable income nevertheless she had continued to meet me and many were the happy hours we spent together wandering through that
Charming country that skirts the upper reaches of the Thames in order to see her I used frequently to run down from London to my home on Saturdays and remain till Mondays with her mother she sat
In her seat in front of the rectory Pew and as she walked down the aisle her face would be illumined by a glad light of welcome how restful were those Sundays after the wear and tear of London life how
Peaceful the days in that sleepy little village hidden the way in a leafy Hollow three miles from the Great Western Line after we had heard it however I did not go home for six months then on inquiry I found that the lanes had sold their place presumably because they weren’t one
Of money or it was said that they had taken a smaller house facing the Thames near lalam that Village a little Beyond shepparton were in the churchyard lies Matthew Arnold from all accounts old Blaine had lost heavily in speculation and had been compelled to sell his carriages and horses
Dispose of many of his pictures and even part with some of the Louise says furniture at Shenley Court where they had lived this was of course indicative of a very severe reverse of Fortune since those hours of Mary’s love and her subsequent pulseness my life had been a queer
Series of ups and downs as it must ever be in journalistic London many dreary days of changeable care had come and gone since then I sat silent thinking with her letter still open in my hand
Why are you so confoundedly glum old man dick ass what’s your screen about duns in the offing and no it’s nothing I answered evasively smiling then don’t look so down in the mouth years have a Peg
And pull yourself together he had been in India and consequently turned a whiskey and soda a peg the origin of that expression is a little app truce but is supposed to refer poignantly to the
Pegs in one’s coffin I thrust the letter into my pocket help myself to a drink and lit a cigarette it’s a really first class sensation dick said again referring to the Curious Affair pity I can’t publish something of it tomorrow it’s a good thing chucked away
Yes I replied but Patterson has some object in imposing secrecy on us of course he answered thoughtfully there was a pause we both smoked on metasound penetrated there saved the solemn ticking of the clock and the distant strains of a piano in some man’s rooms across the square
Do you know Frank my companion said after some reflection and looking at me with a rather curious expression do you know that I have some strange misgivings miss giving zayako of why well he said did anything strike you as strange in Patterson’s manner
To tell you the truth I answered something did his attitude was unusual quite unusual tonight he’s a funny Johnny that story of the snake and the pavement isn’t it rather too strange to be believed at first sight it appears extraordinary but remember that in the laboratory of stairs we
Found other snakes the occupier of the house evidently went in for the reptiles as pets I quite agree with you there he said but there are certain circumstances in the case which have aroused my suspicion old chat of all the Curious cases I’ve ever investigated while I’ve been on
The comet this is the most astounding from every point of view and I for one shan’t rest until we fully solve the problem in that you’ll have my heartiest assistance I said all the time I could spare away from the office I’ll devote to helping you good dick exclaimed heartily refilling his
Pipe between us we ought to find out something for you and I can get at the bottom of things as soon as most people the two strangest features of this case I pointed out are first the teleponic message
And secondly The Disappearance of the first woman we found and those cards and that Penny wrapped so carefully in paper I added yes there are fully a dozen extraordinary features connected would be a bear the whole business is an absolute puzzle tell me old chap dick said after a pause what causes
You to suspect Patterson I don’t suspect him I answered quickly no I merely think that he has not told the exact truth of the first discovery of the crime that’s all exactly my own opinion responded dick he’s concealing some very important fact from us for what purpose we can’t yet tell
There’s more on this than we surmise of that I feel absolutely confident the snake story is a little too good I said rather surprised that his suspicions should have been aroused her I had not related to him my conversation with Patterson and his very lame excuse for not making a report of a
Discovery at the police station what had aroused Dick’s suspicions I was extremely puzzled to know but he was a shrewd clever fellow whose greatest Delight was the investigation of crime and the obtaining of those Revelations which middle class London so eagerly devours a very happy invention
Of an ingenious mind my dear fellow exclaimed the mystery modern depend upon it Patterson being already aware that there were snakes in that house invented the story knowing that when the place was searched it would appear quite circumstantial then you think that he’s not an absolute
Ignorant who lived there I exclaimed surprise that my friend’s startling Theory dick not I shouldn’t be surprised if it’d be provided that he knew all along who the dead man is why well I noticed that he never once looked at that man’s face it was he who covered it with a handkerchief
As though the sight of the white confidence appalled him come come I said proceed you’ll say that he’s the guilty one next ah no my dear fellow he hastened to assure me you quite misunderstand my meaning I hold the theory that in light these people were friends of Patterson’s that’s all what
Makes you suspect such a thing well I watched our friend very closely this evening and that’s the conclusion I’ve arrived at you really think that he is concealing facts which might throw light on the affair I explained much surprise yes he answered I feel certain of it absolutely certain
End of chapter 5 recording chapter six what I saw in the park for a long time sitting by the open window and looking out upon the starry night we discussed the Grim Affair in all its details the
Piano had stopped its tinkling a dead silence had fallen upon the old world square one of the relics of bygone London and the clock upon the wall had struck one o’clock with that solemnity which does not fail to impress even the most dissipated resident of Grace as a bachelor Abode graze in
Is as comfortable and convenient a spot as there is in London for there is always a quiet restful air within the gray smoke stained houses open on Airy squares and until a couple of years ago
Quite a large colony of Brooks made their home into great old trees it is an oasis of peace and Repose in the very center of that gigantic fevered city where the world of daily life is unceasing we’re in the east and south toiling Millions struggle fiercely for their bread while in the
West is greater wealth than extravagance than in all the world besides I think said dick at last after he had put forth one or two theories that if we manage to get to the bottom of this affair we shall discover some very startling facts that’s absolutely certain I answered The Disappearance
Of the fair girl and the substitution of the other is in itself a fact absolutely unique in the annals of crime whoever affected that change must have been indeed a bold person didn’t the people next door see any taxi driver or notice anything being brought up to the house no
That’s the strangest part of it I responded nothing was seen of any cab or conveyance although of course there must have been one and that inquiry by telephone was a most remarkable incident dick went on you say that the Inquirer was popping about to various call Rooms ringing up
His Confederates that shows that there were two or three in the secret it hardly seems feasible that the man who rang up from the minerees was the same as the one with whom you spoke at Putney no but the arrangement to meet in St James’s Park tomorrow is extraordinary to say the least
Ah my dear fellow observed my friend with a smile I very much feared that that appointment won’t be kept men such as they evidently are will hardly risk a meeting on reflection the individual whoever he is will see that he has given himself away and his natural caution will
Prevent him from going near Saint James’s heart well I only hope he does meet me I observed so do I but to my mind such a circumstance is entirely out of the question you see he went
To call boxes in order to avoid detection the Curious Thing is that if it were the same man who rang up each time he must have traveled from one place to another in an amazingly rapid manner
There might be two persons he suggested of course there might I answered but I think not the girl at the exchange evidently recognized the voice of the persisted Enquirer I’m glad I came down
Very glad he said I went over to see Lily but she’s gone to Ipswich with her aunt an old lady who feared to travel alone it appears she wrote to me this morning but the letter has missed the
Post I suppose it will come tomorrow morning you had your journey to Peckham for nothing then yes he answered she ought to have sent me a wire just like a woman I knew Lily Lowry the pretty friend
Of Dick clue very well indeed I did not know that he actually loved her there was undoubtedly a mutual friendship between them but nevertheless he often would go for a month and see nothing of her the daughter of a struggling shopkeeper near the elephant and Castle she had been compelled to seek
Her own living and was it present assistant at a large cheap Drapers in Rye Lane Peckham setting the covenances at naught as became a London girl of present decade she had many times visited ardinjia boat I had always suspected that the love was on her side her she was always giving
Him various little things embroidered pouches handkerchiefs and those semi-useful articles with which girls Delight the men they love but dick did not seen in the least concerned at not having seen her he was annoyed that he had had a journey on the Chatham and Dover for nothing
And sought a great deed more of the mystery of philomore place than of Lily’s well-being he was a pessimist in every sense of the word once he had told me the story of his first love
A strange tragedy of his life that had occurred in his days at Jesus it was this I always suspected that that had evoked from him the real Ardent affection which a man should have for a woman
Who is to be His companion through life man loves but once it is true but the love of Youth is in the generality of cases a mere heart beating caused by a fantasy begotten of inexperience the woman we love at 16 too often some kind-hearted housewife who saw speech
We mistake for affection we flout when we are 20. the woman who was Angelic in our eyes when in our teens is old fat and ugly when four years later the glamor has fallen from our
Eyes and we begin to find a foothold in the world wisdom comes with a mustache so it was with dick he had lost the woman he had loved in his college days yet as far as I could judge none other had
Ever taken her place in his heart two o’clock had struck air we turned in and both of us were up at seven our usual hour for evening papers issued as they are at noon are prepared early
In the morning we were always at our respective offices at half past seven my first thought was of the meeting I had arranged in St James’s Park and of my friends misgivings regarding it full of anxiety I’ve worked on till 11 o’clock when Boyd was shown into my room greeting me
Merrily his appearance was in no way that of a police officer or he wore a Shabby suit of Tweed a soiled collar and an old Silk hat much frayed at the brim presenting the appearance of the typical
Very Fleet Street lounger I’ve come to see you Mr Irwin regarding this meeting in the park he said do you intend going of course I answered surprised that he should ask such a question why well because I think it would be best to leave it entirely to us you might be Indiscreet and
Queer the whole thing I don’t think you’ll find me guilty of any indiscretion I said somewhat peaked I don’t apprehend that he said but on seeing you at the spot appointed the mysterious person who
Made the inquiry last night will at once get away or he will know that the secret is out we must as you know act with greatest caution in this affair so as not to arouse the slightest suspicion that
The keeping of this appointment is in the hands of the police then what in your opinion is the best course to pursue I inquired first your friend Mr Clue must not go near the park I’ve already
Written him a note to that effect secondly you must act exactly as I direct a single slip will mean that the individual will escape and in this we must not Court failure by any Indiscreet move
And how do you intend that I should act I asked sitting back in my writing chair and looking at the Shrew detective who was known throughout London as one of the cleverest unravelers of crime and who had been successful in so many cases wherein human life had been involved
Well he said hesitatingly truth to tell I would rather that you didn’t go to the park at all why because you could not wait about in the vicinity of the spot indicated without betraying a sign that you were an expectation of someone he answered remember you are not a detective
No I answered I’m not a detective but I’ve had a few years training in investigations I think I could disguise my anxiety sufficiently I was extremely anxious to keep the appointment and his suggestion that I should not go caused me disappointment and annoyance
But if you were seen waiting about the man we want would certainly not make his appearance he’d sent danger at once we’ve evidently got to deal with a very cunning scoundrel I could conceal myself I declared I promise you I will act with greatest discretion well he said at
Length after some further demure I suppose then you must have your own way personally I don’t think the man will be such a fool as to run his neck into a noose there’s been some clever work in connection with this matter and Men capable of such Ingenuity must be veritable
Artists in crime and not given to the committal of any indiscretion the voice in the telephone was a squeaky one I think you said yeah so we can thin like an old man’s void the last at his watch
A gold hunter with an inscription it had been given him by public subscription in Hampstead in recognition of his bravery in capturing two armed burglars and fitzjohn’s Avenue it’s time we went he exclaimed but as we Rose dick entered in hot haste he just received Boyd’s note and had
Run round to my office I’ve been out making an inquiry he said having greeted us and expressed disappointment at boy’s decision I thought in order to satisfy myself and so that I could use the information later on I would go around to Professor Braithwaite at the Royal Institution and
Ask his opinion of the scientific apparatus found in the laboratory I went down to Patterson got permission to remove it from the house and took the whole Affair in a cab to the Royal Institution well what’s the result I inquired restlessly the result he answered why the old Johnny when he saw
The paraphernalia stood dumbfounded and when he put it together and commenced experimenting seemed speechless in amazement the discovery he declared was among the greatest and most important of those made within the last 20 years he sent messages for a dozen other scientific men who when they
Saw the arrangement examined it with great care and were equally amazed with old Braithwaite all were extremely anxious as to the identity of the discoverer of this mode of liquefying almost the last of the refractory gases but I of course held my tongue for a most excellent reason I did not
Myself know I merely explained that the apparatus had fallen into my hands accidentally and I wish to ascertain its use then quite a flutter has been caused among these driest dust old fossils I observed laughing a flutter dick echoed why the whole of the scientific world will be in
A state of highest excitement tomorrow when the truth becomes known old Braithwaite declared that the discovery deserves an immediate Knighthood let’s be off Boyd said he took no interest in the discovery like myself his only object was to solve the mystery then I’m not to go dick said
Inquiringly no the detective replied I’m sorry but a crowd of us will queer the thing you shall have all the details later Patterson has promised that you shall publish first news of the affair dick was sorely disappointed I saw it in his face nevertheless with a light laugh he wished
Us goodbye when we emerged into Fleet Street and hurried away back to the offices of the Comet while Boyd and myself jumped into a handsome outside saint dunstan’s church and drove along pow mile as far as Saint James’s place where we alighted and entered the park
The detective explained his tactics during the drive they were that we should separate immediately on entering the park and that he should go alone to the spot indicated by the mysterious voice while I idled in the vicinity I was to act just as I pleased but we were not to
Recognize one another either by look or sign I own therefore that it is with considerable trepidation that I left the detective on entering the mall and wandered slowly along beneath the trees while he crossed and entered the park himself in that thoroughfare which forms a short and pleasant cut
For taxis going Eastward from Victoria’s station there was considerable traffic at that hour the sky was blue and the June Sun Shone warmly through the trees giving The Londoner a foretaste of Summer and causing him to think of straw hats flannels and holiday diversions
A bright day in a London Park at once arouses thoughts of the country or the sea with my face set towards the long regular facade of Buckingham Palace a gray picture with little artistic touches of red the Scarlet coats of the guards I wondered what would be
The outcome of this attempt to obtain a clue that thin squeaky voice sounded in my ear as distinctly at that moment as it had done on the previous night a weird summons from one unknown at last Justice Big Ben showing High across the trees chimed and boom Port the hour of
Noon Ike entered one of the small Gates of the park and strolled along the grave let him walk down to the edge of the ornamental water where for some minutes I stood watching a group of children feeding the waterfowl though trying to look unconcerned my eyes were ever on the alert
I had expected to see Boyd but there was no sign of him therefore I strolled along passing the end of the water the exact spot indicated there was no one there Beyond half a dozen school children feeding the birds with portions of dinners brought with them from distant homes
Undecided whether to Halt there I kept my attention fixed upon the children then fearing to annoy Boyd by remaining at that point I strolled slowly along the shore in the direction of Birdcage Walk the detective had certainly concealed himself successfully for although I
Kept my eyes on the watch I could discover no sign of him the hour of the appointment had passed but not daring to turn back to look I kept straight on until at some distance Beyond I came to a
Seat beside the path and there I rested drawing a newspaper from my pocket and pretending to read unfortunately from where I sat at a point opposite the Wellington Barracks I could obtain no view of the meeting place and although Big Ben struck the quarter I was compelled to remain there inactive
Watching furtively the few passersby with a diligence perhaps Unworthy of a journalist I read and reread my newspaper for nearly half an hour and in the course of that time the people who went along did not number a dozen of none of these did I entertain any suspicion they included
A couple of soldiers two or three old women a lady with a small child a couple of nurses with children a park keeper and a bank clerk with this wallet chained to his belt secreted somewhere in the vicinity Boyd was watching but where I knew not his surmise had unfortunately
Proved correct I reflected as the half hour Chimes the man whoever he was was no fool for five minutes longer I remained when a sudden impatient seized me and I folded my paper in rows
As I did so there came Round the Bend of the path from the direction of the spot the mysterious voice had indicated a slim figure in deep mourning evidently a lady she walked with an even swinging
Gate not as one who was idling there but as though with some fixed purpose on her approach I saw that she was retired entirely in black wearing a dress of the latest mode the white skirt of which rustled as she walked a large hat with swaying feathers which at that moment struck me
As somewhat funeral and a thick spotted Veil her black silk sunshade she carried on her arm and as she came nearer I could not help being struck by her neat as a figure her small waist wide
Hips and well-molded bust I lingered at the seat to brush the dust from my coat so that she might pass and allow me a glance of her face she went by with a loud Frou fro of silk and underskirt
And at the same instant I turned my gaze upon her and looked into her face next second I drew back startled and gassed her hair was fair her eyes large and blue her features familiar even that thick Veil could not conceal her marvelous Beauty I looked again believing it to be some
Chimera of my disordered imagination no there was no mistake it was an astounding inexplicable truth she was the woman I had discovered cold and dead in that house in Kensington on the previous night the woman whose body had so strangely disappeared for a few moments I stood rooted to the spot the
Discovery held me petrified then with sudden resolve I moved forward and followed her end of chapter six chapter seven Eva glasslin I glanced behind me but saw no sign of void of a sudden it crossed my mind that he had not been present at our first discovery therefore expecting
A man to keep the appointment he had allowed her to pass the spot unnoticed the appearance of that neat figure before me the figure of the woman over whose Beauty I had mourned as dead was in itself a most startling fact adding still another feature to the already dark and inscrutable mystery
I wanted to have a word with void and ask his advice for I knew not how to act in such unexpected circumstances one of the victims was actually keeping an appointment with an accomplice of the Assassin for there seen no doubt that murder had been committed by some secret means
When she passed me I noticed the queer half-suspicious glass she casted me with those large Blue Eyes of hers a glance in which anxiety was mingled with Terror and despair evidently she had sought someone whom she had not been able to find and was disappointed in consequence
With a silhouette of her figure before me like some Phantom which I was endeavoring to chase in vain I strolled on at a respectable distance endeavoring to look unconcerned I saw what a strikingly smart figure hers was how slimmed the waist how wide and well-rounded the hips
And how through the bodice of her dress was shown the outline of those narrow French corsets mere bands for the waist which only women with superb figures ever dare to wear her skirt of fine black cloth hung in foals unusually graceful her London skirts are always more or less Bunchy dragging
Behind and rising in front unless made by the first class houses in Regent Street or Bond Street London dressmakers cannot cut a skirt well but herb gown was a model of Simplicity and good fit evidently the creation of some expensive ladies tailored her hair in the full light of day was not
Golden brown as I had believed it to be but really Auburn and her black hat suited her admirably from moment to moment I feared less she should glance back and discover me following her but fortunately she kept straight on at the same even Pace passing out of the park by story’s gate and
Continuing along great George Street until she entered the bustle of Parliament street here fearing she might Escape me I was compelled to approach Nero at risk of being discovered and even then was utterly undecided how to act my first impulse was to walk up to her introduce
Myself and tell her of the circumstances in which I had discovered her in that house apparently lifeless on reflection however I judged that by her presence in the park she was acquainted with the Assassin or his associate and that by keeping close watch upon her I might discover more than
By at once exposing my hand there seemed in her very appearance in that deep morning something Grim weird mysterious at the corner of Parliament street outside the steamy tea rooms she stood for a few moments gazing anxiously up and down as if in search of an Omnibus a man approached
Her crying the second edition of the Comet a copy of which she purchased eagerly holding it small and placing it within the poles of her sunshade why had she done that I wondered did she expect to find in that paper an exposure of the secret tragedy of the previous night I
Stood reading some Excursion timetables outside the railway booking office on the opposite corner watching her furtively from her manner I could plainly see how nervous and excited she was after some hesitation she turned and walked along to King Street where she entered the
Telegraph office and dispatched the telegram she evidently knew that part of London or she would not have known the whereabouts of that office hidden down the short side street I waited in Parliament street until her return an unnoticed Strode back behind her to the corner of
Bridge Street where she at length entered a taxi and drove off from the telegram I might I thought obtained some clue but alas telegrams are secret and I should be unable to get a glance at it to apply at the office would be useless the police might perhaps obtain permission to
Read it but so many dispatches are daily handed in there that to trace any particular one is always a difficult matter I was divided in my impulses should I go back to King Street and make instant application regarding the telegram so that it might be marked and easily traced afterwards or
Should I follow the taxi which at that moment was crossing Westminster Bridge I decided upon the latter course and jumping into another motor pointed out the taxi I desire to follow our Drive was not a long one only to Waterloo Station the busy platform of the loop line
Here I could easily conceal myself in the crowd of persons every moment arriving and departing and as I stood near the booking office I heard her ask for a first class ticket to full well a rather Pleasant and comparatively new Suburban District between Twickenham and Hampton
The shepparton train was already in the station therefore she had once took her seat while I entered another compartment in the front of the train I did this in order to be able to apply quickly leave the station before her and thus avoid recognition
The journey occupied about three quarters of an hour but at length we drew into the little rural station situated in a deep cutting and air the train stopped I sprang out past the barrier and leaped up the steps escaping air the gate was closed by the ticket inspector by this quick
Movement I gained several minutes upon her for the barrier was closed and the lighting passengers were not allowed to leave before the train had again moved off the high road from London opened right and left one way leading back to Strawberry Hill the other route to New Hampton
I felt certain that she would walk in the direction of a latter Place therefore I started off bristly until I came to a small Wayside Inn which I entered and going to the window of the bar parlor called for refreshment at the same time keeping a keen lookout for her passing
Several persons who had come by train hurried by and at first I believe she had taken the opposite direction but at last she came holding her skirts daintily and picking her way for it had been raining and the path was muddy she however was not alone by her sidewalked a young rather
Handsome man about 25 who wore tennis flannels and who had apparently met her at the station she was laughing merrily as she passed while he Strode on with a light Airy footstep indicative of happiness there’s a lady just gone past I explained quickly turning to the innkeeper’s wife
Who had just brought in my glass of beer I often see her about do you know who she is with woman’s curiosity she went to the door and looked down after her oh that’s lady glassland’s daughter she said lady glasslin’s daughter I echoed in Surprise yes it’s Miss Ava and the young
Gent with her is Fred Langdale the son of the great sugar refiner up in London they both live here close by Lady glasslin the Widow is not at all well off and lives Along The Hollies The Big
White House with a garden in front on this side of the way while the langdales have a house further on the road to Hampton overlooking Bushy Park oh that’s who they are I said quite unconsertedly but secretly delighted with this information and who is this lady glassland has she lived here long
Been nearly a year now the good woman answered then confidentially she added they are come down swells I fancy that they’ve got no money is very evident for the trades people can’t get their bills paid at all why only last week Jim Horton the gas company’s man was in here and I heard
Him tell his laborers that he’s got orders to cut the gas off at The Hollies because the bill wasn’t paid then they must be pretty hard up I observed many aristocratic families come down in the world the name of glasslin puzzled me it sounded familiar who was her ladyship’s husband do
You know and no sir I’ve heard several stories one was how that he was a baronet who led an exploring party somewhere in South America and died of fever and another that he was a shady individual who was connected with companies in the city but nobody here knows the truth I think
A glance at dibrat or Burke when I returned to my office would quickly settle that point I reflected therefore having obtained all the information I could from her I wished her good day and left along the Hampton Road I strolled in the direction the pair had taken and in the
Distance saw the mysterious Ava take leave of her companion and enter a house while he lifted his hat and walked on I proceeded slowly passing The Hollies on the opposite side of the way it was a rather large Place decidedly old-fashioned standing back in its own grounds and
Approached by a carriage drive a three-storied red brick house with those plain Windows surrounded by white wooden beams of the early Georgian era in the old world Garden hidden by a high wall grew a profusion of roses and Wallflowers which diffused the sweet scent as I passed and half a
House seen hidden by Ivy and creepers the small lawn in front with its Laurels and monkey trees were well kept and the place seemed [ __ ] and span and altogether comfortable as I passed I fancied I saw a black robe figure standing at one of the ground floor Windows what if she recognized
Me I dared not to look around but kept on my way walking through New Hampton past the long wall of Bushy Park until I came to Old Hampton Town went half an hour later I took train back to Waterloo
I had at any rate made one discovery which was in itself absolutely bewildering at first I had doubted that this sweet face clear-eyed woman was actually identical with a dead form that laid back in her chair on the previous night I believe that she only bore some striking resemblance heightened
Perhaps by the agitated state of my mind but all doubts on this point had been set at Rest by one fact the woman whose cold hand I had grasped had worn in her bodice a brooch of unusual pattern a
Tiny enameled playing card a five of diamonds quaintly set in gold and this same ornament striking on account of its originality of design was at the throat of Ava glasslin showing plainly against the Dead Black of her dress the mystery was certainly most remarkable
In wonder how Boyd had fared or whether Patterson had been Prosecuting inquiries in other directions I went straight to Kensington from Waterloo and found the inspector in his room over the police station it was a small apartment with drab painted walls plainly furnished as police stations are
The table were at he sat was littered with papers mostly pale straw color and on the mantle shelf stood an interesting collection of photographs of people wanted each bearing a number in red ink corresponding to the index book where in a short account of their crime was recorded why
He cried as I entered wherever have you been I’ve been hunting high and low for you I’ve been down to Hampton I laughed Jay Hampton he echoed what on Earth have you been doing down there making inquiries I answered affecting an air of unconcern I’ve made a rather queer discovery
What is it he asked as I took a seat before him I have found the woman whom Patterson and I discovered late last night and the strangest part about it is that she’s alive and quite well
My dear fellow are you mad he asked looking at me strangely people aren’t in the habit of coming to life again you know I’m well aware of that I responded nevertheless the fact remains that the
Woman seen by Patterson and by myself is actually alive I met her in the park and followed her home to New Hampton met her in the park he cried there was one woman I noticed Fair haired and dressed in black the same I answered fortunately I recognized her and kept her under observation
Then in response to his demand I related to him the whole circumstance in detail and her name he inquired when I had concluded Ava glasslin daughter of Lady glasslin glasslin he ejaculated good Heavens surely it can’t be the same why the same I inquired
Oh nothing he answered evasively quickly seeking to allay my suspicions there was some mystery or Scandal or something connected with that Family Once if I recollect all right I may however be mistaken in the name at any rate Mr Irwin you’ve acted with tact and discretion and discovered a
Most important fact what have you been doing I asked well he answered in hesitation the fact is I’ve had a somewhat exciting experience did you then discover the man I inquired anxiously I met a man but whether he was the one who made the appointment by telephone I don’t yet know he said
I waited until a quarter to one concealed behind some bushes and presently saw a gray-haired Old Gentleman well-dressed in Brock coat and silk hat strolling in my direction he was quite a Dandy with well-pressed trousers varnish boots gold-headed cane and single eyeglass his air
Was that of a lawyer or doctor as if in search of someone he lingered in the vicinity subsequently sitting upon a seat at the very end of the lake the exact spot which had been indicated
In what did you do I waited and watched there was no one near yet from his sharp glances in all directions I saw that he wasn’t Fearless someone might approach whom who did wish to see he appeared violently agitated and at last when he was entirely alone he placed his hand in his
Inner pocket took out something and rising from the seat with a swift movement cast the object far away into the water something he wanted to get rid of suspicious wasn’t it of course said the detective after that you may rest assured that I didn’t lose sight of him when the object
He had thrown away had fallen into the lake he turned and glancing up and down in fear that his action might have been observed he returned to a seat and waited until Big Ben struck again then he rose and left the park strolling eerily along the Buckingham Palace Road hearing a good
Deal under the Bonnets of the pretty women who were looking in the windows of the shops he entered the bar of Victoria’s station drank a whiskey and soda and then continuing along to ebrary Street past twice or three times up and down in front of a house on the left-hand side
There were a number of people in that street at the time but the instant he thought himself unobserved he dived down the area of the house he kept passing and repassing in a moment I noted that the number was 22 and having done so placed a watch upon the
House well satisfied that I had taken the first step towards unraveling the mystery remarkable I said I wonder what it was he threw away that’s impossible to tell without dragging the lake and to do that at the present would excite suspicion he evidently went there in order
To meet the Assassin but as the latter did not keep the appointment this unknown object which my crew convicting if found upon him he resolved to get rid of and no better place could there be than
At the bottom of the lake there’s lots of pieces of evidence there you bet then there must be some mysterious connection between the appearance of Ava glasslin at that spot and this man who got rid of some evidence of the crime I observed most certainly the detective said it almost
Seems as though she came there for the purpose of meeting him but he being late she grew impatient and left before his arrival at every step we take the Enigma becomes more complicated more extraordinary more bewildering end of chapter 7 record chapter 8 some remarkable evidence
Three days went by Days full of wonder and anxiety many were the discussions between Patterson dick and myself regarding the extraordinary development of the mystery which had now resolved itself into as complete a puzzle as ever occupied the attention of Scotland Yard
In eberry Street and at Hampton most careful observation was being carried out on night and day but according to Boyd absolutely nothing suspicious could be discovered lady glaslin was accorded to dorpret Widow of a Sir Henry glasslin a scotch baronet who had died several years before
Leaving nowhere to continue the title and only one daughter Ava in the meantime the bodies of the man and the woman had been removed to the mortuary secretly in the early hours of the morning in order not to arouse the suspicion of the neighbors and a post-mortem had been held by two local
Doctors with the result that it was found possible to hold the inquest on the afternoon of the third day the corridor held his inquiry in a small back room in the Kensington Town Hall not far from the
Scene of the tragedy and in opening made a short address to the jury pointing out the necessity or preserving the utmost secrecy in the matter and expressing a hope that no one present would defeat the ends of Justice by giving any facts to the newspapers pardon me sir explain the Tradesmen who
Had been elected Foreman but I see two gentlemen of the press present and both have assisted us in our inquiries Patterson briefly explained to the coroner of course the coroner answered this is a public court and therefore we cannot exclude anyone yet I am confident the reporters
Will respect my wishes this we both promised to do clue well known to the corner speaking first the coroner when the jury had returned from viewing the bodies made a few further observations pointing out to the jury that although the affair was one of the most mysterious and inexplicable
That had ever come beneath his notice in the course of his 20 years experience as a London coroner yet they were there to try and decide the cause of death alone they had no concern with any other facts except the cause of death and he trusted they would give the matter their undivided
Attention Patterson was the first witness in first language he gave an account of his Discovery and of his second visit to the house in my company then when he had concluded I was called and bore out his statement relating how we had entered the laboratory and found the marvelous
Scientific apparatus and how in the pocket of the dead man I had found a penny wrapped in paper the cards with the strange devices which had been beneath the plates on the dining table were handed round to the jury for their inspection and that a statement which I made startled even the corridor
It was how the body of the woman at present in the mortuary was not the same as the one we had at first discovered impossible exclaimed a coroner while the twelve jury men stood aghast at my statement that is quite true sir exclaimed Patterson rising from his seat the lady we
First discovered was younger with bare hair then there must have been a triple tragedy observed a coroner astounded this is most extraordinary I was about to explain how I had recognized in the girl I met in St James’s Heart The Identical woman whom we had discovered lifeless but a sharp
Look from the inspector silenced me we are making diligent inquiries the officer went on and we have reason to believe that we shall be able to make a further statement later at the adjourned inquiry the corridor knotted and turning to the jury said of course gentlemen it would not be wise at
This stage for the police to disclose any of the information in their possession their success in such matters is this mainly depends upon secrecy I think we may now perhaps hear the medical evidence the jury stirred on easily and settled themselves to listen intently as Dr Lee’s Knowles the police
Divisional surgeon stepped forward and was sworn I was called by the police in the house he said and found there were two deceased persons a man and a woman in the drawing room on the first floor
The attire of the man was rather disarranged as the police had already searched him but there were no signs whatever of a struggle you made a cursory examination of course suggested the quarter yes life had been extinct sometime and rigor mortis had commenced there was however no external sign
Of Foul Play and the postmortem the court was silent in anxious anticipation of the doctor’s response assisted by Dr Linds I made a postmortem but found absolutely nothing to account for debt there was no Mark of violence on either of the bodies and no physical defect or slightest trace
Of disease nevertheless the position of the bodies when found makes it evident that both persons died with great suddenness and without being able to obtain assistance was there nothing whatever to give any clue to the cause of death as the coroner himself a medical man and nothing
Responded to surgeon one thing however struck us as peculiar on the inside of the right forearm of both the man and the woman were identical tattoo marks the device nearly an inch in diameter represented a serpent with its tail in its mouth the ancient emblem of Eternity the mark on the
Man had evidently been traced several years ago but that on the woman is comparatively fresh and could not have been completely healed over more than a month ago it is as though the mark on the
Man has been copied upon the woman and what do you think is the signification of this Mark inquired the coroner looking up from the Blue Pools cap where on he had been writing down the depositions
I’m utterly at a loss to know the doctor answered yet it is very curious that upon one of these cards we found beneath the plates there was a circle drawn while it also seemed that snakes were kept in the house as pets to my mind all three circumstances have some connecting significance
The jury bent together and conversed in Whispers this theory of the doctors seemed to possess a good deal of truth even though the mystery was increased rather than diminished many more questions were put to the doctor after which his colleague Dr Linds was called
And corroborated the police surgeon’s evidence he too was utterly unable to ascribe any fatal cause the tattoo marks had puzzled him but he suggested that the man and woman might be husband and wife and that in a freak of Caprice to which women of some temperaments of subject she had caused the
Device on her husband’s arm to be copied upon her own opinions were however divided as to whether the pair were husband and wife for my own part I did not regard his theory as a sound one
You did not Overlook the contents of the stomach of course the coroner exclaimed and now we sent them in sealed bottles to Dr Marston the analyst of the home office and have we his report inquired the coroner and Dr Marston is here himself sir he has come to give evidence Patterson answered from
The back of the room while at the same time an Old gray-haired Gentleman in gold rim spectacles Rose and walking forward took the elf you received from the previous Witnesses two bottles suggested to corner will you please tell us the result of your analysis I tested carefully with group regions for
Every known poison and also for tomane he said but all the solvents alcohol benzyl napped the ammonia and so forth failed I tested for the alkaloids such as strychnine digitalin and can thorogen and used hydrochloric acid to find either Silver Mercury or lead and also ammonia in an Endeavor
To trace tin cadmium or arsenic to none of the known groups does the poison eat poison their B belong therefore I have been utterly unable to arrive at any definite conclusion is there no direct trace of any poison none was the answer yet from the result of certain group regions it
Would appear that death was due to the virulence of some exotic substance you cannot we take it decide what that substance was unfortunately no the renowned analysts answered apparently annoyed at having to thus publicly acknowledge his failure the state of the stomach of either person was not
Such as might cause death indeed there was only a secondary and most faint trace of the unknown substance to which I have referred then to put it quite plainly said the coroner it is your opinion that they were poisoned I can scarcely go so far as that the witness responded all I
Can say is evidence is that I found a slight trace of some deleterious substance which all tests refused to clearly reveal whether it were an actual poison which resulted in death I hesitate to say as the result of my analysis is not sufficiently clear to warn any direct allegation
Do you suggest that this substance whatever it was must have been painful and injurious to the human system I think so even that however is not absolutely certain as you know certain poisons in infinitesimal quantities are exceedingly beneficial then we must take it
That presuming these two persons actually die to poison it must have been by a poison unknown in toxicology observed the corner exactly the analyst responded standing with his hands behind his back and peering through his spectacles at the expected jury the coroner invited the jury to ask
Any questions of the analyst but the 12 Kensington Tradesmen feared to put any query to the man who had the science of poisoning thus at his fingers ends and whose analysis were always thorough and absolutely Beyond dispute he was the greatest Authority on poisons and they could think of
Nothing further to ask him therefore the coroner politely invited him to sign his depositions after he had withdrawn the corner placing down his pen side leaned back in his chair with a puzzled expression and once more addressed the 12 men who had been summoned and warned before him they had
Heard the evidence he said and it was now for them to decide whether the two persons had died from natural causes or whether they had met with Foul Play in the circumstances he acknowledged that a decision was extremely difficult on account of the many mysterious side issues connected with the
Affair Yeti pointed out that if they were in real doubt whether to return a verdict of natural death or a willful murder there was still a third cross namely to return an open verdict of found dead and
Thus lead the matter in the hands of the police he was ready of course to adjourn the inquiry but from what he knew of the matter together with the evidence which had just been given it was his
Honest opinion that no object could be obtained in an adjournment and further by closing the inquest at once they would prevent any inexpediate facts leaking out to the newspapers the jury retired to consult in an adjoining room and in 10 minutes returned giving an open verdict of found dead
Thus and at the inquiry and while the law had been complied with public curiosity remained unaroused and the police were unable to work on in secret with clue I lingered behind chatting with Patterson and Boyd we are keeping observation at upper Fillmore Place Boyd explained in response
To my inquiry funny thing that nobody else calls there and that the servants have never come back have you found the snake that was in the garden who asked of Patterson with the significant glance at knee and now he responded rather confused do you see any search there might arouse suspicion
Therefore we are compelled to be content with watching for the return of anyone to the house but you haven’t yet succeeded in establishing the identity of the pair dick observed now that’s the queerest part of it Boyd explained the owner of the house a builder who has an office in Church
Street close by says that the place was taken furnished by a Mrs Blaine who gave her address at Harwell near ditkat she paid six months rent in advance Harwell Echo clue turning to me isn’t that your home or when yes I guess the name of blame caused me to stand immovable
Why dick exclaimed noticing my agitation what’s the matter all fellow do you know the blames yes I managed to reply they must be the blanes of Shenley court if so they are friends of my family I had never told my companion of my bygone love affair because it had been a thing of
The past before we had gone into diggings together who are they inquired boy quickly tell me all you know concerning them as we are about to prosecute inquiries in their Direction first tell me the statement of the house owner I said well he describes Mrs Blaine as a middle-aged
Rather Pleasant lady who came to his office about a year ago in response to an advertisement in the morning post she appeared most anxious to have a house and one fact which appears to strike the old fellow as peculiar is that she took it and paid a 10 pound notice deposit without ever
Seeing the interior of the premises she told him that it was for some friends of hers from abroad and that they not having arrived she would sign the agreement and accept all responsibility anything else yes the detected replied she was accompanied by a young lady whom old Triton
The landlord took to be her daughter now tell me what you know I paused looking at him fixitly the disclosure that Mrs Blaine was the actual holder of that house of mystery was certainly startling it was remarkable too that on the very night of the crime I should receive a letter from
Mary the woman who had so long lingered in my memory was that I wondered anything more than a mere coincidence I don’t know that I can tell you very much about the family I answered determined to put him off the scent and make inquiries myself they were very much respected when
At Shenley where they kept up a fine country house and entertained a great deal they were parishioners of my father therefore I went there very often do you know Mrs Blaine well quite well and her daughter suggested dick much interested what’s she liked pretty possible I answered with
Affected indifference then they are not a shady family at all suggested to detect it not in the least that is why the fact of Mrs Blaine having taken the house is so surprising it may have
Been sub let clue observed her friends from abroad may not have arrived after all and she might have relented a circumstance which seems most likely as no one appears to have seen her enter the place
At any rate its most extraordinary I said then turning to board I asked why not leave the inquiry in that quarter to me knowing her I can obtain information far more easily than you can yes clue urged it would be a better course much better very well answered the detective not however without
Some hesitation but be careful not to disclose too much try and find out one fact only the reason she took the house lead all the rest to us I promised and after drinking together over in the
Refreshment bar at High Street stationed we heard it and clue and I took a bus back to our Chambers he stopped at Holborn to buy some last editions of the papers while I hurried on for being
Terribly hungry I wish to give old Mrs Joe early intimation of our Readiness for the diurnal steak with my latchkey I under Lord Chambers the succulent scent of grilled meat greeted my nostrils and I Strode eagerly forward shouting for the hag as I entered the sitting room I
Started and Drew back a quick word of apology died from my lips for out of our single armchair there are rows of tall female dark well-fitting dress bowing with the grace that was Charming I saw before me hap concealed beneath a thin black veil a smiling face eminently pretty a tiny mouth
Parted to show an even row of pearly teeth a countenance that was handsome in every feature that pair of eyes pure importantly held me motionless dumb I stood before my visitor confused and speechless end of chapter 8 record this is audiobook caboodle YouTube channel
Place for finest collection of audiobooks and novels chapter 9 the love of long ago there are hours in our lives which are apparently without importance but which nevertheless exercise an influence on our destiny Little Wonder was it that at this instant I stood before my visitor
Voiceless in amazement her in her erect neat figure I recognized the broken Idol of those long past summer days Mary Blane of all the persons she was the one I most desired at that moment to meet her letter to me and her presence in my chambers that evening were two facts that
Appeared pre-arranged with some ulterior motive rather than mere coincidence then an hour before Boyd had made a most puzzly statement regarding her mother and he or she was confronting me with that smile I knew so well as if anxious to make explanation
I believe I’ve startled you Frank she exclaimed laughing as she held out her loved hand in meeting is it so long since we met Perhaps it is indiscreet of me to come here to your Chambers but
I wanted to see you mother would be furious if she knew why didn’t you answer my letter forgive me I said an excuse I’ve been busy the life of a daily journalist leads so very little time for correspondence and I invited her to be reseeded in our only armchair she Shrugged
Her shoulders smiling dubiously you men are always Adept at the art of excuse she remarked she was pretty yes decidedly pretty as I stood looking at her there came back to me Vivid Recollections of a day that was dead a day when we had exchanged vows of undying affection and
Had wandered in secret arm and arm along those quiet leaky Lanes she was a girl then and I not much more than a stripping youth but we had both grown older now another idea said sprung up in our
Minds other jealousies and other loves almost four years had passed since I had last seen her she had grown a little more plump and matronly and in her dark luminous eyes was it looked more serious than
In her ointnish days at Harwell how time flies it did not seem four years since that Autumn evening when we parted in the golden Sunset yet how great had the change been in the fortunes of her first
Proud family and even in my own life there was no love between us now none the days were long passed since a woman’s touch in word would make me color like a girl even this meeting when she pressed my
Hand and her eyelids fluttered did not restor within me the court of love so long untouched I had heard of her only as a flirt and Fortune Hunter and had read in the newspapers a paragraph announcing her engagement to the Elder son of a millionaire iron founder of Wiggum nevertheless
A month ago the papers contained a further paragraph stating that the marriage arranged would not take place since we had parted she had evidently been through many love Adventures still she was nevertheless uncommonly good looking with the grace of manner that was perfect
I’ve often wondered Frank what had become of you she said leaning her elbow on the table raising her bail and looking straight into my eyes we were such real good friends long ago that I’ve never failed to entertain Pleasant Recollections of our friendship once or twice I’ve heard of you through
Your people and of now and then read your articles in the magazines somehow I felt a keen desire for a long time past to see you and have a chat I feel honored I answered perhaps a trifle sarcastically
Her mind was but a bit of recollection it is certainly Pleasant to think that one is remember after these years then in order to add irony to my words I added I’ve heard you are engaged I was she
Responded glancing at me sharply but it is broken off you found someone you liked better I presume it is always so and no not at all she hastened to assure me the fact is there was very little
Love on either side and we parted quite amicably as amicably as we did ourselves eh no Frank she said with a sudden seriousness dropping her eyes to the table do not refer to that with years has
Come wisdom we were both foolish were we not perhaps I was when I believed you’re bound to be a true one I responded a tribal bitterly for I had thought the summer of my life over and at an
End oh no she cried I did not come here to reopen an incident that has been so long closed you love another woman no doubt no I answered I loved you once until you pursued me I have not loved since
But I was a mere girl then she urged ours was but a mid-summer Madness that you’ll surely admit I was silent I had believed myself proof against all sediment in this respect for of late I had
Thought little if at all of my lost love yet alone with her at that moment all the bitter past flooded upon me my wild passion and my shattered hopes with the vividness that stirred up a great bitterness Within Me not that I loved her now no on the contrary I hated her she
Had played others false and treated them just as she had treated me after Madness there is always a reaction I answered recollecting how fondly I had once loved her and how since the day we parted my life even Bohemian as it must ever be in journalistic London was nevertheless Loveless
And misanthropic the life of one whose hopes were shattered and whose joy in living had been sapped Shenley was but the tomb of those summer Recollections I never now visited the place but all this is very foolish prank she explained with a calm philosophical Heir and a smile
Probably meant to be goquettish why recollect the past when one has loved as I once did it is difficult to rid oneself of the memory of its sweetness or its bitterness I said your visit here
Has brought it all back to me all that I have striven so long and so strenuously to forget she sighed for a single instant her dark eyes met mine and then she avoided my gaze I ventured here she explained in a low apologetic tone because I believe that our youthful passion had mutually
Died and that I might renew your acquaintance not as lover but his friend if by coming here I have pained you or caused you any particularly unhappy Recollections forgive me Frank forgive me and she stretched forth her hand and placed it upon my arm with a gesture of deep earnestness and regret
Certainly I forgive you I answered annoyed with myself for having thus worn my heart on my sleeve it was foolish I knew that idyllic Love of ours was a mere dream of Youth like the other Castles
In the Air we built when in our teens it was unwise to have spoken as I had for after all truth to tell I was at that moment secretly glad of my freedom and why because the mysterious woman whose
Beauty was perfect yet whose very existence was an enigma had awakened within my soul a newborn love since that bright morning when she had first passed me in St James’s Park my thoughts had been constantly of her although I had not exchanged a single word with her I loved her and all thought
Of this dark-eyed woman who had once played me false had passed from me thus angry with myself and having spoken as I had I strove to remedy whatever impression my words had made by treating my visitor with a study courtesy at the same time seeking to discover the real motive of her call
I recollected the mystery together with the fact that had been elicited regarding the tenancy of the house and felt convinced that her visit was not without some strong incentive she either came to me in order to learn something or else with the object of satisfying herself
Upon some point remaining in doubt this thought flashing through my troubled brain placed beyond the alert and as we with mutual eagerness change the topic of conversation I sat gazing into her mobile countenance filled with ecstatic Wonder as you know she chattered on quite frankly in a
Rather high-pitched key before we left Shenley father had some very heavy losses in the city at first we found a smaller house simply horrible but now we are quite used to it and personally I’m happier there because we are right on the river and can have such Jolly voting
But River Dean is not such a very small place surely I said dick who knew the river well had once told me that it was a fine house situated in one of the most picturesque reaches no she laughed
Not really it’s a very small I suppose but why not come down and see for yourself mother often speaks of you and you know you’re always welcome now in ordinary circumstances I should have refused that invitation Point Blank but when I reflected that I was bound to make certain inquiries of Mrs
Blaine I with apparent reluctance accepted mother will be most delighted to see you we have tennis very often and boating always it’s awfully Jolly come down the day after tomorrow in the afternoon I shall tell mother that I met you in the street and asked you down she must of
Course never know that I came here to see you and she laughed at her little breach of the covenances of course now I won’t give you away I said then suddenly I recollect it may I get you a cup of tea
Oh no thanks really she answered I’ve been in Regent Street to do some shopping and I had tea there I was on my way home but thought that being alone I’d venture to try and find you I’m
Very glad we have met I said enthusiastically for truth to tell I saw in her opportune invitation a means by which I might get at the truth I sought there was something extremely puzzling in this allegation that the calm mannered affable Mrs Blaine whom I had known so well was the actual
Tenet of the mysterious house in Fillmore place then looking at her steadily I added in future our relations shall be as you suggest those of friendship and not of affection if you really wish of course she replied it is the only sensible solution of the situation we are both perfectly
Free and there is no reason whatever why we should not remain friends is there and none at all I said tell your mother that I should be most delighted to pay you a visit you have a boat I suppose oh
Yes and a punt too this season I’ve learned upon quite well I smile because that Pastime shows off the feminine figure to the greatest Advantage I observe girls who can’t generally wear pretty
Brown shoes and their dress is just a triple short so that as they skip from end to end of the punt they are unable to display a dispute Soups On of lingerie an open work stocking yay ah no she
Protested laughing you’re too sarcastic hunting is really very good fun or ladies no doubt I said but men prefer sculling they’ve no ways to show nor pretty flannel procs to exhibit to the river crowd ah Frank you always were a little harsh in your conclusions she sighed I suppose it is
Because you sometimes write criticisms critics I have always imagined should be old and quarrelsome persons you are not and no I responded but old critics too often view things through their own philosophic spectacles the younger School takes a much broader view of life I’m not however a
Critic I have I’m only a journalist I could hear old Mrs Job growling to herself because the stake was ready and she could not lay the cloth because of my visitor meanwhile the room had become filled
With Suffocation with the fumes of frizzling meat until a blue hay is seen to hang over everything so useless eye to this choking state of things that until that moment I never noticed it then I quickly Rose and opened the window with the word of apology that the place smelt stuffy
She glanced around the shabby smoke mellowed room and declared that it pleased her of course Bachelors had to ship for themselves a good deal she said yet this place was not at all uncomfortable I told her of my companion who shared the chambers with me of his genius
As a journalist and how merrily we kept house together at which she was much interested all girls are more or less interested in bachelor’s Arrangements our gossip drifted mostly into the bygones of events at Harwell and the movements of various mutual friends when suddenly dick clue
Burst into the room crying I sailed chap there’s another first class Horror oh I beg your pardon he said an apology drawing back and noticing Mary I didn’t know you had a visitor forgive me let me introduce you I said laughing at his sudden confusion Mr Clue Miss vain
The pair exchanged greetings when clue with that very good humor that never deserted him said ladies never come to our den you know Miss Blaine therefore please forgive me for blaring like a bull our old woman who cleans out the kennels is a step as a post therefore we have
Contracted a habit of shouting what is the horror of which you spell she asked for the forced lab I was looking at her at that instant I noticed how unusually pale and agitated her face had suddenly become oh only a startling Discovery in tonight’s special he answered a discovery
She guessed where he glanced at the paper still in his hand while she bent forward in her chair with an eagerness impossible of concealment her cheeks her palate her eyes dark wild looking and Brilliant the affairi said seems to have taken place at Lone pit Vale Lewis ham ah she ejaculated
Quite involuntarily giving bent to a sigh of relief which clue quick and observant did not fail to notice my friend threw the paper aside sniffed at the odor of burnt meat and suggested that the hag was endeavoring to asphyxiate us the hag exclaimed Mary’s surprise who’s the hag
Old Mrs Joe responded dick we call her that first because she’s so ugly and secondly because when she’s cooking for us she croons to herself like the witch of Endor she certainly is decidedly ugly
With that cross eye of hers it struck me too that she had an ancient and witch-like aspect when she admitted me she laughed thus we chatted on until the bell of the hall struck seven and she Rose
To go first however inviting dick to a copy me to riverdine an invitation which she gladly accepted then she bait him a Dew and I copied her into Holborn where I placed her in a taxi for Waterloo
On re-entering the room Dick’s first exclamation was did you notice how her face changed when I mentioned the horror yes I said her name’s Bane and I presume she’s the daughter of Mrs Bane who
Was the tenant of the house in Kensington I not an old flame of yours I remember now that you once spoke of her quite true well old fellow he said it was quite apparent when I mentioned the tragedy
That she feared the discovery had been made in Kensington depend upon it she can if she likes tell us a good deal yes I answered thoughtfully I agree with you entirely dick I believe she can end of chapter 9 recording chapter 10 on the silent Highway
Whatever might have been Mary’s object in thus renewing my acquaintance at the very moment when I was about to seek her one thing alone was a parrot she feared the revelation of the tragic Affair at Kensington there were times when men and women whatever Mastery they may possess
Over their countenances must involuntarily betray Joy or fear in a manner unmistakable those sudden and entirely unintentional words of dicks had for the moment Frozen her heart and yet it was incredible that she should have any connection with this affair so inexplicable that
Superintendent Shaw the chief of the criminal investigation department at Scotland Yard had himself visited the house and according to what Boyd had told me had expressed himself utterly bewildered next day passed on eventually but on the following afternoon we took the train
To shepperton where at the station we found Simpson the chauffeur who had been at Shenley awaiting us with a smart motor car in which we drove along the white winding road to River d IX description of the place was certainly not in the least exaggerated when he had said that it
Was one of the most Charming old places on the Thames approached from the Highway by a long drive through a thick velvet of Elms and beaches it stood a long old-fashioned house covered with Honeysuckle and Roses facing the river with a broad well-kept lawn sloping down to the water’s
Edge The Gardens on either side were filled with bright flowers the high leafy trees overshadowed the house and kept it delightfully cool and the 10 of them long and the several hammocks slung in the shadow testified to the ease and Repose of those who lived there many riparian residences
Had I seen during my frequent picnic and sunny excursions up and down the various reaches but for pictures perfect quiet and Rural Beauty none could compare with this I had expected to find a
Mere Cottage or at most a villa The Humble Retreat of a half ruined man yet on the contrary it was a fine house furnished with an Elegance that was surprising with men’s servants in every evidence of wealth City men are reflected made money fast and without doubt Old Henry Blaine had regained
Long ago all that he had lost how beautiful how tranquil was that spot how sweet smelling that wealth of trailing roses which entirely hid one half of the house after the dust and stuffiness of Fleet Street the incessant rattle of traffic and the horse shouting of the winners beyond the
Lawn which we now cross to greet our Hostess and her daughter the river ran cool and deep with its surface unruffled so that the high poplars on the opposite Bank were reflected into it with
All their detail and color as in the mirror it was a warm afternoon and during our drive the sun had beat down upon us mercilessly but here in the shadow all was delightfully cool and refreshing the porch of the house facing the river was one mass of yellow roses which spread their fragrance
Everywhere Mrs Blaine was seated in a wicker chair with some needlework while Mary was lying in a Chase Lounge reading the latest novel from muddies and our footsteps falling noiselessly upon the turf neither noticed our approach until we stood before them I’m so very pleased you’ve come
Frank exclaimed the elder lady starting forward enthusiastically as you put down her work and I’m delighted to meet your friend I have heard of you both several times through your father I wonder he doesn’t exchange his living with someone he seemed so very unwell of late I’ve always thought
That Harwell doesn’t suit him he has tried on several occasions but theocracy has had are in towns in the north of England so he prefers Berkshire I answered well she said inviting a spoke to be seated in comfortable wicker chairs standing near it is really very pleasant to see
You again Mary has spoken of you and wondered how you were so many many times I’m sure I said the pleasure is mutual dick after I had introduced him to Mrs Payne had seated himself at Mary’s
Side and was chatting to her while I leaning back in my chair looked at this woman before me and remembered the object of my visit there was certainly nothing at her face to arouse suspicion
She was perhaps 50 with just a sign of gray hairs Dark Eyed with a nose of that type one Associates with employers of Labor a trifle inclined to om bompa she was a typical well-preserved English woman of motherly disposition even though by birth she was one of the first Shropshire families and
In the days of Shenley she had been quite a prominent figure in the May flutter of London I had liked her exceedingly or she had shown me many kindnesses indeed she had distinctly favored the match between Mary and myself although her husband a bustling busy man had scouted
The idea this Mary herself had told me long ago in those dreamy days of sweet competences the thought that she was in any way implicated in the mysterious Affair under investigation seemed absolutely absurd and I laughed Within Myself she was dressed as she always had
Dressed after luncheon in black satin Duchess a quiet Elegance which I think rather created an illusion that she was Stout and as she arranged her needlework aside in order to chat to me she sighed as matronly ladies are want to side during the drowsy after lunch and hours
From time to time I turn and laughed with Mary as she gaily sought my opinion on this and on that she was dressed in dark blue surge trimmed with narrow white gray her sailor hat cast aside
Lying on the grass a smart River costume of a Chic familiar to me in the passion plates of the lady’s papers as she lay back her head pillared on the cushion there was in her eyes that kokadish smiled
And she laughed at ringing musical laugh as a bold a boat full of Merry makers went by looking across and no doubt envying us res for sculling out there in the blazing sun could scarcely be a pleasure judging from their appearance they were shop assistants making the best of the Thursday
Early closing movement a movement which happily gives the slaves the Suburban counters opportunity for healthful recreation the boat was Laden to overflowing and prometed in the bows was the inevitable basket of provisions and the tin Kettle for making tea it’s too hot as yet to go out Mary
Said watching them will go later very well dick answered I shall be delighted I love the river but since my Cambridge days I’ve unfortunately had but little opportunity for sculling you newspaper men observe Mrs Blaine addressing me must have very little Leisure I think the newspapers are
Always full isn’t it very difficult to fill the pages and no I answered that’s a common error to every newspaper in the Kingdom there comes daily sufficient needs of one sword or another to fill three sheets the same size the duty of the journalist if of course he is not a reporter or
Leader writer is to make a judicious selection as to what he shall publish and what he shall admit it is this that wears out one’s brains but the reporters she continued I mean those men who go
And Hunt up details of Horrors crimes and such things are they well paid that struck me as a strange question and I think I must have glanced at her rather inquiringly they are paid as well as most professions are paid nowadays I answered better perhaps than some and their duty is to
Make inquiries and scrape up all kinds of details just like detectives I’ve heard it said is that so exactly I replied one of the cleverest men in that branch of Journalism is our friend here Mr Clue
She looked at the man I indicated and I thought her face went slightly paler it may however only been in my imagination is he really one of those she inquired in a low undertone yes I responded
In all Fleet Street he’s the shrewdest man that handing out the truth he is the comet man and may claim to have originated the reporter investigation branch of Journalism she was silent for a few moments lines appeared between her eyes then she took up her needlework as if
To divert her thoughts and Mr Blaine I asked at last in one of some better topic how is he how busy as usual he’s in Paris he went a fortnight to go upon business connected with some company
He is bringing out and has not been able to get back yet we shall join him for a week or two only I so much dislike the channel Crossing besides it is really very pleasant here just now delightful I answered looking round upon the peaceful scene at the steps opposite where we
Sat was moored a motorboat together with Mary’s hunt a light wood one with Crimson cushions while behind us was a well-kept tennis court tea was brought after we had gossiped nearly an hour and while we were taking it a boat suddenly Drew up at the Landing stage being hailed by Mary who jumped
Up enthusiastically to welcome its occupants there were two young men of rather thanified air and a young girl of 20 smartly dressed but not at all good-looking whom I afterwards Learned was sister to the Elder of her companions when the boat was at last moored and the trio landed
Amid much shouting in Merriman I was introduced to them the name of sister and brother were Moberly a family who lived somewhere up Beyond value and their companion was a guest at their house we thought we’d just catch you a tea Mrs Blaine cried Doris Moberly as she sprang ashore and we
Are So frightfully Thirsty it come along then said the elder lady sit down my dear we have it all ready and so three joined us and the circle quickly became a very merry one they kept us so
Long in the lock that I feared tea would be all over before we arrived young Moberly said with a rather affected drawl he appeared to be one of those young sprigs of the city who traveled first
Class read the Times and ape the Aristocrat yes DARS went on there was a slight collision between a barge and a launch resulting in lots of strong language and that the latest otherwise we should have been here half an hour ago did you call on the Bin’s dad’s Mary asked you know their
Houseboat the flame it’s more just to then halfway between the lock and stains Bridge we passed it but the blinds were down they were evidently taking a nap so we did inhale them Doris responded then the conversation drifted upon River topics as it always dressed with those who spend the
Summer days idling about the upper richest attempts a punts motor launches and sailing of the prospects of regattas and addresses at Sunbury lock on the previous Sunday they were all River enthusiasts and River enthusiasm is a malady extremely contagious with those
Doomed to spend the Dog Days gasping in a Dusty office in stifled London after T followed tennis as a natural sequence and while Moberly and his sister played with Dick and the youth who had a copied the moberly’s Mary and I wandered away into the wood which skirt at the grounds of riverdine
She was bright and merry quite her old self of Shenley days saved perhaps for a Graver look which now and then came to her eyes she showed me the extent of their grounds and led me down a narrow
Path in the dark shadow to the bank to show me a nest of Kingfishers the spot was so peaceful and Rural that one could scarcely believe one cell but 20 miles from London the Kingfisher startled by our presence flashed by us like a living emerald in the sunlight black-headed bunting splitted
Alongside among the Reeds and the shy sedge warbler poured out his chattering imitations while here and there we caught sight of more hands down in the sedge she had I found developed a love for fishing where she took me further down where the Willows trailed into the stream and pointed out
The swirl over the gravel where trout were known to lie showed me a bush-shaped depth where she had caught many a big perch and a long swim where she said were excellent roach and you are happier here than you were at Shenley I inquired as we were strolling back together both bare-headed
She with her hat swinging in her hand happy oh yes and she sighed with her eyes cast upon the ground that sigh of yours does not denote happiness I remark glancing at her what troubles you
Nothing she declared looking up at me with a poor smile it is very puzzling to me Mary I said seriously that in all this time you’re not married you were engaged yet it was broken off why at my
Demand she answered with a firmness that surprised me I will never marry a man I don’t love never then it was that your father’s suggestion that proposed marriage of yours of course I hated him surely it was unwise to allow the announcement to get into the papers wasn’t it it was my father’s
Doing not mine she responded when it was broken off I hastened to publish the contradiction on reading the first announcement I said I imagined that you had a length found a man whom you loved and that you would marry and be happy I am sure I regret that it is not so
Why she asked regarding me with some surprise do you wish to see me married then not to a man you cannot love I hasten to assure her I was trying to learn from her the reason of her sudden renewed friendship and competence yet she was careful not to refer to it
Her extreme care in this particular was in itself suspicious her effort at coquetry when at my Chambers two days before made it apparent that she was prepared to accept my love if I so desired yet the remembrance of Eva glasslin was ever in my mind this woman at my side had once played
Me false and it caused the rent in my heart which was difficult to heal she was pretty in Charming without doubt yet she had never been Frank even in those long past days at Shenley once again I told myself that the only woman I had looked upon with thoughts of real genuine
Affection was the mysterious Ava whom once with my own eyes I had seen cold and dead when I reflected upon the latter fact I became puzzled almost to the verge of Madness yet upon me situated as I was
Defiled the duty of solving the Enigma life looked at philosophically is a long succession of chances it is a game of Hazard played by the individual against the multiform forces to which we give the name of circumstance with cars whose real strength is always either more or less than their
Face value and which are packed and forced with an astuteness which would baffle the Wiley as sharper there were times in the game when the cards held by the Mortal player have no value at all when
What seemed to us kings queens and Aces changed to Mere blanks there are other moments when ignoble twos and threes flush into trumps and enable us to triumphantly sweep the board briefly life is a game of roulette wherein we always play on Paul as walking at her side I looked into her handsome
Face there Came Upon me a feeling of mournful disappointment had we met like this a week before and she had spoken so softly to me I should I barely believe have repeated my Declaration of
Love but the time had passed and all had changed my gaze had been lost in the immensity of a pair of wondrous Azure eyes I who tired before my time world weary despondent and cynical was angry and contemptuous at the success of my companions had actually awakened to a new desire for life
So I allowed this woman I had once loved the chatter on listening to her light gossip and now and then putting a question to her with a view to learning something of her connection with that house of Mystery still she told me nothing absolutely nothing
Without apparent intention she evaded any direct question I could to her and seemed brimming over with good spirits and Merriman it has been quite like old times to have a stroll in a chat with you Frank she declared as we emerged at last upon the lawn where tennis was still in progress
The sun was now declining the Shadows lengthening and a refreshing wind was already beginning to stir the tops of the Elms yes I laughed of our long walks around Harwell I have many Pleasant Recollections do you remember how secretly we used to meet fearing the anger of your people
How sometimes I used to wait hours for you and how we used to imagine that our love would last always oh yes she answered I recollect too how I used to send you notes down by one of the stable labs and
Pay him with sweets I laughed again all that has gone by I said in those days of our experience we believe that our mutual liking was actual love even if we now smile at our Recollections they were nevertheless the happiest hours of all our lives Love Is Never So fervent and devoted as
An early youth aha she answered in a serious tone you are quite right I have never since those days known what it is to really love I glanced at her sharply her eyes were cast upon the ground in sudden melancholy was that speech of hers A Veiled declaration that she left me still
I held my breath for an instant then looking straight before me saw standing a few yards away in conversation with Mrs Bane a female figure in a boating costume of cream flannel braided with coral pink look I exclaimed led to avoid responding you have another visitor I think
She glanced in a direction I indicated then hastened forward to greet the newcomer the slim waisted figure turned and next second I recognized the strikingly handsome profile of Ava glasslin the mysterious woman I secretly loved with such passion order and affection
Come Frank let me introduce you Mary cried after enthusiastically kissing her friend I stepped forward and as I did so she turned and fixed on me her large Blue lapping eyes not a look not an expression of her pure countenance was altered as I gazed into
Those eyes I saw that they were as dear as the purest Crystal and that I could look through them straight into her very soul I bowed and grasped the tiny refined hand she held forth to me that soft hand which I had once before touched when it was cold and lifeless
End of chapter 10 recorded chapter 11 Beauty at the helm together we stood on the lawn near the riverbank gossiping and as I looked into Ava’s Paula’s face whereon the expression had now become softened I longed to tell her the most sacred Secret of My Heart had she I wondered recognized
In me the man she encountered in Saint James’s Park when on that mysterious errand of hers what could have been the nature of that errand whom did she go there to meet one fact was that that moment to me more Curious than all others namely her friendship
With Mrs Blaine the woman who according to the landlord rented that house of Mystery by the exercise of care and direction I might I told myself learned something which would perhaps lead if not to the solution of the Enigma then to some clue upon which the police
Might work but to accomplish this I should be compelled to exercise The Most Extreme Caution for both mother and daughter were evidently acute to detect any attempt to gain their secret while it seemed more than probable that Ava herself if actually aware of the affair
Which was of course not quite certain had some motive in keeping all knowledge of it concealed who a hundred times I wondered was the man who after lingering opposite Buckingham Palace had entered the house in eidbury street without doubt Ava had gone to the park to meet him but it seemed
That growing impatient or fearful of recognition by others she had left before his arrival true the police had watched the house wherein the man disappeared but up to the present he had not been seen again Boyd had told me when I had seen him that very morning that he had
Left my some exit at the rear and that his entry there was only to throw any Watcher off the sim it was evident that the man whoever he was had very ingeniously got clear away dick who was playing
Tennis at last came forward to be introduced to my Divinity and presently whispered to me his great admiration for her I was about to tell him who she really was but on reflection felt that I could act
With greater discretion if the truth remained mine alone together with the secret of my love for her therefore I held my peace and he in ignorance that she was the missing victim of that amazing tragedy walked at her side along the water’s edge laughing merrily and greatly enjoying her companionship Mrs
Blaine invited us all to dying but the moberlys were compelled to decline they having a party of friends at home therefore we saw them off amid many shouts and weigh these and feels of laughter and when they had gone we sat again on the lawn now brilliant in the golden blaze of sundown
It still wanted an hour to dinner therefore Mary suggested that we all four should go out on the water a proposal accepted with mutual enthusiasm as I was not an expert in hunting Mary and Dick pushed off on the pump the former handling the long pole with a deafness acquired by constant
Practice while with Ava glasslin in the CERN of a gig I rolled up my sleeves and been to the oars the sunset was one of those gorgeous combinations of crimson and gold with which those who frequent the Thames know so well Upstream the flood of crimson of the
Dying day caused the Elms and Willows to stand out in Black against the cloudless sky while every Ripple caused by the boat caught the sun glow until the water seemed red as blood a great piece was there not a single boat was in sight not a sound saved the quiet
Lapping of the water against the boughs and the slight dripping of the oars as I feathered them we were rolling Upstream so that the return would be easier while dick and His companion had punted down towards churchy for the first time I was now alone with her she was lovely she had settled
Herself lazily among the cushions lying back at her ease and enjoying to the full the calm of the sunset hour remarking now and then upon the beauty of the scene and the charm of summer days Upstream her countenance was animated and perfected feature distinctly more beautiful than it had been on that
Well remembered night when I had found her lying back cold and lifeless how strange it all was I thought that I should actually be rowing her there when only a few days before I had beheld
Her stiff and dead alone with no one to overhear I would have put a direct inquiry to her regarding the past but I feared that such question if put prematurely might prevent the elucidation of the secret to get at the truth I must act diplomatically and exercise the greatest caution
I sat facing her bending with the oars while she chatted on in a voice that sounded as music to my ears I love the river she said last year we had a houseboat up Beyond bolters and it was delightful
There was really great fun in being boxed up in so small a space and one could also make one’s Place exceedingly artistic and comfortable at very small expense we had a ripping time it is curious I remarked that most owners of houseboats go in for the same style of
External decoration rows of geraniums along the roof and strings of Chinese lanterns look at that one over there yes she laughed glancing up in the direction I indicated I fear we were also sinners in that respect it’s so difficult to devise anything new and she added are you up the
River much no I responded not much unfortunately my profession keeps me in London and I generally like to spend my three weeks vacation on the continent I’m fond of getting a place at other cities and one travels so quickly that the thing is quite easy there are always more girls than
Men of the river she said I suppose it is because men are at business and girls have to kill time we live down at Hampton not far from the river it’s a quiet Dead Alive sort of place and if
It were not for boating and hunting it would be horribly dull and in Winter oh and winter we are always on the Riviera we go to Khan each December and stay till the end of April mother declares she could not live through an English winter this statement did not coincide with what
The innkeeper’s wife had told me namely that the glasslands were much pressed for money I spent one season in nice a few years ago I said it is certainly charming and I hope to go there again
But it’s not our own times with all its natural picture restness quite as beautiful in its way she asked looking around I love it people who have been up the Rhine in the room the Moselle and The Lure say that perpetuous scenery none of those great European rivers compare with ours
I believe that to be quite true I answered like yourself I am extremely fond of boating and picnicking we often have picnics she said I’ll get mother to invite you to the next if you’ll come certainly I answered much gratified I shall be only too delighted we were at that moment
Passing Two Fine houseboats more near one another one of which my companion explained belonged to a well-known City stock broker and the other two a barrister of repute at the Chancery bar both were gay with the usual geraniums and creepers having inviting looking deck chairs
On the roof and canaries and gilded cages hanging at the windows shall we go up the back water she suddenly suggested it is more beautiful there than the main stream we might get some lilies of course I answered and with a pull to the left turned the boat into the narrower stream branching
Out at the left a stream that wound among Earl Meadows yellow with buttercups and were long lines of Willows trailed in the water I was hot after a pretty stiff pull therefore when we had gone some
Distance I’d leaned on the oars allowing the boat to drift on under the bank where the long rushes waved in the Stream and the Pure White of water lilies showed against the dark green of floating
Leaves a list of the rudder lines Eva leaned over and gathered some trailing her hand in the water how quiet and pleasant it is here she remarked her calm sweet beautiful face showing what a
Great piece had come to her at that moment it may not have been quite in keeping with the covenances that she should have gone out like this alone with me a comparative stranger yet girls of today think
Little of such things and she was nothing if not moderate in dress speech and practice of manner we were far from the haunts of men in that calm hour of the dying day indeed already the Crimson of the sun was Fading Into the rows of the Afterglow and the Stillness precursory
Of Nightfall was complete save for the rustle of some water rat or otter among the sedge or the Swift flight of a nightbird across the bosom of the Stream the Shadows were changing and the
Glow in the water was turning from one color to another the cattle had come down to the brink and waiting to their knees whisked the flies away with their tails as they slowly chewed the cut yes I agreed there is rest perfect and complete here how different to London ah yes she answered
I hate London and very seldom go there except when necessity compels us to do shopping why do you hate it I asked at once breaking up my ears have you any special reason for disliking it
Well no she left I suppose it’s noise and bustle in hurry that I don’t like I’m essentially a lover of the country even theaters concert and such like amusements have but little attraction for me
I know it sounds rather absurd that a girl should make such a declaration but I assure you I speak the truth I did not doubt her anyone with an open face like hers could not be guilty of lying that
Statement was in itself an index to her character she possessed a higher mind than most women and was something of a philosopher truth to tell this fact surprised me for I had until then regarded
Her as of the usual type of the educated woman of today a woman with a penchanted for smartness and dress freedom of language and the entertainment of the modern music hall in preference to Opera I was gratified by my discovery she was a woman with a soul Beyond these things
With a sweet lovable disposition a woman far above all the others she was my idol in those moments My Love increased to a man passion and he longed to imprint a kiss upon those smiling
Lips and to take her in my arms to tell her the secret that I dared not allow to pass my lips she leaned backwards on the cushions her hands were tightly classed behind her head her sleeves fell back showing her well-molded arms her sweet child-like face was turned upward with her blue
Eyes watching me through half-close Lids her small mouth was but half shut she smiled a little it entranced me to look upon her for the first time the loveliness of a woman had made me blind and
Stupid I wanted to know more of the cause of her dislike of London for I had sent it suspicion in her words nevertheless through all she preserved the slight rigidity of manner and I feared to put any further question at that moment thus we rested in silence dreaming in the darkening hour
I sat facing her glancing furtively at her countenance and wondering how she had become a victim in that inexplicable tragedy by what means that you’ve been spirited from that mysterious house and another victim placed there in her Stead all was an enigma insoluble inscrutable
To be there with her to exchange confidences as we had done and to chat lightly upon River topics all gave me the greatest gratification to have met her thus was an unexpected stroke of good fortune and I was overjoyed by her spontaneous promise to invite me to one of their own River parties
Joy is the sunshine of the Soul at that restful hour I drank in the sweetness of a rise her eye was in glamor land and my companion was truly Enchanted we must have remained there for the half
An hour for when I suddenly looked at my watch and realized that we must in any case be late for dinner the light in the wild Red Heavens had died away the soft pale rose pink had faded and in the
Stillness of Twilight there seemed a wide profound mystery we must be getting back I said quickly pulling the boat out into Midstream with a long stroke yes the blanes will wonder wherever we’ve been she laughed Mary will accuse you of flirting with me would that be such a very grave accusation
I asked smiling uh that I really don’t know she asked daily you would be the accused but neither of us are guilty therefore we can return with absolutely clear consciences can’t we certainly she left then after a brief call she asked why did you not bring Mary out in preference to me
Why do you ask I inquired a surprise well it would be only natural as you are engaged to her engaged to her I echoed I’m certainly not engaged to Mary Blane aren’t you she exclaimed I always understood
You were oh no said I we are old friends we were boy and girl together but that is all her great blue eyes opened with a rather bewildered Heir and she exclaimed how strange that people should make such a mistake I had long ago heard of you as Mary’s future
Husband then again we were silent both pondering deeply had this remark of hers been mere guesswork was this carefully concealed question but a master stroke of woman’s Ingenuity to ascertain whether I loved Mary Blane it seemed very likely to be so but she was so Frank and all that I could
Not believe enough her no doubt she had heard some story of our long past love and it had been exaggerated into an engagement as such stories are so often apt to be soon we emerged from the
Backwater into the mainstream and with her bow set in the direction of lalam I wrote down with the current without loss of time the Twilight had fast deep into dust a high poplars and drooping Willows along the bank had grown dark though the broad surface of the stream at eating here and there
Were a fish Rose was still of a blue Steely Hue and Far Away Upstream only a long streak of grade showed upon the horizon the Stars Shone down in the first faint darkness of the early night presently I glanced behind thee and in the distance saw a yellow Ray which my companion
Well versed in River geography told me it was a light in one of the windows of Liberty it had grown quite chilly and The Meadows were raised in faint white Mist therefore I spurred it forward and soon brought the boat up to the steps I knew that the world now held nothing
For me but Ava when we entered the dining room a fine apartment with a table laid with shining plate decorated with flowers and illuminated with red-shaped candles we were greeted as we expected by a loud and rather boisterous welcome by dick and Mary we were of course full of apologies being
Nearly half an hour late but upriver dinner is a somewhat Movable Feast so Mrs Blaine quickly forgave us and while I sat by Mary on her one hand dick seated himself at Ava’s side daily we gossip through a merry meal washed down with the real burn castle and followed by Old
Port coffee and koyako yet my mind was full of strange apprehensions what possible connection could these three women have with that crime which the police were withholding from the public that they were all three aware that a tragedy had taken place seemed quite clear yet all remained silent I
Had detected in Mrs Blaine’s manner an anxiety and nervousness which I had never before noticed yet I refrained from putting any further question to her lest I might by doing so show my hand she could
Not keep from her tone when she spoke to me a note of insincerity which my ear did not fail to detect our conversation over dessert turned upon dogs the performances of Mary’s hug having started the discussion and quite inadvertently dick whose mind seemed always centered upon his work for
He was nothing not an Enthusiast suddenly said adults are now being used by the police to trace criminals there is no better method when it can be accomplished for a bloodhound will follow a trail anywhere with unfailing accuracy even after some hours do they actually use them now ask Mrs Blaine
In a strange poldering voice her wine glass poised in her hand the essay responded they’ve been utilized with entire success in two or three cases this week not only in London but in the provinces also they are unfailing and will track the guilty one with an accuracy that’s absolutely astounding
Ava and Mary exchanged quick glasses across the table while Mrs Blaine sipped her wide and stirred on easily in her chair I noticed that the color had died out from the faces of all three and that in their Blanche countenances was the look of mingle fear and suspicion my friend
Had led that conversation with remarkable Tech to quite an unlook for result he lifted his eyes to mine for an instant and read my thoughts my mind became filled with the presentimate of future ill end of chapter 11 chapter 12. the deformed man’s statement youth is the shortest joy
And happiness vanishes like all else in the Mad hurry of life however we heed not such things we live only for today on our way back to Waterloo that night dick earnestly discussed the situation and what’s your opinion now I inquired as he sat opposite me in the corner of the Railway Carriage
Dick Smiles slightly both mother and daughter are connected with the affair and are in deadly fear he replied decisively while in the pot with Mary Blaine I had a long chat with her and the conclusion I formed is that she knows all about it besides she was very anxious to know your recent
Movements what you had been doing during the past week or so I wonder whether she suspects no I don’t think so he answered neither mother nor daughter dreamed that we are in possession of the secret you see no one has returned to the place since the Fatal night and as nothing has
Appeared in the papers they naturally conclude that the affair has not yet been discovered they evidently devour almost every morning and evening paper as it arrives down there did you notice the Heap of papers in the morning room I asked of course I kept my eyes well open while
There he replied did it strike you that the plate used at dinner was of exactly the same pattern as that on the table at Fillmore place and further that among a pile of novels in the drawing room
Was a book which one would not expect to find in such a place a work known mainly to toxicologists where it deals wholly with the potency of poisons now I asked in surprise I didn’t notice either of
Those things but I did it went on reflectively all these facts go to convince me of what that we are working in the right direction to obtain a key to the mystery he responded then suddenly he
Added by the way that girl glasslin is certainly very beautiful I envy you old fellow when you took her for a row I smiled I had determined not to reveal to him her identity as to the woman whom
I had first discovered lifeless but his natural shrewdness was far greater than mine he was a born investigator of crime and had not fate placed him at a newspaper office he would I believe have become a renowned detective glasslin Ava glaslin he repeated as if to himself why surely that’s the
Name of the girl you met in Saint James’s Park and followed to Hampton the woman whom you found dead on your first visit to the house with Patterson is that really so he cried in southern amazement I nod it without replying then Frank old chap he answered in the low horse voice of
One utterly staggered this affair has assumed such a devilishly complicated phase that I fear we shall never get at the truth to approach any of those three women would only be to place them on their guard and without their assistance we can’t possibly act with success
Then what do you suggest I asked said yes I could suggest nothing he answered the complications on every side are too great far too great only Ava glassland can assist us I observed yes she alone can most probably tell us the truth but her friendship for the planes is proved positive that
Her secret is a guilty one even though she was so near being a victim she was a victim I declared when I saw her she was apparently lifeless flying cold and still in the chair with every appearance
Of one dead but what causes you to think that her secret is a guilty one I asked hastily the planes undoubtedly are implicated in the matter and she their friend is in possession of their secret he argued as a victim she would be prompted to expose them if she did not fear
Exposure herself she’s therefore held to enforce silence his argument was a very forcible one and during the remainder of the journey to London I sat back calmly reflecting upon it it was a theory which had not before occurred to me but I hesitated to accept it because I
Could not believe that upon this woman who held me beneath the spell of her marvelous Beauty put their rest any such hideous shadow of kill I remember those clear blue eyes that fear open countenance and that Frank manner of speech and refused to give Credence to my friend’s allegation
Slowly past the days summer heat increased and in London the silkheaded world had already turned their thoughts towards the Open Fields in the sea beach the summer holidays were Drawing Near at hand how much that brief vacation of a week were Fortnight
Means to The toiling Londoner and how much more to his ailing wife and CUNY family doomed to live year after year in a smoke Halo of some black grimy Street into which the Sun never seems to shine or in some cheap crowded suburb where the Jerry Built houses standed long in artistic
Parallel rows and the cheap streets swarm with unwashed shouting offspring I had arranged to take my holiday in Winter and go down to the Riviera a treat I had long since promised myself therefore both dick and I continued our work through those cycling days obtaining from Boyd every now and
Then the results of his latest inquiries these results it must be said were absolutely nil I had agreed with dick to keep our suspicions entirely to ourselves therefore we gave no information to Boyd preparing to carry out our inquiries in our own method rather than seeking his Aid it was
Well perhaps that we did this for the police too often blunder by displaying too great an energy I was determined if possible to protect Ava at riverdine dick and I were welcomed guests and were often invited to Sunday River parties thus showing that any suspicions entertained Us in that quarter
Have been removed time after time I had met Ava and we had on lots of occasions gone out on the river together exploring over and over again that winding shade Backwater and picking lilies and forget peanut at the spot where on that memorable evening we had first exchanged confidences
I had received no invitation to The Hollies but she had apologized saying that the usual heat had prostrated her mother and that for the present they had been compelled to abandon their picnics many were the afternoons and evenings I idled away in a deck chair on that well-kept lawn or
Accompanied by Mary Eva clue and Fred Langdale who by the way turned out to be an insufferable overdressed mounder who was continually dangling at Ava’s skirts we would go poor and pay visits to various houseboats up and downstream Langdale looked upon me with a certain amount of jealousy I
Think and Truth to tell was not as I had imagined of the milk and water genus Ava seemed to regard him as a necessary evil and used him as a tame cat a kind of body servant to touch and carry for her
From her remarks to me however I had known full well from the first that there was not a shadow of affection on her side she had explained how she simply tolerated him because companions were few at Hampton and he was a fairly good tennis player well he on his part was unconsciously
Making an arant ass of himself in the eyes of all by his efforts to cultivate a draw that he deemed aristocratic and to carefully caressing his mustache in an upward Direction dick clue thorough going Bohemian that he was cared but little I believed for those riparian
Gatherings but true he played tennis rode pundit and ate strawberries and cream with his greatest zest as any of us nevertheless I knew that he accepted the invitation with but one object and that he would far rather have strolled in one of the parts with Lily Lowry and Roe married Lane
Up and down the stream Lily often came to our Chambers she was about 22 of a rather Southern type of Beauty with a good figure a graceful gate and a decidedly London sheep she spoke however with that nasal twang which stamps the true South Londoner and her Expressions were not
Absolutely deported the slang of the Newington bus yet with all she was a quiet Pleasant girl thus half the month of July went by practically without incident until one blazing day at noon when I went forth in the Fleet Street for lunch I unexpectedly encountered dick hot and hurrying
His hat tilted back he had left home very early that morning to work up some startling discovery that had been made out at play style and already forced voice men were crying the fourth Comet with
The latest details he had on Earth in reply to his question as to where I was going I told him that after luncheon I had to go down to Walworth to make some trifling inquiry whereupon
He said then I wish you’d do a favor for me old fellow of course I answered promptly what is it call it the lowrys and tell Lily to meet me at longborough Junction at 8 tonight at the usual
Place I want to take her to the Crystal Palace to see the fireworks I was going to wire but you’ll pass her father’s place will you give us a message certainly I answered but is she at home
Yeah she’s got her holidays tell her I’m very busy or I’d have him down myself sorry to trouble you I promised him to deliver the message and after reading a chop at the [ __ ] I walked along to
The gaiety and there took a blue motor bus Which deposited me outside a small very dingy shop a few doors up the Wallwork Road from the elephant and Castle which bore over the little old-fashioned window the sign Morris Lowry herbalist displayed to the Gaze of the passers-by where various
Assortments of lozengers and bunches of dried herbs boxes of pills guaranteed to cure every ill and a row of dirty glass bottles filled with yellow liquids containing filthy looking specimens of various repulsive objects the glaring cards in the window advertise such desirable Commodities
As Lowry’s wind Hills Lowry’s cough tablets and Lowry’s herbal ointment while the window itself and the whole shop front was stirred encrusted one pain being cracked across as I entered the little dark shop a mere box of a place smelling strongly of chamomile Sarsaparilla and such like herbs
Which hung in dried and Dusty confusion all over the ceiling there arose from a chair the queerest oddest creature that one might ever meet even in a diverse crowds of lower London Morris Lowry the herbalist was a strange specimen of distorted Humanity hunched back with an abnormally large
Semi-balled head a scrubby Gray beard and wearing large old-fashioned steel rim spectacles which imparted to him and appearance of learning and distinction his legs were short and Stumpy his body rather Stout and his arms of inordinate length while the whole appearance of a sickly
Yellow wizard face was such as might increase one’s belief in the darwinian theory indeed it was impossible to look upon him without one’s mind reverting to monkeys for his high cheekbones and square jaws bore a striking resemblance to the facial expression of the ancestral gorilla
Dressed in black cloak and conical hat he would have made an ideal stage wizard but attired as he was in greasy black frock coat and trousers that had long ago passed a glossy stage he was certainly as curious looking and individual as one could have found of the Surrey side of the Thames
He was no stranger to me for on several occasions I had called there with Dick and had chatted with him trading herbs had dwindled almost to nothing nowadays with all sorts and varieties of well-advertised medicines the people of Newington Walworth and the New Kent Road did
Not patronize the old-fashioned Herbal Remedies which if truth be told are sometimes more potent and wholesome than any of the quack nostrils plotted in the daily papers and on the hoardings ten years ago the herbalist did a brush trade in London especially among lower class Housewives who
Having come up from the country were glad enough to obtain the old world decoctions but nowadays the herbalist only source of profit seems to be in the sale of skin soaps and worm tablets old Morris with this ugly deformed figure and Shining bald head welcomed me warmly as I entered and it once
Invited me into the little shop parlor Beyond a mere dark cupboard which still retaining the odor of the midday meal Irish Stewart must have been and seemed infested with a myriad of flies possibly the fragrance of the herbs attracted them or else they’d reveled among the succulent
Tablets exposed in the open boxes upon the narrow counter these lozenges together with this various bottle Brews tinctures of this and of that the old man manufactured in a kind of dilapidated shed at the rear which Viet said often defended the olfactory nerves of the whole neighborhood
When certain herbs were in the process of stewing Lily is out Coke the weird old fellow in response to my inquiry but I’ll of course give her the message she don’t get much chance nowadays poor
Child but her mother was alive we used to manage to run down the market for a week or Fortnight in the hot weather but now and he Shrugged his shoulders with quite a foreign air well there’s
Only me to look after the shop he added and things are not so brisk as they were a few years ago he spoke with a slight accent do fluid told me to the fact that his mother was French and he had lived
In France for a number of years few people however noticed it or by many he was believed to be a Jew I nod it I could see that the trade down there was infinitesimal and quite insufficient to pay the
Rent besides was not the fact that Lily had been compelled to go out and earn her own living proof in itself that the strange-looking old fellow was the reverse of prosperous The herbal trade in London is nearly as dead as the manufacturer of that once popular medal known as German silver
Lily has gone to see an ad of hers over at Patterson the old man explained but she’ll be home at five she’s got her holidays now and poor girl she’s been sadly disappointed she expected to go down to her married sister at Huntington but couldn’t go because her sisters laid up with
Dramatic fever so she has to stay at home this year and this place isn’t much of a change for her I glanced around at the dark close little den and at the strong spelling shop Beyond
And was Spain to admit that he spoke the truth I suppose your friend Mr Clue is busy as usual with his murders and his Horrors he remarks smiling he’s a wonderful acute fellow I always read the
Paper every day in a generally interested in the results of the inquiries by the comet man half London reads his interviews and latest details yes I answered he’s kept hard at work always there seems to be a never ceasing string of Sensations nowadays as soon as one mystery is elucidated
Another Springs up somewhere else uh he answered his dark eyes gazing at me through his heavy Rim glasses it was always so never a day goes past without a mystery of some sort or another I suppose I said if the truth were told more people are poisoned in London than ever the
Police or the public imagine I knew that all herbalists were worse than toxicology more or less and had a vague idea that I might learn something from him of course he answered there are several poisons the results of which bear such strong resemblance the symptoms of disease
That doctors are very frequently misled and the verdict is death from natural causes in dozens of cases every year the post-mortem proves disease and thus the poisoner escapes what causes you to think this I inquired eagerly Recollections of the tragedy in Kensington vividly
In my mind well he said I can only make that allegation because every herbalist in London sells poisons it’s smaller or greater quantity if he’s an unwise man he asks no questions if he’s wise he makes the usual inquiry and then well the old man croaked with the small eyes
Twinkling in the semi-darkness the customer generally pays pretty dearly for the article which means that an entry is made into poison register which is not altogether the truth they he smiled and nodded when poisons are sold at a high price the old herbalist answered the
Vendor has no desire to know for what purpose the drug is to be used it is generally supposed that it is to kill Berman you understand and human beings are more often the victims a hazardous he raised his gray Shaggy brows with an expression of affected ignorance answering who can tell
The herbs or drugs are sold unlabeled and wrapped in blank paper as far as the herbalist is concerned his liability is at an end just as a Cutler sells razors for a gun maker revolvers and do you really believe that there is much secret poisoning in London at this moment I
Inquire greatly interested believe that he echoed why there’s no doubt of it why do people buy certain herbs which could be used for no other purpose than a destruction of human life do they actually buy poisons openly I explained in Surprise well no not exactly openly he responded
They are most of them very wary how they approach the subject and all are prepared to pay heavily I looked at the odd ugly figure before me for the first time I had learned the secret of this trade perhaps even he retailed poisons to those who wanted such undesirable
Commodities charging exorbitant prices for them and entering fictitious sales in the poison book which by law he was compelled to keep have you ever actually had dealings with any poisoners I inquired remember I added laughing that I’m not interviewing you that we are friends and that I
Don’t intend to publish this conversation in the newspapers that’s rather a difficult question he responded with a look of mystery upon his face perhaps I’d best reply that I before now sold poisons to people who could want them for no other purpose then the removal of Superfluous friends
But do they actually ask openly for this herb or that certainly with excuses for its use of course and he went on to remark how lucidly the science of poisoning was explained in a certain book which might be purchased anywhere for seven and six pence a work which had undoubtedly cost thousands
Of human lives then instantly I recollected it was a copy of the same book that dick had noticed in the morning room at Liberty In This Very Room the old fellow went on I’ve had some queer inquiries
Made by all sorts of conditions of people only the other day a young girl called to consult me having heard she said that I sold for a consideration a certain deadly herb by her boy she was evidently a lady his final observation increased my interest in this remarkable conversation
What was she like I inquired with eagerness for since the affair at philomar place I took the keenest interest in anything appertaining to poisons she was rather tall and slim dressed in
Black but my eyes are not so good as they used to be and in the dark here I could see much of her face through her veil she was pretty I think and did you actually sell her what she wanted he
Hesitated a moment certainly and at my own price he answered at last in his thin rasping voice this step one of the most dangerous and little-known compounds not obtainable through any ordinary channel is most difficult to handle but I saw that it was not for the first time
She had Exotics in her possession and he smiled grimly rendering his face the more hideous from her attitude and conversation I should imagine her to be a very ingenious but not altogether desirable acquaintance he added and didn’t you note anything by which you might recognize her
Again I inquired surely young girls are not in the habit of buying poison in that manner well croak the distorted old fellow with the grin I did notice one thing certainly she wore a brooch of rather uncommon pattern it was a playing card in Golden enamel a tiny five of diamonds
A five of diamonds I guess at that instant the truth became plain although I hesitated to believe it The Broach was Ava glasslands one that she had worn only three days before when I was last down at rivertine and while on the river with her I had remarked its quaintness could it be
Possible that she had actually purchased a deadly drug of this hideous old man or were there other brooches of similar pattern and design thus will increase the Shadows which seemed to envelop her my soul seemed killed Within Me end of chapter 12. record this is audiobook caboodle YouTube channel
Place for finest collection of audiobooks and novels chapter 13. dick becomes mysterious the startling statement of Morris Lowry caused me very considerable uneasiness on my return to Gray’s Inn however I made no mention of our strange conversation to Dick who returned that evening rather late after a heavy day of news hunting
Old Lowry had evidently been in a confidential mood that afternoon and I had no right to expose any secret of his extraordinary business therefore I kept my own counsel pondering deeply over a statement when clue had gone forth to meet Lily wondering whether it might have been some other
Woman who had worn The Broach with the five of diamonds I sat at the window gloomily watching the light fade from the lead in London Sky the evening was stifling for no fresh air penetrated to that small open space surrounded as it was by Miles and Miles of smoke blackened streets and his
Night crept on the heavens became a doll red with the reflection of the Myriad Lights of the city aidless of all I strove to find some solution of the Enigma inquiries by Boyd one of the shrewdest detectives of London had failed utterly he was now relying solely upon me
There was but one clue that given by the landlord of the house and this I had followed with the result that the circumstances had only grown more and more bewildering as far as could be discerned
There was no mode of whatever in taking the lives of either the man or the woman while The Escape of Eva was an astounding fact of which I longed for an explanation from her ownness I loved her
Yes the more I reflected as I sat there gazing aimlessly across the square regardless of the fleeting time the more I became convinced that she was all the world to me I recollected her daintiness and her grace the sweetness of her smile and the music of her voice telling myself
That she alone was my idol that my love for Mary had after all been a mirror boyish fancy and that this affection was a true honest deep-rooted one the outcome of a great and boundless love was
There however not a great and terrible suspicion upon her by a mere chance that chance which fate sends so often to court the murderer’s plans or gave him up to Justice I had learned that she or someone answering exactly to her description had actually purchased some poisonous compound
I had believed her to have been a victim on that fatal night but now it seemed that on the other hand she was herself given to the study of poisons a strange subject indeed for a woman to take up
Then calmly I asked myself if it were possible to cast all memory of her aside and after reflection discovered that such a course was utterly unfeasible to entertain no further thought of her was entirely out of all questions for I loved her with a Fierce and intense affection
And thought of not else but her strange connection with this mystery which it made public would send a thrill through London there were some very ugly facts hidden somewhere yet try how I would I could form no distinct straightforward Theory Ava was naive and sincere Frank an open undesigning and
Entirely in artificial nevertheless beneath her Candor she seemed to be concealing some dread secret the latter I was determined to discover and while Knight Drew on and shadowy figures crossed and re-crossed the square I still sat plunged in thought pondering deeply defined some
Means whereby to approach her I love her a woman upon whom the gravest suspicion rested of having purchased a deadly drug for some nefarious purpose truly in the fitful fever of Life the decree of Fate is often strange men have loved murderouses and women have before now given their hearts nay
Even their lives to Shield cowards and assassins suddenly a movement behind me brought me back to a sense of my surroundings and I saw that dick had returned why you’re back very early I said have you been down to the Crystal Palace yes of course he answered daily what have you been doing
You lazy beggar it’s past half past 11. nothing I answered surprised that it was so late I tried to write but it’s too beastly hot to work quite fresh down at the palace he answered big crowd on
The Terrace and the fireworks not at all bad Lil all right yes send your regards and all that sort of thing but and he hesitated at the same time tossing his hat across upon a chair and seating
Himself on the edge of the table in that careless Devil May care style eventual to him but what I inquired he sighed in a grave expression crossed his face fact is old chap he said in an unusually
Earnest tone I fear I’m getting a bit tired of her she wasn’t the least bit interesting tonight sorry to hear that old man I said perhaps she wasn’t very well or you may be out of sorts liver
Or something a woman isn’t always in the same mood you know just as a man is liable to attack some blues yes yes I know all that he exclaimed impatiently but I’ve been thinking over it a long
Time and to tell you the truth I’m no longer in love with her it’s no good making a fool of the girl any longer but she loves you I observed knowing well and what affection she held my
Erratic friend that’s the devil of it he snapped to tell the truth it is worried me a lot lately you’ve neglected her very much I observed but surely she’s good-looking the Charming companion and has a very even temper you’ve told me so lots of times why have you so suddenly grown
Tired I really don’t know he answered smiling at the same time slowly filling his pipe perhaps it’s my nature I was always a Wanderer you know I looked at him steadily for some moments then said bluntly look here dick you need and conceal the truth from the old fellow Mary Blane has
Attracted you and you are throwing Lil over on her account Robbie she laughed Mary’s a nice girl but as for loving her and he Shrugged his shoulders without concluding his sentence notwithstanding this protest however I felt convinced that I had guessed the right and regret
It because I knew how well Lily loved him and what a blow it would be to her she and I had been good friends always and I liked her for she was demure modest and with all dignified even though she were
But a shop assistant well is it really fair to Lily I suggest that after a rather painful pause you surely wouldn’t advise me to tie myself to a girl I don’t love he protested rather hastily you are a fellow with lots of Common Sense prank and you’re advice I’d follow before that of
Any chap I know but here you’re a bit wide of the Mark I think thanks for the compliment old fellow I responded of course it isn’t for me to interfere in your Private Affairs but all I advise in this matter is a little hesitation before decision it’s uselessly set I’ve already decided
To give up Lily I have given her up I told her tonight that I shouldn’t see her again you did I exclaimed looking at him in surprise I could not understand this Sudden Change of his a few hours before he had been full of Lil’s Praises telling me how Charming she could be
In conversation and declaring that he loved her very dearly it was more than remarkable yes he said you know that I can’t bear defeat about the bush so I resolved to tell her the
Truth she’d have to know it someday and better at once and later on well all I can say is that you’re a confounded group I explained plainly I know I am he admitted that’s the worst of it
I’m too deuced outspoken any other chap would have simply left her and ended it by letter I however put the matter to her philosophically and how did she take it his lips compressed for an instant as his eyes but mine badly he answered in a low voice tears protestations of love and quite
A scene fortunately we were alone together in the train I got out with her at the elephant and castle and took her home did you see her father no and don’t want to he’s no good the ugly old
Sinner why I inquired quickly wondering how much he knew but he evaded my question answering I mean he’s a sanguinary old idiot he idolizes Lily I know that then after a b cross he had it I may
Appear a brute a silly fool in all the rest but I tell you Frank I’ve acted for the best I can’t see it no I don’t suppose you can old chap he answered but you will entirely
Agree with my course of action someday are long his words puzzled me for they seem to contain some hidden meaning are you absolutely certain that you’ve no further love for Lil I inquired absolutely and you are likewise equally certain that it is not the personal charms of Mary Blane
Which have led you to take this step I’m quite certain of it he answered you once left Mary remember but broke it off surely we are all of us at Liberty to choose our own help made in life
Of course I responded it was not however my fault that we parted Mary was infatuated with another that just Bears out my argument he went on she didn’t love you and therefore considered herself perfectly justified in her attachment with your rival I Don’t Love Lil
But it seems that you have parted from her in a really cruel and heartless manner this isn’t like you dick I add it reproachfly why are you her Champion he asked lapping are you in love
With her not at all I assured him with a smile only I don’t like to see a girl badly treated by any friend of mine oh that’s good he laughed you treated girls badly in your time I suppose
Have a peg old fellow and let’s close the debate then he added in the language of parliament where he so often reported the speeches of the Irish renters I move that this house do now adjourn but I don’t consider that you acted with your usual tact in this affair I protested heedless
Of his words you could of course have broken an off in a much more honorable way if you had chosen I’ve been quite honorable he declared in a tone of annoyance I told her plainly that my love had cooled Park the clock on the in-haul was striking midnight there’s no suspension of the
12 o’clock rule shut up Frank and be damned to you he crossed to the sideboard mixed a couple of whiskey and sodas and handed me one saying thirsty weather this my mouse is dry as a Kipper I willingly admit it that the summer dust of London was conducive to the wholesale consumption
Of liquid but was nevertheless reflecting upon its remarkable change of manner towards Lily something I believe had occurred of which he had not told me he stretched himself in the armchair placed his glass at his elbow and began to blow a suffocating cloud from his most cherished Briar I
Wish you’d spend six pence on a new pipe I said coughing this one cost four Pence half penny in Fleet Street nearly two years ago he answered without removing it from his lips don’t you like
It my dear fellow it’s awful ah so they set up the office the other day don’t notice it myself but others do I’ll make you a present of a new one tomorrow don’t want it old chat have a drink
Yourself with the money this one’s quite good enough for me besides it’ll keep the Moss out of our drawing room furniture and he gazed around the shabby apartment where from the leather covered chairs the mysterious stuffing was in many places peeping forth upon the world we smoked on although
I had been considerably annoyed by what he had told me regarding Lily his imperturbable Good Humor caused me to laugh outright where at he observed you’re really a funny beggar Frank I like you exceedingly except when you try and dwell upon themes you don’t understand those who do that
Are apt to wallow out of their depth you don’t know my reasons for throwing Lil over therefore it’s impossible for you to Regale me with any good advice you understand but what are your reasons I inquired you shall know them before long he assured me at present I don’t intend to
Say anything this is the first time dick we’ve had secrets from each other I observed greatly no he answered you love the mysterious APA and have never told me so that’s a secret isn’t it I was surprised that he had detected my love for her and rather alarmed because if he had noticed
It others had doubtless remarked it also therefore I questioned him but he only laughed saying why anybody who saw you together down at riverdine couldn’t fail to guess the truth people have sharp eyes you know I was silent if this were actually true then I feared that I had made a hopeless fool
Of myself besides wrecking any chance of eliciting those facts which I had set my mind upon reeling at any hazard presently he rose Crossing to his writing table to scribble a letter while I lighting a cigarette sat silent still thinking seriously upon the words he had just uttered
Through the veil of tobacco smoke I seemed to see that fair smiling face gazing at me ever the same open countenance the same Clear Eyes of childlike blue the same half-hearted mouth that I had first
Seen on that fatal night in Fillmore place in my dream I thought that she beckoned me to her that she invited me to speak with her and saw in her eyes a calm sweet expression the expression
Of true womanly love it was but the Chimera of an instant a vision produced by my wildly disordered brain yet so vivid it seemed that when it faded I glanced across to my companion’s bent figure half fearing that he too had witnessed it there were times when our imagination plays us such tricks
Times when the constant concentration of the Mind reaches its Climax and is reflected down the aimless Vista of our vision causing us to see the person upon whom our thoughts are centered such a moment was this it arouse within me an instant and intense longing to walk again
At her side to speak to her to give her sweet well-modulated voice nay to tell her the deepest Secret of My Heart thus it was that without invitation or without previous introduction to lady glaslin I called it The Hollies on the following afternoon
A neat maid showed me into a cozy rather small sitting room and for a few moments I remained there in expectancy although the house was not a large one it bore no stamp of the Nouveau riche it was exceedingly well furnished and surrounded by spacious grounds wherein were a number of old us
And beaches old-fashioned queer in its bygone taste it had stood there on the broad highway from historic Hampton to London for probably a century and a half being built in the days when the Villa Dome of full well had not yet Arisen and Twickenham was still a quiet village with
Its historic Ferry and where the stagecoaches changed horses at that low-build old hostel rate the king’s head the play stood back from the dusty High Road half hidden from the Curious gaze yet surrounded as it now was by smaller houses some of the mere Cottages while a few
Cheap shops had also sprung up in the vicinity the place was not really a desirable place of abode the district had apparently sadly degenerated like all places in the immediate vicinity of the Metropolis before long the door opened an Ava looking cool and sweet in a washing dress
Of white drill and wearing a straw hat with black fan entered and greeted me cordially mother is out she said I’m so awfully sorry as I wanted to introduce you she’s gone over to River
Dean and I too was just about to follow her if you’d been five minutes later I should have left I’m lucky then to have just caught you a remarked but if you’re going to River Dean may I not
Accompany you most certainly she answered of course I shall be delighted and the light inner clear blue eyes told me that she was not a burst to my company she ordered a glass of court for me
And then said it’s a whole week since you’ve been down there Mary has several times mentioned you and wondered whether you’d grown sick of boating I’ve been rather busy I said apologetically busy with murders and all sorts of horribles I suppose she observed with a smile yes I answered regarding
Her closely of late there have been one or two Sensational Mysteries brought to life Mysteries she explained starting slightly oh do tell me about them I’m always interested in Mysteries the facts are in the papers I answered disinclined to repeat stories which had already grown stale
The Mysteries to which I referred were very ordinary ones containing no features of particular interest I’m always interested in those kinds of things she said you may think me awfully foolish but I always read them mother grows so annoyed it’s only natural I answered we who are engaged
On newspapers however soon cease to be interested in the facts we print but of course if they didn’t interest the public our papers wouldn’t have any circulation she glanced at me and a vague thought possessed me for the look in her eyes was one of Suspicion when she had drawn on her gloves
We together went forth through the garden and down to the road suddenly it occurred to me that we might go by train to shepperton and then take a boat and row up to River team this I suggested and
She gladly welcomed The Proposal declaring that it would be much more pleasant than driving along the dusty shadowless road from Shepherd to delayum half an hour later we were afloat at shepparton and although the afternoon sun was blazing hot it was nevertheless delightful on the water
With her lilac sun shade open she lulled lazily in the stern laughing and chatting as I pulled regularly against the stream her conversation was always charming and her countenance I thought fresher and More Beautiful at that hour than I had ever before seen about her manner was
An era of irresponsibility and when she laughed it was so gay a laugh that one would not dream that she had not a single care in all the world she was dainty from the crown of her hat to the
Tip of her white suede shoe and as I sat in the boat before her I felt constrained to take her in my arms and imprint a fervent kiss of Love upon those sweet lips arched and well formed as a child
My position however was to say the least an exceedingly strange one I was actually loving a woman whom I suspected to be guilty of some unknown but dastardly crime dozens of times had I
Tried to impress upon myself the utter Folly of it but my mind refused to be convinced or set at rest I loved her that was sufficient nothing against her had been proved and until that had been done ought not I in human Justice to consider her innocent indeed it was impossible to
Believe that this bright-eyed pure-faced girl before me light-hearted and graceful in every movement had actually secretly visited that dark little Den in the Walworth Road and purchased a drug for the purpose of taking the life of one of her fellow creatures
Yet she wore at her throat the small enamel brooch with its five of diamonds the ornament described by old Lowry the ornament which he had told me she had purchased as a souvenir at one of the fashionable Jewelers in the Montage de liqueur in Brussels
We had passed both lots and were heading up to lalam when we suddenly glided into the cool shade of some Willows the bows of which overhung the Stream the shadow was welcome after the sun glare and resting upon the oars I removed my hat yes she said noticing my actions we’ve come up
Unusually quick let’s stay here a little time it is so pleasant the breeze seems quite cool what more delightful than the more oneself snugly in the leafy shade and with a pleasant companion lays away the hours until the time comes to take up the skulls and gently pull against the Placid
Stream everything was so peaceful so quiet the Ripple of the skulls alone breaking the Stillness yet after all what a change had come over the river in recent years good pitches for Anglers and quiet Nooks for the lazy work 10 years ago to be discovered in every reach now they
Must be diligently sought for and when found a note must be made of them warning boards notifying that Landing a mooring alongside is prohibited were almost unknown now they greet One in every direction it is a Pity nevertheless there are still many real Joys and river life
So we remain there Beneath The Willows where the water was white with lilies and the bank with its brambles was covered with wild flowers and as I lazed I looked into those clear blue eyes where in
My gaze became lost for she held me in Fascination I loved her with all my soul end of chapter 13 recorded chapter 14. this hapless world how it came about I can really scarcely tell I remember uttering mere common places stammering it first as the bashful Schoolboy stammers then growing
More bold until at length I threw all ceremony in reserve to the winds and grasping her tiny hand raised it to my lips no she said somewhat coldly drawing it away with more Force than I should have
Suspected this is extremely foolish Mr Irwin it is of course my fault I have been wrong in acting as I have done how I inquired her harsh cruel words instantly bringing me to my senses you have flirted with me on several occasions and perhaps I have even foolishly encouraged you if I
Have done so then I am alone to blame every woman is flattered by attention she answered gazing straight into my eyes and signed slightly but I love you I cried you surely must have seen Ava
That from the first day we were introduced I have been irrevocably yours I have not I assure you uttered these words without weighty consideration nor without calmly putting the question to myself can you give me absolutely no hope she shook her head there was a sourful expression upon her face
As though she pitted me none she answered and her great blue eyes were downcast ah no I cried in quick protest don’t say that I love you with a fierce Ardent affection such as few men have
Within their hearts if you will but reciprocate that love then I swear that the remainder of my light shall be devoted to you it is impossible she responded in a harsh despairing voice quite unlike her usual self her head was bowed as though she dared not again look into my face
Once more I caught her hand holding it within my grasp it seemed to have grown cold and in an instant its touch brought back to me the recollection of that fatal night in Kensington wood that I might lay bare all that I knew and ask her for an explanation but to do so
Would be to show that I doubted her therefore I was compelled to remain silent why impossible I inquired persuasively the many times we have met since our first introduction have only served to increase my love for you surely you will not withhold from me every hope
Alas she faltered with a downward sweep of her lashes her hand trembling in mind I am compelled compelled I echoed I don’t understand you were not engaged to Langdale no then why are you forced to give me this negative answer I asked in deep earnestness for until then I had not
Known the true strength of my love for her the seriousness of her beautiful countenance relaxed slightly still her breasts slowly heaved and fell plainly showing the agitation within her because it is absolutely imperative that I should do so she replied suddenly a thought flashed
Through my mind perhaps I said perhaps I’ve been too precipitate if so if I have spoken too plainly and frankly forgive me Ava it is only because I can no longer repress the great love I bear you I
Think of you always always my every thought is of you my every hope is of happiness at your side my very life depends upon your favor and your love no no she cried with a quick movement of her hand as
If to stay my words don’t say that you may remain my friend if you like but you may never be my lover never never your lover I guess starting back as though she had dealt me a blow I felt at that
Moment as though all I appreciated in life was slipping from me I hit States all everything and lost ah do not give me this Hasty answer I urged I have been too eager I am a fool yet I love you
With a stronger fiercer passion that any man can ever love you with Ava you are my very life and notwithstanding her effort to snatch her hand away I again raised it reverently to my lips no no this
Is a mere summer dream Mr Irwin she said with a cool firmness well assumed although she avoided my gaze I have flirted with you it is true and we have spent many Pleasant hours together but
I have never taken you seriously you were always so Merry and careless you know you did not believe then that I really loved you I observed divining her thoughts exactly she answered still very grave if I had thought so I should never have allowed our acquaintance to ripen as it has done
Are you annoyed that I should have declared only what is but the absolute truth I asked not at all she responded quickly with something of her old self in her low sweet voice how can I be annoyed
And you will forgive my Hasty declaration I urge there is nothing to forgive she replied smiling I only regret that you have misconstrued my friendship into love I was silent these last words of hers crushed all hope for my soul she sat with her hand trailing
Listlessly in the water apparently intent upon the long rushes waving in the green depths below then I said in a disappointed voice half choke with emotion then you cannot love me Ava after all I did not say so she answered slowly almost mechanically what I cried joyously again
Bending forward towards her will you then try and love me will you defer your answer until we know one another better say that you will again she shook her head with sorrowful air she looked at me with a kind of mingled grief and joy Bliss embittered by despair why should I deceive you
She asked why indeed should you deceive yourself I do not deceive myself I protested I only know that I adore you that you were the sole light of my life and that I love you devotedly ah and in
A month perhaps you will tell a similar story to some other woman she observed doubtingly men are too often fickle I swear that I’ll never do that I declared my Affairs of the heart have been few
But Mary she suggested and I knew from her tone that she had been thinking deeply of her ours was a mere boy and girl liking I hasted to assure her ask her and she will tell you the same we never
Really loved she smiled rather dubiously I thought but surely you are aware that she loves you even now Ava answered loves me I echoed its surprise that’s absolutely ridiculous since we parted not a single word of affection has ever been uttered between us and you act do not love her she asked
In deep earnestness looking straight into my eyes are you really certain I do not I answered I swear I don’t the boat was drifting and with a swift stroke of the oars I ran her bows into the bank
Overhead the Larks were singing their joyous songs and the hot air seemed to throb with the humming of a myriad insects the afternoon was gloriously sunny and Away In The Meadow on the opposite Bank a picnic party was busy preparing their tea amid peels of feminine laughter well
She sighed I can only regret that you have spoken as you have today I regretted the more because I esteem your friendship highly Mr Irwin we might have been friends but lovers we may never be why never I inquired acutely disappointed there are circumstances which entirely prevent such a
Course she answered unfortunately it is impossible for me to be more explicit so you are prevented by some utterly inexplicable circumstances from loving me I observed greatly puzzled yes she responded toying with the tassel of her sunshade but tell me APA I asked Horsley again grasping
Her chilly nervous hand can you never love me are you actually convinced that in your own heart you have no spark of affection for me she paused then glanced at me I fancied I saw in her blue eyes the
Light of unshed Tears your question is a rather difficult one she faltered even if I reciprocated your love our positions would not be altered we should still be alienated as we now are why because we may not love each other she answered in a low strained voice the voice of a woman
Terribly agitated let us part today and never again meet it will be best for both of us far the best no I cried intensely in Earnest I cannot Lead You Ava because I love you far too dearly if
You cannot love me now then bear with me a little and you will later learn to love me in one year nay intent my answer must of necessity be the same as it is today she responded a negative one as vague as it is cool I observed its vagueness is imperative
She said you are loved by another and I have therefore no right to a place in your heart you are cruel Ava I cried reproachfully my love for Mary Blane has been dead these three years by Mutual consent we gave each other freedom and since that hour all has been over between us
But what if Mary still loves you she suggested you were once her affion’s husband true I said but even if she again loves me she has no further claim whatever upon me for we mutually agree to
Separate and have both long been free and if she thought that I loved you Ava asked in an instant I guess the reason of her disinclination to listen to Maya vowel she feared the jealousy of her friend she would only congratulate us I answered surely you have no cause for uneasiness in that
Direction cause for uneasiness she repeated starting while at the same instant the color died from her sweet face next second however she recovered herself and with a forced smile said of course I have no cause other circumstances however prevent us being more than friends and may I not
Be made aware of them I inquired in vague Wonder no she said quickly not now it is quite impossible but all my future depends upon your decision I urged do not answer it lightly Ava you must
Surely have seen that I love you yes she answered side I confessed having seen it every woman knows instinctively when she is loved and when despised the knowledge has caused me deep poignant regret why because and she hesitated because I have dreaded this day I feared to tell you the truth
You haven’t told me the truth I said looking her straight in the face I have she protested the truth is then that you would love me only you dare not I said clearly is that so she nodded her
Eyes again downcast and I saw that hot tears were in them tears she was unable longer to repress when the heart is fullest of love and the mouthpures were truth there seems a cruel Destiny in things which often renders our words worse Chosen and sure us to defeat the ends they see
Then whom do you fear I ask after a pause she shook her head only a low SOB escaped her may we not love in secret I suggest it if it is really impossible to love openly no no she
Said lifting her right-handed protest we must not love I tell you that it is all a dream impossible of realization today we must part leave me and we will both forget this meeting but surely you will not deliberately direct both our lives Ava I cry dismayed your very words have betrayed that you
Really entertain some affection for me although you deny it for reasons that are inexplicable why not be quite plain and straightforward as I am I have been quite clear she answered I tell you that we can never love one another why for a reason which someday air long will be made
Plain to you she answered in a low voice her pure countenance at that moment drawn and Ash and pale in that day you will hate my very name and yet will think kindly of my memory because I have today refused to listen to you and have given you your freedom and yet
You actually love me I exclaimed bewildered at the strange allegation it is most extraordinary it may seem extraordinary she said in a voice that appeared to sound soft and afar but the truth is often strange especially when one is training the cup of life to its very dregs
And may I not know the secret of yours Ava I ask sympathetically for I saw by her manner how she was suffering a torture of the soul my secret she cried glaring at me suddenly as one
Brought to Bay a strange hunted look in those clear blue eyes my secret why and she laughed a hollow artificial laugh as one hysterical why how absurd you are Mr Irwin whatever made you suspect me of having secrets end of chapter 14 chapter 15 The near Beyond the remainder of our pulled
The river Dean was accomplished in comparative silence crushed hopeless and despairing I bent to the oars mechanically with a feeling that it all else my interest was dead saved in the woman I so dearly loved who lounging back among her cushions side now and then her face very grave and agitated
I spoke at last urging her to reconsider her decision but she only responded with a single word a word which destroyed all my fondest hopes impossible in that bright hour when the broad bosom of the Thames sent back the reflection of the Summer sun
When the sky was clear as that in Italy when all the world seemed rejoicing and the gay laughter wafted over the water from the largest boats and hunts gliding past us we alone had heavy hearts overwhelmed by This Bitter disappointment and sorrow the laughter Jarred upon my ears I tried
To shut it out and with my teeth rode with all my might against the stream until skirting a shady wood we rounded the bend of the stream and suddenly Drew up at the Landing steps of riverdine
Why here’s Ava cried Mary running down to the water’s edge her tennis racket in her hand and Frank too then turning to Ava as we stood together on the lawn a moment later she asked where’s your mother we expected her all the afternoon isn’t she here asked Ava in Surprise no well
She started to come here immediately after lunch and she must have missed the train or something she must for it’s now passed by I really hope nothing has happened nothing ever happens to Mother observed Ava with a light lap she’ll turn up presently
Then she explained how I had called at The Hollies and she had brought me along on reaching riverdine she had instantly concealed her agitation and reassumed her old buoyant Spirits in order that none should suspect she was in Adept at the art of disguising her feelings her none would now
Believe that 20 minutes before her face had been blanched almost death like an agitation together we walked up the lawn being warmly welcomed by Mrs Blaine and introduced to several friends who seated beneath the tree were idling over afternoon tea a pleasant function in which
We were of course compelled to join seated next to Mrs Blaine I gossip for a long time with her learning that her husband was still in Paris detained upon his company business he was often there or he was one of the greatest shippers of champagne and much of his business was
With firms in the French capital I don’t expect him back for at least the Fortnight she said the other day when writing I mentioned that you had visited us again and he said his good wishes
To you thanks I answered choose to tell I rather liked him he was a typical City man elderly Spruce smartly dressed always showing a large expense of elaborate shirt front passened by diamond studs and a heavy gold Albert a fashion which seems to alone belong to wealthy merchants and to that
Financial tribe who attend and speak at meetings at Winchester House or the Cannon Street hotel from time to time when I glasped at Ava I was surprised to see how happily she smiled and to hear how light and careless was her laughter had she already forgotten my words and the great
Overwhelming sorrow her response had brought upon me to Mrs Blaine’s irresponsible chatter I answered quite mechanically for all my thoughts were of that woman whom I loved deeply I reflected upon all she had said remembering how intensely agitated she had become when I had implied that
She was in possession of some Secret the vehements with which he had denied and the imputation was quite sufficient to show that I had unconsciously referred to the one object uppermost in her mind I was undecided in opinion whether her refusal to accept my love was actually in consequence
Of her fear of Mary’s jealousy if so then Mary was in possession of this secret of hers there was no doubt in my mind that she really loved me and that if she were Fearless she would hasten to reciprocate my affection apparently hers was a guilty secret held
Over her as Menace by Mary Blane and knowing this she had been compelled to respond in the negative this Theory took possession of me and during the hours I spent at riverdine that evening dining and boating with several of my fellow visitors I reflected upon it viewing it in its every phase
And finding it to be well-founded indeed as I sat opposite the two girls at dinner I watched the actions of both protibly behind the great silver appearance of roses and Ferns and although they chanted merrily laughing and joking with their male companions I nevertheless fancied that I
Could detect a slight expression of concealed annoyance or was it of hatred upon Ava’s face whenever Mary addressed her ever so slight merely the quivering or slight contraction of the eyebrows it passed unnoticed by the merry party yet with my eyes on the alert for any sign
It was to me a proof sufficient that the theory I had formed was correct and that the woman I loved went in deadly fear of Mary blade if this were really so did it not add additional color to the other vague theories that had been aroused in my mind through various inexplicable circumstances
Did it not indeed point to the fact that upon APA although she might have been a victim of that bewildering tragedy in Fillmore place there rested a terrible guilt I recollected how she had gone to St James’s Park to keep the appointment which the unknown assassins accomplice had made
And the remarkable allegation of old Lowry the herbalists two facts which viewed in the light of other discoveries were circumstances in themselves sufficient evidence of her guilt besides had she not with her own lips told me that one day air long I should hate her very name and
Thank her for refusing to accept my love was not this sufficient proof of the correctness of my theory his evening wore on and darkness deepened at night the strings of Chinese lanterns at the bottom of the lawn were lit imparting to the place a very gay almost fairy-like aspect there were
Many remarks regarding the net appearance of Lady glaslin Mrs Blaine seemed extremely anxious yet Ava betrayed no anxiety merely saying she may have felt unwell and returned I shall no doubt find her at home with one of her bad headaches thus all were reassured nevertheless the incident struck
Me as curious for Ava’s calm unconcern showed that her mother must be a woman of somewhat eccentric habits Simpson drove us both the shepparton station in the motor car and we caught the 10 30 train from which she alighted at Hampton while I continued my journey up to Waterloo during the 15
Minutes or so we were alone together in the train our conversation was mainly of our fellow visitors of a sudden I asked have you seen Mr Langdale lately yes I often see him he lives quite near
Us she answered frankly you told me this afternoon Ava that you were not engaged are you confident there is not likely to be a match between you a match between us she explained with an expression
Of surprise what are you joking or do you actually suspect that I love him I have thought so never she answered decisively I may be friendly but to love a man of that stamp a man who thinks more
Of his dress than a woman never I smiled at this denunciation of his popishness he was certainly a howling cat forever dusting his patent leather boots with his handkerchief shooting forth his cuffs and settling his tie he parted his hair in the middle and patronized women because he
Believed himself to be a lady killer truly he was a typical specimen of the city Bounder who might someday develop into a bucket shop keeper a company promoter or perhaps a money lender at that moment when we were speaking the train entered the station of Hampton and she Rose
Tell me Ava I said with deep earnestness as I took her hand to say farewell is what you told me this afternoon the absolute truth and you never never reciprocate my love her lips quivered for an instant as her great blue eyes met mine even though she wore a veil I
Saw that there were tears in them yes she answered in a horse tone I have told you the truth Mr Irwin we may never love never the train was already at a standstill and she was compelled to descend herly
Good night she said hoarsely as I released her hand then without waiting for my response she hurried away and was a moment later lost in the darkness of the road beyond the barrier The Carriage door was slammed the train moved on and as it did so I flung myself back into
A corner plunged it Gloom and abject despair she was the only woman I had ever truly loved yet she was held apart from me it was the first passionate Agony of my life I suffered now as those do without hope I found dick at home smoking furiously and
Visitly writing in duplicate for the morning papers a strange story he had that evening picked up on at Gypsy Hill concerning a romantic elopement which would cause considerable sensation in those little tea and Tennis circles which called themselves Suburban Society
He briefly related it to me without pausing in his work writing on oil tissue paper and taking six copies one for each of the great dailies my friend’s position in the journalistic world was by no means an uncommon one for many men holding good births on newspapers add to their incomes by
Doing what impressed parlance is termed lineage that is contributing to other newspapers for the payment of a penny or perhaps three half Pence a lie I told him that I’d been down to riverdine but
So engrossed was he in his work that he hazarded no remark and when he had finished and placed the copies in separate envelopes already addressed he put on his hat and went forth to the boy messenger office in Chancery Lane whence they would be distributed to the sub-editors about Fleet Street
I lit a cigarette and stretched myself in the armchair who lumily pondering of late we had spoken but little of the mystery and Fillmore Place her other inquiries had occupied Dick’s attention and on my part loving Ava as I did I preferred to continue my investigation alone
Perhaps I had been sitting there a quarter of an hour or so when suddenly a strange dizziness crept over me it might I thought be due to my cigarette therefore I tossed it out of the window and sat
Quiet but the feeling of nausea accompanied by a gettiness such as I had never before experienced increased rather than diminished and in order to light against it I Rose and attempted to cross the room I must have walked very unsteadily for in the attempt I upset a chair the back of which
Was broken besides sweeping Dick’s terracotta tobacco pot from the table and smashing at the fragments I clutched at the table in order to study myself but found myself reeling and swaying as though I were intoxicated my legs seemed unable to support me and the thought
Crossed my mind that this seizure might be one of paralysis the idea was horrible at length after some difficulty I managed to again crawl back to the chair and sinking down close my eyes by doing so my brain seemed more evenly balanced yet it seemed as though inside my skull was all
On fire and I wondered if exposure to the sun while rowing had caused these remarkable symptoms I recollected how blazing hot it had been from sheperton up to the second lock and how once Ava
Ever solicited us for my welfare had warned me to be careful of Sun’s stroke yes I had been careless and this was undoubtedly the result my hands were trembling as though palsy just as my legs had done
A few minutes before yet strangely enough I felt compelled to clench my fingers into my Palms all my muscles seemed slowly to contract until even my jaws worked with painful difficulty an appalling fear fell upon me I was suffering from tetanus resolved not to allow my jaws to close tightly I
Opened it shut my mouth knowing that if it became fixed I should die a slow lingering death as so many thousands had done if I could only keep my jaws working the seizure might perhaps pass
I’d long for Dick’s return at that hour there was no one I could summon to call a doctor I glanced at the clock he had been already gone for nearly half an hour would he never come back the sickening dizziness increased it seemed to develop into an excruciating pain in
My throbbing temples I placed my hand to my head and felt that the veins were standing out hard and knotted just as though I were exerting every muscle and some feet of strength then almost at that very instant I was gripped by a fearful pain in the stomach as though it
Were being torn by a thousand needles a cold sweat stood upon my brow until it rolled down my cheeks and great beads I tried to shout for help but my tongue played to the roof of my mouth and my voice
Was thin and weak as a child my throat seemed to have contracted I was altogether helpless my Agony was excruciating yet I could only await Dick’s return perhaps he had met a friend and was lounging in some bar ignorant of my peril the only Docker I knew in the vicinity was a Hospital
Surgeon who lived a little way down Chancery Lane over the safe deposit company bolts I clenched my teeth to endure the racking frightful pains by which my body was tortured and impatience awaited my friend’s homecoming my eyes were closed but the gas light was too strong for them perhaps I lost
Consciousness at any rate I was awakened from a kind of heavy stupor by Dick’s tardy entry good got her when he gasped why what’s the matter what’s occurred you’re as white as a Chic man
I ill I managed to gasp with extreme difficulty go and get Tweety at once he stood for a moment looking at me with a frightened expression then turned and dashed away down the stairs I remember
Raising myself after he had gone in an Endeavor to reach a cupboard where there was some Brandy in a bottle but as I made a step forward all strength left me I became paralyzed clutched at the table
Missed it and fell had long to the floor then all Consciousness became blotted out I knew no more how long I remained insensible I have only a very vague idea it must have been many hours when
However I slowly became aware of things about me I found myself lying upon my own bed partly dress I tried to move but my limbs seemed icy cold and rigid I tried to think but my thoughts were at
First only a confused jumble of reminiscences there was a tearing pain across my stomach and across my brow a pain that was excruciating it seemed as though my waist was bound tightly with a belt of wire while my brain throbbed as if my skull must burst I opened my eyes but the bright
Light of day caused me to close them quickly again noises sounded about me strange and distorted I distinguished voices and I knew that I was not alone again I opened my eyes thank heaven my dear old fellow you are saved cried dick whose coat was off as he bent down
Eagerly to me looking with keena’s anxiety into my face saved I echoed what has happened for at that moment I recollected little of the past then I saw standing beside dick my friend Dr Tweedy of the royal free hospital in grazing Road a mild-mannered Old Gentleman whom I had many
Times met during my inquiries at that Institution what’s happened the latter repeated that’s what we want to ask you I don’t know I answered except that I was suddenly taken frightfully queer taken queer I should rather think you were he said bending down to get a better look at
My countenance at the same time feeling my pulse you’re better now much better but it’s been a very narrow squeak for you I can tell you what’s been the matter with me I inquired mystified you’ve been eating something that hasn’t quite agreed with you he answered with a mysterious smile
But that could have brought on a seizure like this I argued weekly well the doctor said of course you can tell better what you’ve been eating than I can only one fact is clear to me and what’s that I
Asked why that you’ve been within an ace of death young man he answered you’ll want the most careful treatment too if we are to get you round again but the truth is you’ve been poisoned poisoned
I guess yes he responded handing me some medicine and this seizure of yours is a very mysterious one indeed I’ve never seen such symptoms before that even poisoned is quite plain but how the accident has occurred remains for us to discover later end of chapter 15 record chapter 16 in the city
Through several days I remained in bed my limbs rigid my senses bewildered although we said nothing to Tweety clue entirely shared my suspicion that if an attempt had actually been made upon my life it had been made at riverdine the doctor ran in several times a day
And Dick assisted by old Mrs Joad was as attentive to my wants as any trained nurse snatching all the time he could spare from his duties to sit by me and gossip of men and things in Fleet Street and
The Latest Scoop of the comet Tweety was puzzled each time he saw me he remarked upon my Curious symptoms carefully noting them and expressing Wonder as to the exact nature of the deleterious substance he pronounced the opinion that it was some alkaloid her such it was shown by the regions
That he had used in his analysis but of what nature he was utterly at a loss to determine many were the questions he put to me as to what I had eaten on that day and I explained
How I had lunch at one of the restaurants in Fleet Street and afterwards dine with friends at lalam you ate no sandwiches or anything of that kind it’s stationed refreshment bars he asked when visiting me one morning in the vague idea I suppose that the poison might after all be a
Tow Main none I answered with the exception of what I have told you I had a glass of wine at the house of a friend at Hampton before rowing up to laylam a glass of wine he repeated slowly
As if reflected you noticed no peculiar taste in it what was it or yes I replied an excellent wine it was without any taste unusual For the First Time The recollection of that glass of wine given
Me by Ava The Hollies came back to me surely she could not have deliberately given me a fatal draft often he said a substance which is poison to one person is harmless to another if we could
Only discover what it really was which affected you we might treat you for it and cure you much more rapidly as matters rest however you must grow strong again by degrees and thank Providence that you’re still alive I confess when I first saw you I thought you’d only a few minutes to live
Was I so very bad as ill as you could be you were cold and rigid and looked as though you were already dead in fact anyone but a doctor would I believe have pronounced life extinct your breath
On a mirror alone showed respiration although the heart’s movement was so weak as to be practically imperceptible but don’t trouble further over it you’ll be about soon and shortly afterwards he shook my hand and went on his way to the hospital already late on my account I long to tell him all
The Curious events of the past but saw that such a course might be unwise if I did so Ava the woman I adored must be prematurely judged first because of old Lowry’s Revelations and now secondly because of the suspicious fact of my illness after partaking of the wine she offered the idea that
The attempt had been made upon me at riverdine seemed very improbable because I had dined in common with the other guests the tea I had taken was poured from the same Queen Anne pot from which
The cups of others were filled and in the whiskey and soda I had had before leaving I was joined by three other men who had rode up from a houseboat about a quarter of a mile lower down as they lay
There Restless in my bed trying vainly to read I spent hours in recalling every event of that day but could discover no suspicious circumstance other than that incident of the wine at The Hollies I recollected how Ava after bringing for the servant and ordering it had herself gone out
Into the dining room and had been absent a couple of minutes or so possibly she might only have gone there in order to unlock the cellarette yet there were likewise of course other Graver possibilities this thought which fastened upon my mind so tenaciously allowed me but little rest
I tried to rid myself of it tried to scorn such an idea try to reason with myself how plain it was that she actually held me in some esteem and if so she would certainly not seek to take my life
In that cowardly dastardly manner sometimes I felt that I misjudged her at others grave suspicions haunted me yet with all my love for her never once wavered she was my idol through those long weary hours of prostration and convalescence I thought always of her always
I had written her a short note saying that I was unwell and unable to go down to Riverton not however mentioning the cause of my illness and in response there came in return a charmingly worded little letter expressing profound regret and hoping we should meet again very soon
A hundred times I read that note was the thin delicate hand that penned it the same that had endeavored to take my life that was the sole question uppermost in my mind a problem which wrecked my brain day by day nay hour by hour but there was no solution thus was I compelled
To exist in torturing suspicion anxiety and uncertainty one hot afternoon I had risen for the first time and was sitting among pillows in the armchair reading some magazines which Dick had thoughtfully brought me during the lunch and hour when a timid knock sounded at the door
The hag had left me to attend upon some other young gentleman in the temple and I was alone therefore I Rose and answered the summons finding to my surprise that my visitor was Lily Lowry at once at my invitation she entered a slim figure dressed in neat if cheap black without
Any attempt at being fashionable but with that premise and severity expected of ladies mates and Shop assistants her gloves were neat her hat suited her well and beneath her veil I saw a pretty face pale interesting and anxious looking I didn’t expect to find anyone in except Mrs Joe
She said apologetically as she took the chair I offered then noticing my pillows and perhaps the paleness of my countenance she asked what you are surely not ill Mr Irwin yes I answered I have been
Rather queer for a week past the Heat or something of that sort I suppose nothing at all serious I’m so glad of that she said I only called because I was passing I’ve been matching some silk at the
Wholesale houses in the city and as I wanted to give Mr Clue a message I thought I’d leave it with Mrs Job a message I repeated can I give it she hesitated and I saw that a slight blush suffused
Their cheeks no she faltered you’re very kind but perhaps after all it would be better to write to him as you like I said smiling you don’t of course care to trust your secrets in my keeping eh
She looked at me seriously for a moment her lips quivered and she drew a long breath you’ve always been extremely kind she said in a low voice half choke with emotion and now that I find you alone I feel impaled to confide in you in seek your advice
I am quite ready to offer any advice I can I answered quickly interested if I can render you any assistance I will certainly do so with pleasure ah she exclaimed sighing again I knew you would I am in trouble in such terrible trouble what has happened I inquired quickly for I saw how
Wide and one she was and of course attributed it to Dick’s action in renouncing his pledge you of course know that Mr Clue and I have parted she said looking up at me quickly he has told me
So I responded Gravely I regret very much to hear it what is the reason has he not told you she asked her eyes filled with tears no I answered he gave no reason well she explained he has judged
Me wrongly I am entirely innocent I assure you in a place of business like ours we are compelled to be on friendly terms with the male assistance and the other evening as I was leaving the shop to go
To the house where we girls live at the other end of Rye Lane one of the men an insufferable young fellow in the Hosiery Department chance to be going the same way and walk with me on
The way dick Mr Clue I mean passed us and now he declares that I’ve been in the habit of flirting with these men it is not pleasant for any girl to walk alone along right lane at 10 o’clock at night
Therefore this young fellow is only escorting me out of politeness yet I cannot make dick believe otherwise than that he is my lover he’s jealous of you I said it’s not jealousy an index of true love
But if he loved me truly she protested bursting into tears he surely would not treat me so cruelly as this I’ve done nothing to Warrant this denunciation as a worthless flirt indeed I haven’t and you love him I asked with deep sympathy for I saw how intense was her suffering he knows that
I do she answered he could see but little of me because his work prevented him yet I was supremely happy in the knowledge of his love yet now he has forsaken me she had it sobbing I’m but a poor girl
And I suppose that the truth were known he admires someone else better educated and more attractive than I am no I think not I said although at heart I felt that she spoke the truth this is
Merely lover’s quarrel and you’ll quickly make it up again look at the brighter side of things come but she shook her head gloomily saying never I feel confident that dick will never come back to me although I shall love him always and she raised her veil to wipe the hot tears from her
Cheeks no no I exclaimed endeavoring to comfort her don’t need trouble halfway that’s one of the secrets of Happiness we all of us have our little spasms of grief and despair sometimes you know ah yes of course she cried quickly but this sorrow has alas not come alone still another Misfortune
Has fallen upon me what’s that I inquired surprise my father she exclaimed huskily and what else am I asked I called upon him a short time ago surely nothing has happened to him well she replied it occurred like this I got permission this day week to leave business at five o’clock and as
Usual went home when however I arrived at the shop I found it shut and to my amazement a bail it was in possession her debt I inquired yes he showed me some papers and said it would cost about 400
Pounds to settle both build and costs of the court and your father what was his explanation I asked greatly interested and surprised he wasn’t there she responded that’s the Curious part about the whole Affair I made inquiries and discovered that he had suddenly shut up the shop
About noon three days before and then got off with a heavy trunk placed on a four-wheel cab does know and know where he’s gone nobody she answered excitedly it’s so strange that he has not bit me a single line in explanation I can’t understand it I paused for a few moments deeply
Puzzled from the fact that the bailiff was in possession it would appear that he had referred flight to facing his creditors I said slowly were you aware that he was in debt not in the least she
Answered he has some property abroad you know where in France I think he never spoke of it to anyone although I knew that the rent was remitted regularly by a draft on the credit Leona in palmy
I used to go there with him to receive the money it was quite a pile of banknotes each quarter then he could not really have been so badly off as he appeared I observed no he was eccentric and
Very miserly and although he always had enough and despair he used constantly to deplore our poverty I took a situation merely to satisfy him as he had so often expressed regret that I should be idling at home there was however absolutely no real necessity but surely I said he has not
Intentionally left you alone in the world he will write very soon perhaps just now he does not write for fear his whereabouts should become known he’s evidently escaped his creditors has he been speculating do you think not that I am aware of can’t you think of any reason why he should
Have fled so precipitously I asked at the same time reflecting that it might be due to the fact that he had aroused the suspicions of the police by the illegal sale of drugs no she answered none whatever beyond what I’ve already explained his flight is an entire mystery and it was to seek
The advice of dick as my closest friend that I called here how had I best act do you think I really don’t know I replied after some reflection his disappearance is certainly remarkable but if he isn’t hiding it is not at all strange that he should admit to write
To you he knows your address therefore when he deems it safe in his own interest to communicate with you and explain he will do so no doubt then I’m to wait in patience and see our homes sold up she asked tears again Welling at her dark luminous eyes you can do nothing else
I said he evidently means that it should be sold for he has made no attempt to rescue it there are so many of my poor mother’s things there I should so like to keep them her little Trinkets and such Trifles it seems very hard that they should be sold to a secondhand dealer
That’s so but you have no means of rescuing them I pointed out it is certainly very hard indeed for you to be left alone and friendless like this but without doubt your father has some reason enacting thus he’s fled like some common Thief she cried with a choking sub and now I haven’t
A single friend I am your friend I said echoing or side you have my sympathy Lily and if I can render you any service I shall always be ready to do so she thanked me warmly in the voice choked
By sobs for the two great Sorrows had fallen upon her and she was overwhelmed and broken I promised I would speak to dick and if possible arrange a meeting between them in order to try and affect a Reconciliation inwardly however I knew that this was quite impossible for he had really
Grown tired of her and had more than once in the past few days openly congratulated himself upon his freedom she remained a short time longer and before she left had become more composed and was
In better spirits then when she shook my hand to go forth she said I thank you so much for all your kind words Mr Irwin I have at least today found a real friend I hope so I left goodbye goodbye
I hope you’ll soon be about again then the door closed and I was again alone I was hardly sorry for her poor girl the sudden Flight of the old herbalist was to say the least suspicious that
He had money and could pay the debt was certain without doubt he had disappeared on account of a too close attention from the police Maurice Lowry was I knew not very remarkable for paternal affection therefore I feared that he had as Lily suspected left her at the mercy of the world
A week later I was able to go down to my office again and about six o’clock on the second day I had resumed my duties I accidentally met Boyd at the bottom of Fleet Street as merry as usual we drag together at the bodega beneath the railway arch in Ludgate Hill but
In reply to my eager questions he told me that absolutely nothing fresh had transpired regarding the Curious of Eric Kensington I explained that I was still a frequent visitor at rivergene but up to the present had discovered nothing I of course did not tell him all my suspicions preferring to
Keep my own counsel and allow him to prosecute his inquiries after his own methods from his conversation however I saw that he had many other matters in hand and from his attitude it seemed
As though he had given up hope of obtaining a clue to the mystery on finishing our wine we Rose from the barrel on which we had been sitting and he having announced his intention to walk along to
The Book Stall at Ludgate Hill station to buy a magazine for his wife or he was just a home by motorbuster Hammersmith we strolled together through that short arcade leading to the station at that hour crowded by hungry City men eager to get back to their suburban homes into every door
They surged springing up the two staircases to the platform above as though they had not a further moment to Live While every few seconds the deep voices of the ticket collectors cried the names of the Stations from the city to Blackheath or Victoria or from Hearn Hill down to Dover amid
This black coated silk had IT perspiring Crowd a man suddenly brushed past me rushing up the stairs two steps at a time slipping through the barrier just as the door was slammed and disappearing onto the platform hello cried Boyd pressing my arm quickly see look at that man the one with
The bag running up the steps do you see him yes I answered myself confounded well that’s the fellow I saw in Saint James’s Park and who got away so neatly from eberry Street you remember that man I
Guess utterly amazed yes we mustn’t lose sight of him this time he can tell us something if he likes and without further word he dashed away after the man who had hurried to catch his train leaving me standing alone in amazement that man who had brushed past I had instantly recognized as none
Other than Henry Blaine who was supposed to have been in Paris this fresh development was certainly both startling and mysterious end of chapter 16 record this is audiobook caboodle YouTube channel place for finest collection of audiobooks and novels chapter 17 a visit from Boyd
Without a second’s hesitation I rushed up the steps after Boyd but on gaining the platform found that a train had just gone out and was at that moment disappearing across the bridge over the Thames the detective known to the ticket collector as a police officer had been allowed to
Pass a barrier and had evidently caught the same train as Blaine there was certainly an element of deepest mystery in the fact that the unknown man who had kept the appointment in Saint James’s Park and it afterwards taken such elaborate precautions against being followed should be revealed to none
Other than the once first proud proprietor of Shenley quite apparent it was too that the object of Ava’s visit to the park was to meet him clandestinely for what reason was an enigma the more I revolved the strange events within my mind the more absolutely bewildering they became
True I had made certain discoveries discoveries which rather than tended to throw light on the real author of the crime or its motive only however increased the Enigma and enveloped a woman whom I had grown to love so fondly in an impenetrable veil of Suspicion thoughts such as
These filled my mind as turning from the station in despair I went back into the dust and turmoil of Fleet Street crowded at that hour by tired thousands hurrying Homeward I loved Ava even though every proof I had obtained pointed to her complicity in the dastardly affair she was
Still my idol I thought daily hourly only of her refusing always to suspect her and endeavoring to convince myself that the truths I had elicited had no foundation in fact Love is Blind When a Man Loves a Woman as I loved Ava glasslin at that moment nothing could turn aside his passion
I verily believe that if at that hour I had stood by had seen her in the dock at the Old Bailey condemned as a murderous my affection for her would have been nonetheless
I lived for her alone she was all that was a dearest in the world to me Mary Blane had no doubt noticed my infatuation yet she had said nothing she herself being I believed in love with dick
At least I could congratulate myself that we had mutually agreed to allow the past to fade from our remembrance nevertheless when I thought of Ava and told myself how passionate my affection and how Arden my feelings towards her the ogre of Suspicion would sometimes arise and cause
Me to pause in my ecstatic dreamings had she not stiffened strangely and refused to reciprocate my love had she not Point Blank told me that we could never be more than friends had she not indeed herself hinted at her own guilt in that strange sentence which had fallen from her lips
As I passed the Fleet Street that evening jostling with a crowd I thought of these things and was plunged into Gloom and uncertainty this statement of old Lowry was one of which I felt in Duty bound
To obtain proof yet how he had declared that a woman exactly resembling her had hurt a certain drug which could be required for one purpose alone while the secret attempt had been made to take mine Life by whom I knew not sometimes in moments of Despair I entertained deep suspicions of her
But always I found my love in the ascendancy and ended by refusing to believe the evidence which I had so diligently and patiently collected for months Scotland Yard had had the matter in hand but discovering nothing had allowed it to drop of course in face of the statement made by the
Landlord of the house and Fillmore Place Boyd was ever anxious to question Mr Blaine but had wisely left us to need and how had I succeeded only in making discoveries which although startling in themselves increased the mystery rather than solved it even at that moment the identity
Of the victims remained still unknown they were lying in nameless graves in Abney Park Cemetery having been buried by the parish the planes alone could give us information as to who they were and who was the unnamed scientist whose Discovery was now creating such a stir throughout Europe
Curious it was that he did not come forward and claimed the discovery as a zone for he must have read accounts of it in the papers my own theory in this matter was that he was unable to communicate
With the Royal Institution for one simple reason namely that he was dead that he was the man whom we found lying lifeless with that strange mascot the penny wrapped in paper in his pocket I walked along to Wellington Street where I called in to see my friend crutchley one of the
Sub-editors of the morning post who had just come on duty and Was preparing for his night’s work in the offices of the morning papers activity begins when tired London takes her ease her their night is as day until it dawned the staff weary after hours of work by Electric Light and
Stiping rooms go forth chilled and jaded to their homes to sleep while the world works for half an hour I sat in his den where the table was already piled with telegrams and flimsy while he with code
Off short cuffs turned up and a cigarette in his mouth sighed sharpened his big blue pencil and as he chatted commenced to slaughter wordy descriptions by two eloquent recorders the world wants news not yes is the motto of every working sub-editor the public prefer facts without padding
And to cut out the latter is the duty of the man who then the sub-editorial chair decides upon what shall appear and what shall be admitted a duty which requires the greatest care and judgment
When I left him I recollected that dick had gone to some place down in Essex from the comet and would not return to eat the diurnal state in company therefore I wandered aimlessly along the Strand and turned into a restaurant afterwards spending the evening at the theater nearly three
Weeks went by and I heard nothing of void although I had written to him at nearly 10 o’clock one night however when I had returned to grazian alone I found the detective standing in the Half Light against the mammalpies bad luck the other night he said after we had exchanged greetings what
Didn’t you follow him I cried surprised no that’s the devil Levitt he exclaimed in a tone of bitter disappointment sinking into a chair you’ll remember that that platform at Ludgate Hill is an island one and just as I got through the barrier a train on the other side was moving off
The Snow Hill and moorgate Street while when the Blackheath was just on the point of starting in the opposite direction I of course jumped into the ladder feeling sure he’d be getting out of town and you found out your mistake too late I examined all the carriages at low Barrel Junction but there
Was no sign of him he evidently took the other train unfortunate I answered then sat for a few moments in calm reflection unfortunate he echoed it’s more than that we seemed for doomed a failure in this affair I had three men on the job ever since but with no result
Even the narcs know nothing but he added when I pointed him out you seemed to know him am I right I hesitated wondering whether to tell him all the facts as I knew them and obtain his assistance in my further inquiries it struck me that he a professional investigator of crime shrewd
Clear-headed and acquainted with all the method and subterfuges of evil doers might suggest some other means which had not occurred to me I had hitherto been deterred from making any explanation of my discoveries and suspicions on account of my strong Love For Ava but now the idea took
Possession of me that if I explained the whole to Boyd and told him of my deep affection for her we might work together and perhaps at length obtain some solution of this most intricate of problems
I was sick with the giddiness of one who falls from some great height I had lost my hold upon the dreams and hopes of life you’re quite right Boyd I said handing in the cigarettes I know that
Man who is he he looks rather gentlemanly that shabby get up of his was a fake unsure yes I responded he’s a man pretty well to do his name is Blaine and he is the husband of Mrs Blaine whom you recollect is supposed to have taken the house in Fillmore place
The detective gave vent to an unwritable explanation laying he echoed his face betraying a look of amazement and pausing with a lighted Vesta in his hand well that’s indeed a Pacer then he added he must in that case know something of the matter as well as his wife
At that moment there was a tap at the door of the sitting room an old Mrs Job entered with a letter which she said had come by the last post and she had forgotten to give it to me by the
Writing I saw it was from maava and eagerly read it it was a brief note to say that her mother had been called away to her brother in Inverness who was seriously ill that The Hollies was closed and
That she had accepted an invitation to remain the guest of the blanes until lady glasslands returned I handed the note to the detective without comment well he exclaimed looking up at me when he had read it there’s nothing very fishy about that is there then I recollected that he
Was an ignorance of my suspicions yet I loved Ava with all my soul and held back from placing any facts in the hands of this man who with ruthless disregard for my affection or my feelings would
Perhaps arrest her for complicity in the crime and yet as I sat before him watching his face through the blue haze of cigarette smoke I felt impelled to seek his aid for this Tangled chain of recent events had utterly bewildered and unnerved me I was not yet strong again after the strange
Seizure which had so puzzled the doctor and a sense of gloom and despair had since overwhelmed me arising perhaps from the constant suspicion that a secret attempt had been made upon my life to remain longer in that state of uncertainty was impossible I felt I should go mad if I did not
Make some further determined effort to ascertain the truth someone whom I knew not had attempted to kill me and why there could be but one reason because I had succeeded in placing myself upon the actual track of the Assassin an attempt cowardly and dastardly had been made upon me therefore I
Had every right to seek the aid of the police to discover its author this argument decided me and casting my cigarette into the great I asked Boyd to give me his attention while I related to him
All that I had discovered in an instant history and easy manner changed and as I spoke he sat leaning towards me attentively listening to every word but hazarding no remark without attempting to conceal anything I explained to him first of all my great love for the woman who was under
Such terrible suspicion and then as I narrated our conversation when alone on the river and repeated her curious response to my Declaration of love he knit his dark brows seriously and gave vent to a grunt indicative of doubt he was no blunderer of this Detective unlike the majority he was well
Educated speaking French and Italian fluently an Adept in the art of Disguise a man who formed very careful theories and whose appearance was never that of an agent of police one would rather have taken him for a well-titude Jew or perhaps some prosperous City man of foreign extraction for
His dark complexion and aqualine features gave him an unenglished appearance and his invariable Spruce this in dress accounted for his success in following criminals who never dreamed that the smart well-dressed gentleman a perfect manner was actually an emissary from Scotland Yard
His knowledge of foreign languages had caused him to be entrusted with numbers of very important inquiries political and criminal and in tracking the guilty he had paid flying visits to nearly all the Continental capitals in his sharp eyes there was a strange glitter I thought as without
Interruption I told him what I knew I Advanced no theories whatever but merely lay before him the plane unvarnished truth then when I hit finished I said now first of all recollect that whatever may be the result of our inquiries I Will Do no harm whatever to the woman I love understand
That entirely I quite understand he said greatly speaking for the first time that’s only natural but the difficulties in our way of here are almost insurmountable well I asked anxiously what is your opinion now that I have told you everything he shook his head off thoughtly at the fresh
Cigarette he had just lit and then contemplated it awfully I have no opinion at present he responded one might form half a dozen theories upon these facts all equally white of the mark then how are we to act I asked a dismay he raised his dark eyebrows a gesture of bewilderment then
He gazed Gravely in my face look here Boyd I continued I love Ava glasslin and to you I make no secret of it whatsoever but it all hazards I mean to ascertain the truth even at the risk of
Convicting her he inquired looking across at me quickly convicting her I Echo then you really entertain the same suspicion as myself we may have suspicions without forming any theories he responded calmly then he added in a tone of regret is certainly a thousand titties that
You love her why upon your own showing she appears to have very little regard for you how well he answered slowly there’s no doubt that the other day an attempt was made upon your life and you suspect her we can suspect no one else he answered according to that old herbalist statement
She had purchased a certain drug of him what could an innocent young lady require with this unnamed drug if not to administer it to someone she wanted to get rid of but she has no object admitting
Herself of me I urge of that I’m not quite so sure my dear fellow he observed after a brief pause recollect that on the morning when she went to St James’s Park in order to meet for some mysterious
Purpose the man who we now know was old Mr Blaine she met you face to face we have no idea what her actions were previously but she may have believed that you have been spying upon her therefore on
Recognizing you when you were formally introduced at River Dean she conceived the plan for getting you out of the way it was with that object very possibly that she made the secret purchase at
The herbalist no boy I can’t believe it of her I said quickly I won’t believe it very well he said in the same calm tone as before but there’s still another fact extremely puzzling and that is why
This man Lowry should have left in such a hurry I must inquire at the Carter Street police station the district where any lived and see whether there was anything against him by the way he added does
Your friend clue know the whole of these facts you’ve explained to me no not the whole only some does he know that you’ve declared your love to Lady glaslin’s daughter and been refused no then don’t tell him said the detective I believe that the reason of a sudden weariness of Lily at
Lowry’s Society is due to the fact that he loves Mary Blane all the more reason then why he should in future remain in entire ignorance of whatever facts we may elicit then he paused furiously consuming his cigarette and taking a long draft of the whiskey and soda I had mixed and placed
At his elbow this is really a most remarkable mystery Erwin he exclaimed at length questing the plain gold ring upon his finger a habit of his when pondering deeply their seem a thousand complications it’s absolutely the most astounding case that I’ve ever had in hand even Shaw or
Superintendent at the yard a man whose deep rooted conviction is that we never need fail if we really take an interest in an inquiry acknowledge to me the other day that he could see no way to a clue
Of course we might question Mrs Blaine or even arrest Blaine himself on suspicion if we could find him again but whoever is guilty has taken such careful precautions to obliterate every trace of a clue that both the superintendent and myself are agreed that the interrogation of either
Of the blames would only result in defeating RNs that was exactly my own opinion I had many times wondered why the police had not made inquiries of Mrs Blaine on account of the statement by the landlord at Kensington but it was now plain that the director of criminal investigations the
Gray-headed loud voice Old Gentleman whom I knew quite well at Scotland Yard had decided otherwise but why are you so anxious that my friend clue should remain in ignorance of our movements I inquired you say that he loves Murray Blaine Andrew Boyd he might in that case drop some
Unintentional hint to her of the direction of our inquiries this matter to be successful must be entirely a secret between ourselves you understand today we’ve made a discovery the identity of the man who threw some object into the lake and it puts a rather fresh complexion upon the affair
Even though it further complicates it considerably you said that his wife has all along told you that her husband was in Paris I think yes I responded she said he was there in connection with some
Company which he was trying to promote and all along he’s been in London in hiding he may have just returned from Paris I suggested recollect that I’ve not been to River Dean for some little time no my dear fellow Boyd said his Ingenuity in eluding us at eberry Street showed that he
Had already prepared a snug hiding place for himself before the tragedy at Fillmore place besides the other evening his clothes showed an attempted disguise didn’t they certainly he’s very smartly dressed always indeed rather a flop in his way depend upon it that he’s never dared to
Set foot outside London all this time he knows well enough that the Metropolis is the safest place in the whole world in which a criminal May conceal himself only a bungler attempts to get away abroad silence again fell between us the quiet was unbroken saved but the slow ticking
Of the clock upon the mantle shell of a sudden with a rather curious glance he bent forward to me eagerly saying now in this affair we must be perfectly candid with each other you must conceal nothing from me I have concealed nothing I’ve protested surprised at his curious attitude
As though he held me in some suspicion I don’t allege that you have he answered but I want you to answer truthfully a question which is of highest importance I want you to tell me whether on the
Afternoon of the day you were called by Patterson to Kensington your friend clue was here at home no he certainly wasn’t I arrived home first and he came in perhaps 10 minutes or a quarter of an hour later than usual I answered wondering what connection this could have with the inquiry
And after you made the discovery you did not Telegraph or communicate with him in any way I take it that you were surprised to meet him in that house certainly I was I responded but he had an appointment with Lily Lowry and finding that she could not keep it he came
Along to Kensington to ascertain the nature of the event about which Patterson had wired to me to detectives features relaxed into a strange smile would you be surprised then to know that your friend never called at the police station on that evening but went straight to Fillmore
Place and there joined me while you were absent inquiring of the neighbors that very evening I inquired of the Constable on duty at the door of the station and of others all of whom told me that no one had called to inquire for Patterson except yourself that’s certainly extraordinary I said in
Wonderland yes he observed mechanically it’s a very curious fact one which appears to prove that he knew something more of the mysterious occurrence then he has admitted in fact that he was aware of it long before we were what I guess gazing at my companion in alarm surely you
Don’t mean that you suspect dick of having had any hand in the affair then at that instant I recollected how when I had received the telegram on that memorable evening his face had suddenly changed and his hand had trembled end of chapter 17 record chapter 18 you will never know never
Dick returned about 11 and shortly afterwards Boyd swallowed another whiskey and soda and left I thought my friend started slightly at finding the detective with me but he betrayed not the slightest annoyance indeed he himself started the discussion regarding the mystery appearing in no
Way below to discuss it in all its phases the detective suspicion was certainly a startling one and of course accounted for his anxiety that dick should in the future remain in utter ignorance of our actions when Boyd had gone he had once commenced to question
Me upon what theories he had expressed and in what direction he was Prosecuting inquiries although I would not allow myself to suspect my best friend I nevertheless preserved the silence which Boyd had imposed upon me evading giving him direct answers preserving the secret
Of the identity of the man seen in Saint James’s Park and managing to put aside his questions by a declaration that personally I was sick of the whole matter for I felt that it would now ever remade a mystery that night however I remained awake many hours thinking fondly of Ava and calmly
Revolving in my mind all that had fallen from the lips of boy he one of the most skillful officers in London had formed no theory he only entertained suspicions they perhaps yet by no means groundless I had not seen Ava since that day when the strange incomprehensible attempt had been made to take
My life and a strong desire again possessed me to stole it her side to hear her voice to hold her hand was it I wondered time after time that hand so soft slim and delicate that had actually
Attempted to secretly take my life the detective had calmly reviewed all the facts I have explained and as a professional investigator of prime had openly expressed a suspicion in the affirmative often had I wondered what kind of woman was Ava’s mother whom I had never met that she was somewhat
Eccentric was evident from her daughter’s words on the last occasion I had visited River d I’d lay there thinking of Ava scouting every suspicion which the detective’s words had aroused within me until with the first streak of Dawn I fell asleep and dreamed of her next afternoon without
Mentioning anything to Dick saved the sending of a telegram to say that I should not dine at home I left my office half an hour earlier and full of conflicting thoughts traveled down to riverdine having been informed by the servant that Mrs Blaine and Miss Mary were absent in London
Shopping but that Miss glaslin was at home I was shown into the long Pleasant drawing room which opened upon the wide lawn sloping to the river’s Bank the great bowls of cut flowers diffuse the pleasant odor and the books and papers lying in the Cozy Corner with its soft cushions of pale
Blue silk he trades signs of recent occupation it was a low ceiling comfortable apartment cool and restful after the dust and glare of the White Road outside in a few moments the door opened and Ava entered fresh and Charming in a cool dress of clean flannel her sweet face illumed by a sweet
Smile of glad welcome this is quite an unexpected pleasure Mr Irwin she exclaimed rushing towards me gladly with outstretched hand I had no idea that you’d come down today the blanes are up in town
You know I should have gone only I had a rather bad headache we went up to Windsor yesterday with the thirlies on their lunch and I suppose the sun upset me it was unbearably hot why do you
Persist in calling me Mr Irwin I asked in a rather reproachable tone still retaining possession of her hand cannot you call me Frank she blushed slightly and Drew her hand forcibly away then motioning me to a seat she cast herself into a low arm chair near me stretching forth
Her tiny foot neat in its Silk Stocking and patent leather shoe she made no response to my suggestion so I repeated it why should I call you by your Christian name she asked because I call you by your Sava I answered earnestly I really can’t bear this persistent formality
She smiled a rather curious smile it was I thought so you’re staying as guest here I went on after a moment’s pause yes she explained my Uncle Henry in Inverness is very ill and not expected to live therefore they summoned Mother by Telegraph with other members of the family
As the serpents had had no holiday this year she sent them away for Fortnight and closed the house Mrs Blaine having invited me here have you heard from your mother yes I had a wire to say that she had arrived safely she answered not however without a second hesitation as though she were
Debating whether or not to tell me the truth and Mr Blaine has not returned from Paris yet I asked no she responded the blanes are talking of joining him next week or perhaps the week after and have
Invited me to accompany them I should be delighted for I love Paris you find the shops interesting I laughed yes she answered all women do I suppose at least I’ve met very few who having been in Paris
Haven’t hunted for bargains at the blue of the princess or the bar Marsh Paris is worth visiting if only maker one’s hats but you can often buy a hat for 20 francs exactly the same style and a better material than that for which you would pay three or four guineas in region Street
I’m not much of an expert in such things I laugh nevertheless reflecting how curious it was that blame remains still in London might not his wife and daughter have gone up that day to visit him in his hiding place but you’ve been awfully queer eye here she said conservatively you really don’t look
Quite yourself even now what has been the matter we were all so concerned when we heard about it our eyes met in hers there was a deep Earnest look as though she were really solicitous of my welfare yet I fancied somehow that those clear blue eyes wavered beneath my steady searching gaze
She watched me reading me as easily as she would have read black letters on a white page I was taken suddenly ill the heat perhaps I answered with affected carelessness I had run down the doctor said it was nothing very serious she gave them to a perceptible sigh of relief then
Smiling sweetly as she ever did said well it is indeed a pleasure to welcome you here again today she still wore that broach the quaint little playing card which had betrayed her visit to Morris Lowry its site sent a strange thrill through me for I remembered the object of her
Visit to that dark dirty obscure herbalist the pleasure is mutual believe me Ava I answered putting away from me instantly the gruesome thought oppressing me through this whole month I have thought only of you she sighed in an instant serious then glancing back to assure
Herself that there were no eavesdroppers she said it would be far better Mr Irwin right if you could leave me and forget but I can’t I said Rising quickly and again taking her soft white hand
You know Ava How Deeply how sincerely how devoted Thee I love you how I am entirely yours forever I spoke simply indirectly what I felt I was calmer that I had been when I rode her beneath the willow
Shape ah no she cried in a pain voice rising to her feet with sudden resolution you really must not say this I will not let you sacrifice yourself I will not allow you to thus it is no sacrifice I
Protested interrupting quickly I love you Ava with all my soul one woman alone in all the world holds me beneath the spell of her grace her charm and her sweetness it is yourself every hour I think
Only of you ever before me your face rises in my Daydreams and in those moments when I see your sweet Smiles I tell myself that no other woman can ever have a place in my heart ah you cannot
Know how fondly I love you I said raising the hand tenderly to my lips and imprinting a kiss upon it if you could only know you would never treat me with this cold common difference her bosom Rose and fell slowly and she was silent I fancied that she shuddered slightly at
That moment my position struck me as an extremely strange one declaring love to one whom an expert detected suspected of having made a cowardly attempt upon my life was it just I asked myself
Yes in this I was justified for I loved her even though I had more than once been inclined to agree with Boyd in his misgivings I was not aware of any indifference she followed it last raising her
Great eyes so clear in Earnest for an instant to mine I had merely urged you to reflect reflection is unnecessary I answered quickly I know that I love you truly that surely is sufficient
It might be if I were free she responded in a low horse voice but I tell you today Frank as I told you before this love dream of ours is impossible of realization then you do reciprocate my love I
Cried in joyous eagerness come tell me do not keep me longer in suspense I have already told you she answered in a low intense voice of what use is it to continue this painful discussion
Of every use I cried in desperation give me one word of Hope Ava tell me that someday you will try and love me better than you do now that someday in the future you will become my wife tell me no
No she cried snatching her hand away and receding from me no Frank I cannot I will not lie to you then can you never love me never I cry despairingly never she answered hoarsely and her
Answer struck deep into my heart I Ascend sinned before God and before man and love no longer knows a place in my heart and her fine head was bowed before sinned I guessed what do you mean I am
A social leper Chief habit raising her head and looking at me with wild unnatural gaze if you knew the dark and Awful Truth you would shun me rather than kiss my hand yet you say you love me you who
Would have so great A Cause to hate me if you knew the ghastly truth but I cried wandering at these strange words and with my suspicions again aroused I do love you nevertheless Ava I shall always love
You I swear it for my very life is yours your life she echoed in a weird harsh voice as she stood pale-faced swaying before me her hands clasped to her breast her lips cold and white yes she said
In a strange aposterical tone yes it is true too true at last that your future is in my hands only by a miracle have you come back to life a grim shadow of a crime to taunt to defy to denounce
Oh Frank you do not know the terrible truth you will never know never I was bewildered horror possessed me the darkness of an irreversible fact spread over her and made her terrible to me all must be given up conscience pronounced this dread decree and multiply the pain a thousand times
Destiny had once more taken me by the elbow end of chapter 18 chapter 19 Eva makes confession why may I not know the truth I asked the blanched and agitated woman before me her involuntary declaration that I had only returned to Life by little short of a miracle was in itself
Clear proof that she was aware of the attempt made to assassinate me I therefore determined to question her further and ascertain whether Boyd’s great suspicion had any absolute Foundation you know Ava I went on standing before her with my hand upon her shoulder in D earnestness you know
How strong is my affection you know that you were all the world to me often during my many visits to that Riverside home so cool and peaceful after the busy turmoil in which fate compelled me to
Earn my bread I had spoken of my love for her and now in my desperation I told her that I could not lead the woman whom I had so long worshiped in the ideal whom I have instantly recognized as being
The embodiment of that ideal of whose presence I could not endure to be deprived even in thought she stood silent with her back to the table looking into my eyes while I told her these things a ray of sunlight tipped her auburn hair with gold sometimes she would seem to yield to
A kind of bliss as she listened to Maya vowel to forget all else than ourselves and my words at others a look of Anguish would suddenly clouded features and once she shuddered pressing her hands to her eyes saying Frank you must not spare me this I cannot bear it indeed I can’t sometimes
In the days that had passed when I had spoken of my love joy and pain would succeed each other on her face indeed often they would be present at the same moment from the look of complete abandonment
To happiness that sometimes though never for long shown on her pictures when we idle up that shady picturesque Backwater where the Kingfishers nested I felt that she loves me and that eventually that love would gain the victory thus continually I try to elicit an expression of her feelings and words
Sweet to me as was the confession of her looks I sought also a confession of speech at last however she seemed determined to give me no single word of encouragement but why I asked as she stood there with bent head her hand toying nervously with
The Rings why is it that when I speak of what most occupies my heart you become silent or sorrowful she smiled a strange artificial smile and for an instant her clear blue eyes those eyes which spoke of an absolute purity of Soul meant mine as she replied can a woman explain her
Caprice any more than a man can understand it without hating disinvasion I went on is it that you are already pledged to marry some other man no she answered quickly and earnestly then it is because you do not wish to love me I observed reproachfully
Her look startled me for it contained besides a world of grief and pity something of self-reproach she regarded me strangely first as if my words were welcome true then while her brow darkened a mental anguish forced itself into her expression you were mad to come here to me she said with a
Quick apprehensive look if you knew the truth you would never again cross the threshold of this house why I demand it in an instant alert for a reason that is secret she responded with a shade of sadness that ring of earnestness in her voice it seemed impossible to counterfeit
Puzzled I gazed at her striving to read her countenance her head was bent her color changing do what she would she could not keep the blood quite steady in her cheek but may I not know Ava
I am floored surely you will not refuse to warn or guide one who is so entirely devoted to you as I am I cannot warn you except to say that treachery may be sweetly concealed in danger alert where you
May least suspect its presence you wish to place a golf between us I cried impatiently but that’s impossible I cannot rest without you I am drawn to you as though by some power of magic I am yours in
Life in depth I know she cried suddenly putting up her hands to her face speak not of death you are making vows that must air long be broken and she sighed deeply was not her attitude standing there
Pale and trembling the attitude of a guilty woman who feared the revelation of her crime I looked again at her and becoming convinced that it was I regarded her with inexpressible scorn and love horror and adoration she seemed to have changed of late she pondered over my words weighing them
Without any idle misleadings of fancy did she never dream as she had done when we first met why must my vows be broken when my love for you is so ferva Neva I demand it in a voice a tribal
Heart I think she shuddered and gave a gesture of Despair as if there were indeed no defense for her a great Darkness was over my mind like the plague of an unending night I have warned
You she responded in a strange low Tone If you really love me as you say you do remain away from this house why are you so anxious that I should not visit you I demanded puzzled then I added of
Course in order to gain your love I am prepared to accept any conditions you may propose if I do not again come here will you meet me in London I can say nothing of the future she answered
Slowly for your own sake indeed for mine also do not come here again promise me I beg of you this request was the more Curious in the light of recent events was it that she could not bear me
To kiss the hand that had attempted to slay me all this is very strange Ava I said with a sudden seriousness I cannot understand your attitude in the least why not be more explicit the heart of man is an open page to women love the greatest of all selfish ecstasies must yet
Have self-forgetfulness she had none she glanced at me and seemed to Divine my thoughts she cast a further look across the room to the law and Beyond and I read on her face the birth of some new design I have been quite explicit she laughed with a strenuous attempt to preserve her self-control
I merely give you advice to keep away from this house yes but you give me no reason you do not speak plainly or openly I protested one cannot speak ill of those of whose Hospitality one is
Partaking she answered with a calm smile is it not sufficient for the present that you are warned but why I demand it I am always a welcome guest here again she smiled with a strange curl of the lip I
Thought I do not deny that she answered have I not however already pointed out that treachery may be marvelously well concealed that she really warn me of the danger of associating with these intimate friends of hers merely because in her heart she really loved me or had some
Ulterior motive in getting me out of the way she was loving hand with the suspected family therefore the latter seemed the theory most feasible yes she was undoubtedly playing me false a new thought suddenly arose within me and with my eyes fixed upon her I said in a voice hard
And determined Ava just now you gave utterance to a remark which is to me for the meaning you said that I had escaped death by little short of a miracle true I have then I paused yet if
The truth were told have you not also escaped the Swift and sudden End by means almost as miraculous her face blanched instantly her mouth half opened seemed fixed she was unable to articulate and
I saw what an effective speech of mine had upon her she taught her to the table and laid her hand upon it in order to study herself her eyes glared upon me for an instant like those of some animal
Brought to Bay yet with a marvelous self-control her white face a moment later relaxed into a smile and she replied I really don’t know to what you refer in the course of Our Lives we have many
Hair breath escapes and death her dangers are around us on every side by this I saw what a consummate actress she was and was filled with regret that I had thus referred to the tragedy at Kensington fearing lest this revelation of my knowledge should have her boy in his inquiries
Through all she kept a calm and steady judgment that was remarkable reflected Leisure I responded and perhaps you will not find my words quite so puzzling as your own veiled references a few minutes ago she exclaimed reproachfully you declared that you loved me now however you appear
To entertain a desire to taught me with what she hesitated for she saw how nearly she had been entrapped every woman is a born diplomatist so she answered with having endeavored to mislead you I only know that I love you Ava I said in softer tones again tenderly taking her hand
I only know that I think of No Other Woman in all the world besides yourself I only know that I cannot live without your love her bosom heaved and fell painfully and from her large Blue Eyes tears sprang quick salt bitter drops that burned her as they fell ah no she cried
Protestingly do not let us talk of that do not let us dream of the impossible that you really love me I cried in quick earnestness bending over her my arm about her slim waist but she shuddered within
My grasp her frame was shaken by a convulsive sob and gazing upon me with serious eyes she in a low whisper gave her answer unless I cannot I I dare not I drew back crushed and hopeless once again this strange thought possessed me that Mary Blane held her within her power that although
She actually loved me she feared the Relentless Vengeance of that woman who posed as her most intimate friend who smiled upon us both although in her heart was a Fierce and jealous hatred Avis was a strange character she seemed a brilliant antithesis a compound of contradictions
Of all that I most detested of all that I most admire her whole character seemed a Triumph of the external over the innate even though she presented it first you a splendid and perplexing anomaly there was yet deep meaning and wondrous skill in the Enigma when I came to analyze and decipher it
What was most astonishing in Ava’s character was its antithetical construction its consistent inconsistency which rendered it quite impossible to reduce it to any Elementary principles the impression she gave was that a perpetual and irreconcilable contrast in those months I had known her she had Enchanted me her mental accomplishments her unequal Grace
Her woman’s wit and woman’s Wiles her irresistible allureness Her starts of her tour her verbacity of imagination per petulant Caprice her fickleness and her falsehood her tenderness and her truth all had dazzled my faculties and bewitched my fancy she held absolute dominion over me
My reference to that fatal night when I had discovered her apparently dead in that weird house in Kensington had utterly unnerved her I had apparently by those words given her proof of the strong suspicion which she had entertained and now she held the loop for me as from an enemy
Again and again void’s forcible words recurred to me try how I would I could not place for me the increasing belief that she had actually given me that fatal drop on the last occasion when we met
Yet after all she had my welfare at heart to some extent or she would not utter this strange inexplicable warning she would not have so pointedly told me that the family whose yes she was were my actual enemies the latest passion of my love had long ago kindled into a quenchless
Plane and again after this declaration of fear which he had uttered I repeated my inquiry as to its cause but she shook her head and remained silent to all my entreaty even though her panting breast painfully showed her agitation had she I wondered really perpetrated a deed of Horror
Was she although so pure looking and so beautiful one of those women with inexorable determination of purpose an actual impersonation of the evil powers at her invitation we stroll together across the lawn to a shady spot at the river’s Brink where
We sat in Long wicker chairs tea being brought To Us by the smart man servant again and again I sought to discover some truth from her but she was ever wary not to betray either herself
Or those under whose roof she was now living as I lounged there by her gazing upon her neat girdle figure So Graceful and striking in every form I could not help reflecting that in a mind not utterly depraved and hardened by the habit of crime conscience must awake at some time or other
And bring with it a remorse closed by Despair and despair by Death had her conscience been awakened that afternoon to me it seemed very much as though it had how strangely you talk Ava I said when we had been conversing together a long time beneath the trees and the sun was already sinking
You seemed somehow to entertain an extraordinary antipathy towards me antipathy she echoed oh no you are really mistaken you asked me to love you and I express myself unfortunately unable but why unable she sighed but was silent her eyes were fixed far away down the Tranquil river which ran
With liquid gold in the sunset from my lips their port Swift eager breathless unconsidered words in all their unreason all their wisdom their nobility their ignorance their Folly their Sublimity yet I meant to their very uttermost every syllable I uttered tell me now I urge you wish me to leave
You without a single word of hope you give me a negative reply without reason or explanation I have a reason she answered in a low mechanical tone a voice quite unusual to her what is it I am
A Stern fatalist in principle and in action she responded and is it that which prevents you from reciprocating my affection no she answered shaking her head softly and glancing at her rings I know that happiness had never more come to me to love would only be to increase my burden of remorse
Remorse I cried in a moment recollecting all the mysterious paths yes she answered in a hard tone of melancholy and despair a remorse that arises from the Pang of a wounded conscience The Recoil of the violated feelings of my nature a horror of the ghastly past a torture of self-condemnation
Strong as my soul deepest my guilt fatal as my result and terrible as my crime your crime I guess she had at last confessed I sat gazing at her absolutely dumbfounded my brain seemed dead in me yes my crime she responded her face white and hard set her clenched hands perceptibly trembling
Now at least you are aware of the reason that I will not accept your love I the woman whom you love an unworthy degraded and perverted a woman who would have suffered a thousand deaths of torture rather than have betrayed myself but who is now Without Pity or fear unconscious helpless
Despair stricken although still linked with my sex and and with Humanity death alone would be welcome to Mia’s bridegroom then panting she added rising to lead me no Frank this must all end today I could never love you it is utterly impossible you cannot know you will never know how I suffer
She had gone from me she was to me a thing terrible and almost loathsome yet she was dear to me I was ready to give my life to Ransom hers she stretched out her hand and musically touched mine
I shrank as if the contact burned me she saw my involuntary gesture of a Virgin It set her heart harder on the thing she meant to do end of chapter 19. chapter 20. a night adventure in the silent evening hour as the dust darkened a Twilight slowly faded into night I was conscious
Of a kind of Fascination against which my moral sense rebelled but from which there was no Escape we talked on I striving ever to learn the truth she careful to conceal it from me I saw how unexpected but natural were her transitions of temper and feeling noting the contest of
Various passions the wild hurricane of resentment melting into tears faintness and languishment and endeavored time after time but always in vain to obtain a further confession from her lips that she existed in deadly fears of some dread secret being revealed was vividly apparent just
As it was also clear that my ill-timed observation regarding her mysterious presence in that house of mystery at Kensington had placed her upon her guard and proved to her a fact of which before she had no confirmation her area Caprice and provoking petulance which had so attracted me when we had
Been first introduced had now been succeeded by a mixture of tenderness with artifice and fear with submissive blandishment she quailed before me when I rebuked her tenderly for her lack of confidence in me partly because of her female subtlety partly owing to Natural feeling nevertheless
When I reviewed the situation and calmly and deliberately reflected upon her attitude I saw plainly that she regarded me as something more than a mere acquaintance even though her character was so complicated that no one sentiment could exist pure and unvarying in such a mind
Therefore sadly with a heavy feeling of none achievement I took a long and lingering leave of her and was driven back to sheperton station by Simpson my mind overflowing with puzzling thoughts rate as was my hesitation to believe that her conscience was a guilty one nevertheless
Her own words were now sufficient proof that my suspicions were not unfounded yet I loved her I still adored her with all my soul even though I had kissed a slim white hand that had sought to send me to the Grave these and a thousand similar thoughts Whirled through
My bewildered brain as I sat back alone in the earlip railway carriage puzzled and baffled I sat plunged in deepest Melancholy in despair when on the train drawing up at the quiet lethargic station of Hampton the door of the compartment was suddenly flung open and a well-known cheery
Voice cried hello Erwin get out here I want to speak to you I roused myself instantly recognizing Boyd standing on the platform in the semi-darkness with an expression of surprise at such a meeting I jumped out and joined him he explained that he had come down from Waterloo
With the object of finding me and had waited at shepparton station for my arrival there he however had not spoken to me lest the man Simpson should chance to mention the fact that River team
But why are you down here I inquired surprise well he answered in a low voice we’ve got a piece of most secret investigation before us tonight I’ve waited for your assistance we are going to search The Hollies search The Hollies I echoed yes he answered you’ll remember Miss glaslin’s letter
To you stating that the house was closed and the servants are away on holiday therefore now’s our time we must however act so that lady glaslin and her daughter have no suspicion that the place has been overhauled I obtained a search warrant from Sir John Gibbons the chief of the local
Bench this morning and now we’ll just satisfy our curiosity but the place is locked up isn’t it I suggest it amazed at this sudden result of course we must get in how we can only being careful not
To attract the attention of any neighbors and to lead no Trace behind that Intruders have entered then we are to go to work like burglars I observe smiling exactly he answered we had now left the station and were walking along an ill-lit path which skirted the railway until we
Gained the high road leading into Old Hampton he explained the precautions he had taken namely to tell the Constable on the beat of our intentions and imposing upon Him secrecy and also to arrange for the local plain clothes officer to be on duty in the vicinity his proposal seemed to
Possess all the elements of Adventure therefore notwithstanding my hesitation to commit any act which might further implicate the woman I love I expressed myself eager and ready to accompany him nine o’clock chime from the square Old Tower of Hampton church that Landmark so well known to
Those who frequent the river and boy declared that it was too early to commence operations people were about and we might be observed therefore we entered that old-fashioned Inn where the ancient sign is still suspended from a beam across the road a hostile ring much patronized by boating
Parties who dare replenish their hampers and entering the billiard room we wild away the time playing and gossiping with a couple of Tradesmen who judging from their pronouncements were local notabilities perhaps District councilors we remained until the landlord called time Gentlemen
Please then lighting our cigars went forth strolling through the quaint Old World Village escorting the long high wall of Bushy Park towards lady glasslands the night was dark and overcast a Gusty wind had sprung up precursory of rain and in our ears sound at the hum of the telegraph wires
The weather favored us for such an Excursion boy did not care for a perfectly still night at length when we had been walking perhaps a quarter of an hour along the dark deserted Road a man bearded and rather shabby looking suddenly emerged from the shadow of the wall
And greeted Boyd with the policeman’s password alright sir are the things there void inquired yes sir I put the lamp the gemi in the keys under a laurel Bush on the left of the back door
Well said my friend I think you’d better come with us we may have some difficulty in getting in very well sir the man answered and continued to walk by our side he was smoking a pipe and as we neared the house he knocked out the ashes and placed it in his
Pocket no dogs there I hope Boyd said addressing him no sir none I confessed to feeling a thrill of excitement for the business of breaking and entering a dwelling house was entirely new to me the Hampton Road is ill-lit and after 10 at night utterly deserted therefore in our walk
We met no one except the solitary policeman who stood beneath a lamp and greeted Boyd with a low all right sir as we pass on towards The Hollies all was in darkness not a soul was about save ourselves and the policemen standing watchful and motionless beneath the Street Lamp 50 yards away
The well-kept garden with its Laurels its monkey trees and its old use was shut off from the road by a high wall in which was a pair of heavy iron gates giving entrance to the gravel drive these Gates were locked and secured by a chain and formidable padlock a fact which showed that
To enter we must climb them the houses on either side were a rather meaner order Than The Hollies and in one of them a light still showed in an upper window in order not to attract the occupiers
Of these houses we can burst in low Whispers And in obedience to the local detective’s suggestion find the gates one after another and carefully descended within the garden on either side of the house extended walls some 10 feet in height with doors in them giving access to the rear of the
Premises and again Guided by the Plain clothes men we scaled this wall a somewhat perilous process it being spiked on the top as it was indeed I made a serious rent in an almost new pair of trousers
Much to Boyd’s amusement at last when we were in the rear Garden our guide began foraging beneath a laurel Bush and brought forth a dark Lantern a short serviceable looking Gemmy and a big bunch of skeleton keys I examined the place this afternoon he explained this store is the only one locked
From the outside therefore if we can pick the lock we shall be able to enter and get away without leaving a trace very well said Boyd impatiently let’s get to work and taking the keys he went to
The Garden entrance and commenced work upon the lot while his assistant lit and held the lantern every effort however to open the lock proved a failure it’s a chub a Brahma or one of those
Lever locks said Boyd in a low tone giving it up after he had tried all the keys in vain it won’t do to force the door for that’ll betrayus why not try a window I suggest it no sir said the plain
Clothesman they’re all barred I’m afraid but those on the first floor I suggested looking up at one evidently a landing window over the door we might try if we could only reach it Boyd said laying
Down the keys upon the doorstep if we force the catch we could screw it down again before we left in order to discover something by which we might gain access to the window we all three crept carefully across the lawn and down the long old-fashioned Garden to an outhouse where after
Some search we found an old and rotten ladder half the runs of which seemed missing this we carried back and a few moments later Boyd mounting with a strong class knife which he had taken from
His pocket began slowly working back the catch until at last he was able to throw up the window and crawl in without a sound I followed the local detective clamoring in after me we found ourselves on the first floor Landing therefore descending the stairs to the main hall we lit the candles
Provided by the Plain clothes men and after taking the precaution to let down the blinds of the front windows commenced an active search of the drawing room that spacious old-fashioned apartment in which I had been shown when I had called or search directed by Boyd was careful and methodical
Neither Nook nor Corner escaped him although we replaced everything just as we found it so large were the rooms that we found the lights we carried were not sufficient to give us proper illumination therefore we sought the gas meter and after turning on the gas lit Jets into various rooms
Fortunately all the windows were furnished with Venetian blinds therefore we let them down and closed them so that no light should be noticed outside an air of desolation hung about the place and every sound we made echoed weirdly or at the dead of night all noise becomes
Exaggerated the drawing room yielded practically nothing therefore we passed into a well-furnished morning room and dense to the dining room which we likewise thoroughly overhauled none of these rooms for any trace of the struggle with poverty which the innkeeper’s wife had alleged indeed in
The drawing room was a fine grand piano of one of the best known makers together with several rare works of art all the rooms were signs of being the Abode of a rich and cultured family the old oak in
The dining room being I noted genuine evidently antique Italian while the Upholstery and carpets were of the First Quality on the walls of those ground floor rooms were many examples of old as well as Modern Masters one portrait hanging in the dining room representing Ava herself a half-length
Picture undoubtedly from recent sittings signed by an artist extremely well known in London in this room also where antique high-backed oak chairs lined with old tapestry the back and arms bearing Memorial bearings embroidered in colored silks evidently the arms of the glasslands for
A similar device was upon the plate on ascending to the first floor we found the house to be a far larger proportions than we had imagined her off a long well carpeted Corridor opened quite a number
Of bed and other rooms Each of which we proceeded to inspect we haven’t found a single thing below Boyd observed to me as we entered the first of these rooms evidently one of the spare bedrooms for the place was very dirty and neglected in comparison with the other apartments let’s hope
We may come across something here nothing was locked and five minutes suffice to show us that no attempt had been made to conceal anything in any of the two chested drawers or in the wardrobe so thoroughly did Boyd search that in each room we went around the waistcoating tapping
It with the Jimmy and examining any part which appeared to be loose or movable the Next Room apparently lady glasslin’s room with a small dressing room adjoining we searched with redoubled energy but beyond establishing the fact that her lady ship was not in one of
Money by defining of three five pound notes placed carelessly in an unlocked drawer there was nothing to arouse our curiosity adjoining the dressing room with its window overlooking the road was a small but elegant apartment upholstered in pale blue quite a luxurious little room with a piano
Evidently a bourgeois the carpet was so thick and Rich that our feet fell noisestly while near the window was a handsome Louis XV esquitua inlaid with various woods and heavy mountains of Chase ormelu a pretty Cozy Corner occupied the angle beside the tiled Hearth while the
Little bamboo table with its small shells spoke mutely of cozy five o’clock tea often served here I wonder what’s in this Boyd said advancing to the esquitua while his assistant lit the Gaslamp finding it locked my friend bent examined the keyhole carefully and then commenced apply
The various skeleton teas for some time he was unsuccessful but at length the lock yielded and he opened it then while the local officer took the dark Lantern and went along the core to explain what further rooms there were and their character Boyd and I proceeded to carefully examine every
Paper letter or document the escrit hall contained some letters were addressed to Lady glaslin others to Ava but most of them were ordinary correspondents between relatives and Friends while the folded documents were receded bills together with a file of papers relating to some
Action at law regarding property near Aberdeen behind the receptacle in which we found these letters was a panel which Boyd at once declared concealed some secret drawers and being well versed in all the contrivances of Captain making he very soon discovered the means by which the
Panel could be released as he had projected its removal disclosed three small drawers to the first I gave my attention while he took out the contents of the second the letters of which there were seven or eight secured by an elastic band I took out in red
Being puzzled greatly thereby they were all tight written and bore the postmarked London SC the first had been received about three months before the last this recently as a fortnight ago they were very friendly commencing dear Eva and although the writer was apparently extremely
Innovative there was however not a word of love a fact which gave me some satisfaction they all without exception contained a most mysterious reference to the silence in terms extremely guarded and curious one urging the utmost caution and declaring that a grave Herald had unexpectedly Arisen which must at all hazards be removed
The writer did not appear to be a very educated person or in many places there were mistakes in spelling while all were deployed of both address or signature bearing only the single initial Z I passed them over to Boyd asking his opinion and as he sat at the writing
Flap reading them we were both suddenly started by hearing a plaintiff cry near us it was a poor lean cat who had accidentally been shut up there and was undoubtedly starving these letters are very strange void observed looking up at me I wonder to what the silence
Refers I don’t know I said there’s evidently some very good reason that they’ve been concealed here as I was speaking I took from beneath some letters still remaining in the secret drawer Boyd had opened a wooden pill box from which I removed the lid they’re being disclosed the small quantity
Of a peculiar grayish blue Powder hello Boyd exclaimed with a quick glance at it what’s that I wonder No Label on the box it looks suspicious yes I agreed I wonder what it is that it should be so
Carefully concealed leave it aside for a moment he said then taking up a large envelope which while I had been reading the letters he had been carefully examining he drew from it to photographs do you recognize the originals of these the inquired with a great smile great happens I
Guess why they are the man and the woman whom we found at Fillmore place exactly he said in a voice of Satisfaction Just as his assistant re-entered then before I could recover from my bewilderment he took up the little wooden box exclaiming this powder here is a very suspicious
Circumstance but we’ll test it at once turning to the local officer he said I saw you eating something when you met us and you put part of it in your pocket what was it a sandwich my
Wife always makes me want when I go out on night Duty the man explained have you any of it left her answer he drew from his pocket a portion of an uneaten sandwich and placed it upon the table
Boyd with his pocket knife cut off a piece of the meat upon it sprinkled the grain or so of the mysterious powder and threw it down to the Hungry Cat which was mewing loudly and purring around our
Legs the thin creature ravenously hungry devoured it but aired 10 seconds at task and while we all three were watching attentively it staggered with a faint cry and almost without a struggle rolled over dead as I suspected Boyd observed turning to me this is the powder from the herbalist
End of chapter 20. this is audiobook caboodle YouTube channel place for finest collection of audio books and novels chapter 21 under the lead and seal so far continued boy thoughtfully pushing his hat to the back of his head we proved one
Thing that this stuff is poison yes I said but these photographs is it not extraordinary that we find them here among Ava’s possessions it’s all Extraordinary he answered the letters more strange than anything and he unlocked the third drawer expectantly only however to find it contained
Something small wrapped in a piece of dirty wash leather he placed it before him carefully opening it and disclosing something which causes both to give bent to exclamations of surprise inside was the most commonplace object yet to us it had a meaning peculiarly tragic a single penny
Both of us recollected vividly the finding of a similar coin carefully wrapped in paper upon the body of the man at Fillmore place and there must be decided to be some mysterious connection between our two discoveries these letters observe Boyd putting aside the coin and its wrapping and
Taking up the correspondence he had been examining when I had found the box in mysterious powder they are all addressed to miss glaslin and in one only as far as I can see is her mother mentioned they
Evidently refer to some deep Secret do you think the silence can refer to the affairic Kensington I suggested holding one of the letters in my hand it’s impossible to tell the answer we have now the clearest proof that these letters were preserved in secret by Ava glasslin together with some
Unknown but fatal drug and the photographs of the victim therefore if circumstantial evidence may be trusted I should be inclined to believe that these letters refer to the matter which we are investigating perhaps indeed the Peril mentioned in one of the letters refers to your own Endeavors
The fathom the mystery the whole thing is utterly bewildering I said rereading the letter in my hand a communication which certainly was of a most veiled character evidently being typewritten to disguise The Writer’s identity there is no object whatever to be gained by adopting
Your suggestion it ran the only absolutely safe course is to continue as in the past the silence is effectual and for the present is enough all your fears are quite groundless show a bold front and be cautious always if you wish to write send your letter to the old address
Each of the others were similarly unintelligible except perhaps the later one in which the writer said you are right I too have discovered cause for apprehension apparel threatens but if the secret is preserved it cannot arm us with the massive papers and correspondence
Spread before us we all three examine these suspicious letters very carefully in the drawer which Boyd had opened was among other things a few girlish Trinkets and Souvenirs of the past and in note science Mary Blane and dated from Liberty a couple of months before
In the face of recent events it was a somewhat noteworthy missive her beginning dearest APA it gave her an invitation for tennis on the following day Tuesday I have also your admirer she went on and he will no doubt come perhaps I shall be compelled to go to town tomorrow afternoon on
Business the Urgent nature of which you may guess if I do I will convey your message to the quarter for which it is intended be careful how you act and what you say to F meaning I suppose myself
For I have no great faith in him his friend is of course entirely well disposed towards us I passed it to Boyd and when he had read it asked what’s your opinion of that is the person
Mentioned myself and is the friend actually dick it seems so he responded with knit browse in that case they must have long ago suspected you of being aware of their secret this would of course account for the Cowardly attempt to take your life by means of this unknown drug here a I
Suggest it bitterly pointing to the small bot which I had a moment before closed certainly said the detective there can now be no further doubt of Miss glaslin’s complicity in the affair I wonder who is the author of these typewritten letters I said if we knew that it would let a
Flood of light into the whole matter we shall I hope discover that in due course he answered let’s finish these investigations before discussing our next move and he continued carefully placing back the letters in the secret drawers now and then pausing to re-read one which chance to attract his
Attention look at this he said passing one over to me after he had glanced at it it was written on pale green paper in a fine fashionable woman’s hand a few brief lines which ran my dear Ava I could not come today but shall be there this evening everything is complete
When the truth becomes known the discovery will I anticipate startled the world it must for reasons you know remain a strict secret do not read the word to a soul yours ever Anna that may refer to the invention we found in the laboratory a scientific discovery which no one
Has come forward to claim but who I wonder is Anna she might be the dead woman Boyd suggested true I agree so she might during fully half an hour we still remained in that small cozy Boudoir which seemed to be Ava’s own room examining everything carefully and taking the utmost precaution to
Replace everything exactly as we found it in this void displayed Real Genius whatever was moved he rearranged it with an exactness little short of astounding his astuteness was remarkable nothing escaped him now that he was on the trail yet as I wondered about examining things here and
There I could not repress a feeling of reproach or had I not after all assisted in this secret search which had resulted so disastrously for the strange mysterious woman I so dearly love she was now under the suspicion of the police they would keep her under surveillance for the evidence
We had already obtained was sufficient to induce any magistrate to Grant a warrant for her arrest a sudden sense of a vast immeasurable loss fell upon me the small box containing the grayish blue Powder had been replaced in the concealed drawer and everything had been rearranged
In the room when the local officer said at the end of the corridor there’s another sitting room very well Boyd answered let’s see what it’s like and we all three lights at hand followed our guide until we entered a smaller sitting room an easel stood in it and it was apparently used
By Ava as a studio her she I knew took lessons in painting upon the easels through the canvas half finished while near the door was a small writing table the one long drawer of which was locked
The lock was a common one and quickly yielded to Boyd’s skeleton keys but within we only found another collection of old letters a quantity of pencil sketches colors and other odds and ends connected with their art studies Boyd was turning them over methodically but suddenly an involuntary
Exclamation escaped him ah what’s this he ejaculated at the same time drawing for the card about the size of a lady’s visiting card and held it out to me upon it was drawn in ink a circle
It was executed in exactly the same manner as that we had found concealed beneath the plates in the dining room at philomar place again he turned the things over and Drew out three or four other cards
Of similar size and style each bearing a device one having upon its face the straight line exactly like that we had found in Kensington you recognize these devices he inquired of course I responded in an odd voice utterly bewildered what I wonder can they denote he Shrugged his shoulders examined
Each card carefully beneath the Rays of his lamp felt it and after carefully examining all the heterogeneous collection of things in the drawer place them back again closed it and re-locked it those cards bear some very important part in the tragedy I feel assured he said when he
Had finished and turned to me with a puzzle of expression they look innocent enough and the devices are in no way forbidding nevertheless it is strange that we find here in her possession exact duplicates not only of the cards but also of that coin carried by the dead man
It’s all utterly astounding I declared then with a touch of poignant regret and despair I added all these discoveries would cause me the highest gratification if I did not love her as fondly as I do you surely could not make a murderous your wife Irwin my friend said in this matter remember
That we are striving to Fathom a mystery which is one of the most profound and remarkable that has ever been recorded at the yard I know I answered glancing around that small room wherein my well
Beloved had spent her days in the study of Art but what I cannot understand is how being an actual victim of the tragedy she is nevertheless at the same time implicated in the affair that will be made plain later he said with an error confidence one thing is quite clear
That she purchased certain poisons which are only known to those well-versed in toxicology we have that on Old Lowry’s own authority if then she bought this drug It could only be for one purpose namely to commit murder well she made an attempt upon you therefore why should you Endeavor
To Shield her because I love her I answered still unconvinced by his argument love is entirely out of the question in this matter my dear fellow he said with a gesture of impatience she may have fascinated you because of her unusual Beauty but beyond that well in six months time you’ll thank
Providence that you’ve not married her mark my words that was exactly what she herself had said are reflected she had prophecied that one day air long I would hate the very mention of her name from room to room we passed examining everything allowing nothing to escape us
There was a surely no sign of poverty in that house but really the reverse a lavish display across the objects which showed that its owner was capricious with money at her command no expense seemed to have been spared to render that Abode the acne of comfort and modern convenience in one
Of the bedrooms in that same Corridor a room which we decided was Ava’s room for various dresses and other things it contained we found standing upon the table a large panel photograph of a kind-faced middle-aged woman which the local officer at once recognized as that of lady glasslin avoid taking
It up examine it long and earnestly beneath the light of the bullseye devilishly good looking for a woman of her age he remarked thoughtfully as he slowly replaced it upon the table
Do you know he had it turning to me I fancy I met her somewhere but where I can’t for the life of me recollect what do you know about the family very little Beyond what’s in Burke which only
Devotes great lines to them the baronessee was conferred in 1839 and Lady glaslin’s husband Sir Thomas died six years ago no mention is made of their country see so I presume they haven’t won Boyd stroked his beard and gave vent to a low grunt of Doubt well he said I’m almost positive
That I’d met her before somewhere I wonder where it was quickly we rearranged the articles in the room which we had Disturbed and passed on to the next the door of which faced us forming the end
Of the long Corridor hello boy cried what does this mean we both looked and by the Light of the lantern saw that the door was a double one and that right across it was a long bar of steel or
Iron painted ingrained the color of wood so as not to be noticeable and securing it strongly this is decidedly funny the detective continued bending down to examine something look it’s sealed I bent eagerly beside him and there saw that the great sliding bolt ran in three large hats and
That one of the knobs of the bolt was secured by wire to the house the two ends of the wire being secured together by a round seal of molten lead about the size of a shilling by this the boat was rendered immovable extraordinary I guessed as we all stood wondering what
Might be there in concealed if we cut the wire then our presence here will be betrayed I said but Boyd who was still examining the seal with great care exclaimed at last pointing to it
Do you see two letters on the seal R and M yes I answered what do you think they do note they tell us how this seal was impressed the detective responded these initials stand for ready mediterranea and the Machine with which the seal has been impressed is one of
Those used at every Italian Railway Station to seal merchandise and passengers baggage it has certainly been placed upon the Wire by one who knew how to handle the instrument with dexterity then there must be something in the room which her ladyship desires to keep secret I remark
Both amazed and excited at this latest discovery yes remarked Boyd at all hazards we must explore but how I queried without tampering with the seal his brow clouded for a few moments then again he examined the seal and wire with the utmost care he stood motionless looking at it for fully
Admitted then turning to the local officer said I’m going downstairs for a moment don’t touch it till I return we both sat upon an ottoman in the corridor for nearly a quarter of an hour during which time we heard noises downstairs until Boyd at last rejoined us with a look of satisfaction
In his face and bearing in his hands something which looked like a huge pair of Rusty shears with wooden handles I thought I’d find it he observed wiping the perspiration from his brow his hands and face were blackened as though he had been groping in a Cellar this is the
Seal and opening his other hand he displayed an old discolored pewter t-spone adding and here’s a bit of lead or what’s as good I took the sealing machine from him and examined it carefully it was red with dust and had apparently been thrown aside and neglected for a long time
Now said boy to his assistant at lit a fire downstairs in the kitchen and by the time we’ve done it’ll be sufficiently fierce to melt the lead then you intend to break open the door I exclaimed
He smiled and for answer took from his pocket a champagne knife cutting the wire with a sharp click untwisting it from the knob and placing it with his seal in his pocket a breathless eagerness we watched him push back the bolt and stood expected but when he tried the door he found it
To be still locked again he went swiftly to work with his bunch of queer looking keys and at last he saw one of them gently turn and he pushed wide open the door of the Chamber of Secrets
Next second the bright light avoids Bullseye flashed into the interior and all three of us fell back with exclamations of surprise and horror our Discovery was truly astounding the horrible sight was most weird and terrifying upon the threshold I stood speechless utterly unable to move for the
Ghastly spectacle made my hair rise as my eyes became riveted upon the noise some interior of that long closed chamber our nostrils were filled with a fetid nauseating smell of Decay which burst upon us as the door was open and at the shock of witnessing the repulsive sight within the
Candlelight had held dropped from my trembling fingers and was extinguished slowly however I recovered it taking a light from the one held by my friend’s assistant and then entered the place it was not a large room but the shutters of the window had way afterwards discovered been
Secured by screws and strongly barred in the center was a square table covered with dust and several common wooden chairs stood around in the empty rusted grates go to Kettle and a couple of cooking pots while upon a side table were a few plates and a couple of cups and saucers
Along one side stood at Old Camp bedstead and lying upon it half covered with a dirty blanket was a figure that had once been human but which was now a sight so gruesome and so horrible
That even Boyd used as he was with such things Drew away and held his handkerchief to his nose the features were beyond recognition but by the shortness of the hair of the body was evidently that of a man one arm hung helpless shriveled and discolored while on the floor close by were the
Broken portions of a cup which had evidently fallen for the dead man’s claw-like fingers this is another face her Boyd exclaimed in a tone of absolute bewilderment I wonder who he was it seems by the pots and plates that he was held a prisoner here an invalid or imbecile perhaps
Unable to help himself evidently the servants knew nothing of him for he cooked his food himself let’s get outside in the passage to breathe the air is enough to poison one half choked we went outside all three of us and discussed the startling situation while
Breathing the pure air I offered both my companion cigarettes which they lit eagerly with myself then after a few minutes we returned and resumed our investigations about the room were several books in French and German treating a political economy and other subjects a couple of old newspapers two
Or three novels and a number of scientific books which showed their reader to be an educated man the room had originally been a bathroom we concluded for there was a water tap and a large pipe for waste and this unfortunate man whoever he was had evidently not existed holy
In darkness her on examining the shutters we found that one of the panels was movable and at that spot the pane of glass was broken thus admitting both light and air again there was a small gas stove ring used so universally in London to boil petals and this was still connected by a
Flexible pipe to a gas bracket on the wall hence it was quite apparent that the room had been specifically fitted for the occupation of the unknown man now dead upon the dusty table were several pieces of writing paper covered with some writing in German a language which I unfortunately
Could not read while beside them I picked up an object which held me amazed and astounded a playing card similar to those we had found at Fillmore place and among Ava’s secret possessions Beyond those writings in German we found nothing else to give us a clue to whom the dead man might
Be and even these writings were no proof as to his identity we found no writing materials there hence our doubt that the writing had been traced by his hand into every hole in crevice we peered disturbing the rats who had scampered here and there on our unexpected intrusion but discovering
Nothing else of a special interest we after about half an hour went forth glad to escape from the poisonous atmosphere I closed and locked the door when Boyd cutting out a piece of bell wire from one of the bedrooms re-secured the bolt and after melting the pewter spoon Below in the kitchen fire
Replaced the seal in such a manner that none could tell it had ever been Disturbed truly our midnight search had been approved for one what might next transpire I’d rather think all was so mysterious so utterly astounding that I had become entirely bewildered end of chapter 21 chapter 22.
In defiance of the law the discovery of the horror concealed within that closed room open out an entirely fresh development of the mystery on discussing it with Boyd after we had stealthily left the house we were in complete agreement that the dead man must have either been in hiding there
Or else being an imbecile had been kept under restraint the fact of the door being barred on the outside strengthened Boyd’s belief in the latter Theory while I made the suggestion that he might have been imprisoned and died of starvation no Boyd answered I don’t agree with you there or
It is quite plain that lady glaslin must have been aware of his presence and perhaps indeed arranged the room there was every evidence that he was supplied with food at intervals and cooked it himself which shows that even if an invalid he was sufficiently active my idea is that he may
Have been some relation whose dominant condition her ladyship wished to keep from her friends and other members of the family and that having died suddenly she was compelled to lock and seal the door dreading the publicity of a Coroner’s inquiry when the truth must have been made public
True I said that’s of course a very feasible Theory but if she were in the secret Ava too must have known of course he said she could tell us everything if she chooses it’s a Pity that the
Dead Man’s face is unrecognizable again is it not strange that we should have found in there one of those same cards yes rather responded my friend but at present it is useless to advance all kinds of wild theories we must stick closely to facts if we would succeed We Have Tonight made certain
Discoveries startling enough in all conscience and among them have elucidated the secret Which lady glaslin has hidden from everyone now we must seek to discover the motive which caused her to apply that seal to the door as well as ascertaining the reason her daughter has that
Mysterious drug among her possessions together with the photographs of the two unknown victims I wonder how long it is since the man died in that room I said what a horrible existence he must have led shut up there gaining all this light and air through a broken pane of glass he was studious
At any rate judging from the character of the books with which he had been supplied and the linguists too void remarked remembering that the books were in other languages besides English strange that the Curiosity of the servants was not aroused I said they would be certain to wonder
What was in a room sealed up as that is to satisfy them would be easy enough the detective answered her ladyship undoubtedly told them that certain family heirlooms old furniture or something was stowed away there and that the seal had been placed upon them by their trustees or somebody
Trust a woman for an excuse and he smiled grimly we walked on together for some time in complete silence the young day grew wider and brighter and redder in the sky we had passed through Twickenham and now in the dawn we’re making our way towards Richmond whence we could catch the early workman’s
Train to Waterloo you must keep your friend clue in entire ignorance of all this tell him you’ve been out to visit some friends say it Ealing or Uxbridge or somewhere and that they compel you to stay the night if he were to know the whole result of our investigations might be rendered aborted
Of course I’ll do as you wish I answered but I can’t for the life of me see why you entertain any suspicion of Dick he’s been all along eager and ready to assist me to clear up the mystery to
Publish the details of the Curious Affair scenes as one object Boyd smiled again with Veil sarcasm and a very interesting story he’ll have for publication it appears to me he said laughing then he added after a second’s pause one of the oddest facts in the whole Affair is that
The pair we found dead in Fillmore Place have never been missed by their friends or the dead man at The Hollies for the matter of that I have it yes he said in dubious tone there
Are yet some facts which we must learn air we can piece the queer puzzle together and read the whole only then can we discover who was the man whom lady glaslin has so carefully hidden it’s a devilish funny business to say the least has it occurred to you that she may have left
Not intending to return I asked well no he responded I scarcely think she has flown or her daughter would have secured the contents of a restaurant she evidently believes her secret quite safe and is therefore entirely Fearless the Richmond Road with its many trees was pleasant
In that hour when the clear Rose flush Dawn was still in the sky and as we walked the cool wind rose fragrant with the smell of the wet grass refreshing after the fetid atmosphere of that closed room and its gruesome occupant we chatted on discussing the startling discoveries we had
Made he giving me certain instructions until we got to the station and entered a compartment the latter being crowded with workmen further conversations on the subject was precluded soon after six I returned to Grace Inn and making an excuse to dick for my absence snatched an hour
Sleep before going down to my office my heart was hard my blood fire fate had been merciless I began to think something had happened old chap dickett said when I had entered his room and awakened him
He sat up in bed and looked at me rather Strangely I thought then he added you don’t seem as though you’ve had much sleep wherever you’ve been in my excitement I quite forgotten that my clothes were
Dirty and torn and my face unwashed and I fancied that his point at remark caused a slight flush to rise to my cheeks how I perform my duties that morning I scarcely knew for my brain was in a
Whirl with the Amazing Discoveries of the past night I loved Ava yet the contents of those concealed drawers were sufficient in themselves to convince Boyd of her guilt a fearful and Perpetual dread sees me lest she should be arrested Boyd’s method of work was I knew always bold and decisive
A detective to be successful must act without hesitation in this affair he had obtained evidence which from every point of view proved but one fact and one alone her gel indeed I now remembered with bitterness how she had to me openly declared herself guilty how she had prophecied that one
Day I should hate all mention of her name did it not seem quite clear too that this very drug which I had found in the small wooden box the drug which had been instantly fatal to the poor
Brood upon which we had tried it was the same which had been administered to me by her hand when I thought of that I felt glad that I had assisted my friend of Scotland Yard and that with my own hands had Unearthed evidence which must lead to her conviction
Her arrest was I knew from my friend’s remarks only a matter of days perhaps indeed of hours you can’t now seek to Shield Miss glaslin he had remarked when we had been waiting for the train a Richmond platform the proofs are far too strong if we could only discover the author of
Those type written letters we would be able to find out what the silence refers to and to move with much more certainty as we can’t we must fix our Theory firmly and act boldly upon it
Do you mean that you intend to apply for a warrant against her I inquire dismay we shall obtain one against somebody but who it may be of course depends entirely upon the result of our subsequent investigations people don’t keep bodies locked up in their houses without some very strong motive
It now struck me as exceedingly strange why Ava should have been so anxious to prevent me revisiting riverdine she had hinted that the blames were my enemies yet was it not more likely that my presence reminded her too vividly of her sin and she also feared the Vengeance of
Mary Blane there was undoubtedly some deep motive underlying this effort to prevent me visiting the planes but as I reflected upon it I failed to decide what it might be she had spoken of it as though it were for my benefit and as if she had my welfare at heart yet
I could not fail to detect how hollow was the Sham for the blames were my friends of long-standing and since my visit and Mary’s request my welcome had always been a most cordial one Mary had certainly no cause for jealousy for she and I had on several occasions when alone on the
River spoken of the past she had indeed ridiculed my boyish love for her and observed that we were both older and more discreet nowadays I had long been assured by her words and her attitude that her affection for me if she had really ever entertained any had entirely passed away
No I could not understand Ava’s present attitude it was entirely an enigma she seemed filled with some nameless Terror the reason of which our discoveries seemed to prove up to the hill day followed day each to me full of anxiety and bewilderment on parting from Boyd he
Had told me to remain impatience until he communicated with me I was not to return to riverdine neither was I to mention a single word to Dick regarding recent occurrences I wandered from end to end of London day after day recording the events which daily crop up in
The Metropolis it seemed to me as if those days would never end I saw nothing but the face of a the world which it seemed to me so beautiful had changed heaven was cruel it created loveliness only to pollute and deform it afterwards out of my dreams I was
Brought face to face with facts that sickened me the old landmarks of my faith were gone whatever happy hopefulness of nature I possessed was crushed I was bewildered and sick at heart yet through it all I could not thrust away from me Ava’s wondrous Beauty her form her gaze her
Smile her sigh I could think of nothing else yet the mockery of it all stunned me to Despair and despair as man’s most frequent visitor a week thus passed I saw her in the air in the clouds
Everywhere her voice rang in my ears she was so lovely and yet she was so vile a poisoner one afternoon I had returned to Grace in unusually early about three o’clock put on my old Lounge coat a river Blazer and sat down to write up an interview for publication next day when
I heard a ring at the door voices outside the room and a few moments later Mrs jode entered saying as a lady wants to see you sir a lady I exclaimed turning quickly in my chair ask her in
I Rose brushing down my hair with my hand and next moment found myself face to face with Ava she Advanced with her hand outstretched and a smile upon her face that countenance that was ever before me in my Daydreams how fortunate I am to find you in she exclaimed half breathless after
The ascent of the stairs I’ve been to your office and they told me that you were probably at home it is I who am fortunate I answered laughing gayly placing the armchair for her and drawing out a little open footstool A Relic from some bygone generation of men who had tented those grimy
Old rooms with a sigh she seated herself and then for the first time I noticed the deathly pallor of her cheeks even her thick Veil did not conceal it she was in Black neat as usual but her skirt was
Unbrushed and Dusty and her hair was just a trifle awry as though she had been traveling about some hours I have called upon you here for the first and for the last time she said in a broken voice
Looking seriously across to me as The Unwanted tears sprang into her eyes the last time I echoed what do you mean I have come to wish you farewell she said in a low-faltering voice I am leaving London my mother and I are going abroad abroad where I cried dismayed my mother’s health is
Not good and the doctor has ordered her to the South immediately he says that she must never return to this climate because it will hasten her malady to a fatal termination therefore in future we must be exiles she was looking straight into my face as she spoke and those great wondrous
Eyes of hers that I had believed to be so pure and honest never wavered I leave tomorrow and join her she at it then she is already gone I exclaimed the truth at once flashing upon me that lady
Glasslin had actually fled yes the doctor has so frightened her that I could not induce her to stay in pack I shall join her in Paris she explained quite calmly there is no help for it we must part
But surely I said in desperation you will not lead me thus you will return to England sometimes I really don’t know she answered in a strained hoarse voice at least you will give me hope that someday you will be my wife Ava I said tenderly grasping her hand which seemed limp and
Trembling you know how fondly I love you how I started quickly and turned puzzled at the unusual sound of voices without finishing the sentence one voice I recognized speaking in deep tones to
Mrs jode and dropping the hand I held I rushed out closing the door behind me as I did so I came face to face with Boyd accompanied by two plainclothes officers we’ve followed her here he explained she
Means to get away abroad therefore we must now execute the warrant I regret it for your sake at a loud piercing shrieked from within told me that she had overheard those faithful words no I cried by having you should arrest her and I resolutely barred his passage to the Inner
Room as I love her you shall never enter there she shall never be taken as a common Criminal end of chapter 22 record chapter 23 her ladyship Boyd seeing my Fierce determination held back a
Look of undisguised annoyance upon his face I have a duty to perform I beg of you not to obstruct me Mr Irwin he said coldly it is quite as unpleasant to me as to you unpleasant I Echo I tell you that
You shall not arrest her and I stood firmly with my back to the door of my room come he said in a tone of persuasion this action of yours cannot benefit her in the least she has made every
Preparation for flight her trunk is in a cloak room a chair and cross station and she means within an hour to get away to the continent let me pass I shall not I roared in that case I shall be
Compelled to use Force however much I regret it as he uttered these words the door was suddenly flung back and I saw Ava’s tragic almost unirial figure in the opening she was white to the lips her countenance terribly Juan and Haggard enough she cried hoarsely let the police enter I am ready and
She tottered back clutching at the corner of my writing table for support her outward Purity and innocence brought rare equipment for the committal of a crime who indeed would have suspected her of guile an Intrigue When Love Is Dead there is no God we were standing together in my sitting room
Boyd being our only companion a dozen times I had implored her to speak the truth but without a bail she stood pale and trembling yet still silent before us Terror held her dumb those who turned King’s evidence obtained free pardon the detective Gravely observed speaking for the first time
She laughed a little to herself you must have striven forever in vain to solve the mystery she answered at last apparently bracing herself up for an effort those who aimed that terrible blow so Swift and so fatal were not the kind of persons to be ever caught napping they never made a false
Move and always took such elaborate precautions that to solve the Enigma would be impossible to anyone unacquainted with previous events her breast Rose and fell quickly in her wild agitation she was stirred by emotion to the depths of her being I was weak and helpless she faltered God
Knows how I have suffered how deep has been my repentance hear me to the end she urged turning her fine eyes to mine then when I have told you my wretched and astounding story Frank judge
Me as you think fit for I am yours speak I said anxiously my Justice shall be tempered with Mercy by that sentence she had acknowledged her love for me but now I hesitated she was accused of murder
Then I must begin at the very beginning for it is a long and most complicated story a story of a deep late intriguing conspiracy and of a duplicity extraordinary she said her thin nerveless hand trembling in mind as I held her with my arm about her waist in the days when
I had reached my 16th birthday I lived with my mother abroad in Italy for the most part because it was cheap and further because my father who had been guilty of certain Shady transactions had been compelled to fly from England he had treated my mother shamefully therefore they were separated
And mother and I lived economically in these cheap pensions in Florence and Rome which seemed to exist as asylums for the well-bred needy a few days after I was 16 while we were at an obscure pension in Siena my mother took Thai food and died leading the absolutely alone in the world
And practically penniless nearly a year before we had received the letter from my father solicitor in London stating that he had died in poverty and Buenos Aires therefore I was utterly alone the position of a friendless girl on the continent is always serious she said with a catch in her voice
Acting upon the advice of some English people in the pension I went to Florence and saw there the council General who not only gave me money from the British Relief Fund which is supported by English residents in that City but also interested himself actively upon my behalf
And obtained for me a post as governess in a wealthy Italian family living near bologna in their service I remained nearly three years until by the death of the head of the house the family became scattered when I took a fresh engagement with the lady who advertised her
An English companion she was a madame de mop a good-looking woman of 45 whose father I understood had been Italian and whose mother English she spoke English quite as well as I did and had a fine apartment in Florence where she received a good deal for she was well known there with
The winter over we traveled first to Paris where we stayed several months and then to Switzerland our life was pleasant as Madame had plenty of money and we always lived at the best hotels she paused and Drew a long breath there was hardness about her mouth and tears were in her eyes
It was in Zurich that I had my first misgivings for there one day in late Autumn we were joined by a strange Old Gentleman apartment by name whom I understood was madame’s brother a curious old fellow whose main object in life appeared to be the carrying out of certain scientific experiments
He remained with us in the same hotel for nearly a fortnight during which time Madame who was extremely well educated held frequent consultations with him upon scientific matters until one day I was overjoyed when she announced that we were all free to go straight to London
Then the lady glasslin at The Hollies was not your mother I guessed profoundly amazed at this revelation I am about to explain she went on in a hard voice on the Night Before Our departure from Zurich I chanced to pass the Dorman Dam’s bedroom after everybody had retired to rest and
Seeing a light issuing from the keyhole was prompted by Natural Curiosity to Peak Within what I saw was certainly strange in one hand she was holding an unopened bottle of Benedictine liquor upside down while with the other she took a hypodermic syringe filled with some liquid and
With a long thin needle pierced to Cork then slowly and with infinite care she injected the flip from the tiny glass syringe afterwards she withdrew the hollow needle glanced at the parchment capsule beneath the light and having satisfied herself that the puncture made was
Quite unnoticeable she shook the bottle so as to thoroughly mix the injected liquid with the liqueur then I saw her wrap the bottle carefully in a number of towels and place it in her trunk next day when packing I glanced at the bottle with some curiosity examining the parchment
Covering the cork but so tiny had been the puncture that I failed to discover the hole the parchment hat I think been touched with gum which had caused the tiny hole to close that liqueur was evidently poisoned void remarked his brows knit in thought
Yes she answered I have every reason to believe so although the true State of Affairs did not dawn upon me until long afterwards when alone in our compartment in the wagon lit between basil and Calais Madame however made a very extraordinary proposal to me she confessed that her husband
Had been made the scapegoat of some financial fraud in England and was in hiding somewhere near Paris therefore in going back she feared that as she went under her right name damas that the police would begin to make active inquiries regarding Monsoor she wished she said to avoid
This and set up a house in some pleasant suburb of London so as to have appear to tear in the country she so dearly loved now my mother was dead and no friends in England knew her so many years had she
Lived on the continent why should she not pass as lady glasslin and I as her daughter at first this proposal utterly staggered me but when she pointed out how much more I would be respected as her
Daughter instead of her companion and told me of the manner in which he intended to live a matter befitting her assumed station I at length gave my consent for which he made the oppressant there and then of a very acceptable banknote then that woman only poses your mother I exclaimed she was
Not the real lady glaslin certainly not answered my beloved frankly at first I was very indisposed to be a party to any such transactions but she had shown me so many kindnesses and had always
Been so generous that I a friendless girl felt compelled to a seed uh if I had but known what lay behind all that outward show of Good Feelings of sympathy I would have cast a recursive money
From me as I would have cast the gold of Satan I would rather have made matches for a starvation wage or Slave at a shop counter than have remained one day longer beneath the root but she was full of cool Ingenuity and marvelous cunning and on my acceptance of this proposal instantly set
To work to buy me further to secrecy this was not difficult at last for I was entirely unsuspicious of treachery at least of all of my generous friend and benefactor after some search in many interviews with house agents we found The Hollies which he purchased together with a Furniture
Just as it stood an airline neighbors began to call upon us and we soon entered local Society many times in those dull winter days I pondered long and deeply upon what I had seen in Zurich wondering for what reason she had so carefully prepared the bottle which it passed the customs
Of Charing Cross undiscovered and still remain blocked in the traveling trunk surrounded by the wrappings she had placed upon it was any of the liquor given to anyone asked Bond grimly there she could respond the door was thrown open and Dick entered with Lily Lowry he had it transpired
Gone that day and they sought her forgiveness in a single glance he realized what had occurred and without a word he closed the door and both stood in silence to listen to her statement how strange a thing is this life of us we are in Hell one hour and in heaven the next
End of chapter 23 chapter 24. the truth revealed remain patient and I’ll explain Ava answered glancing at the newcomers first however let me relay the very curious circumstance Hartman who lives somewhere in London we saw seldom but very soon after taking possession
Of The Hollies there one day called an old friend of madamez accompanied by her husband they were the blames Mrs Blaine afterwards came frequently to us at The Hollies and we often spent the day at riverdine while so intimate did the two women become that Madame took the house next
To that Reddit by Mrs Blaine in Kensington next door I gasped astounded in Upper Fillmore place yes the house next to the one you entered on that fatal night was in the occupation of adapt she explained we seldom went there however although I personally preferred the bright
Light in Kensington to that at Hampton for many private conversations meaning looks and mysterious whisperings exchanged between Madame and Mrs Blaine there was soon aroused within me a vague suspicion that something secret was in progress I’d liked old Mr Blaine exceedingly and Mary
Became my best friend nevertheless my misgivings were strengthened when one day Hartman unusually shabbily dressed and accompanied by the blanes arrived at The Hollies and the trio were closeted for quite an hour with madame at length there also arrived a youngish good-looking man with a lady of
About his own age and they were at once admitted to the drawing room being enthusiastically welcoming after half an hour or so we all died together but in the drawing room before dinner I noticed two tumblers half filled with dirty water in one a tiny glass rod evidently used for mixing
As though Hartman had been exhibiting some of his sacred experiments on entering the dining room Madame introduced her new guest to me as Mr and Mrs culture and sitting beside the husband I found him a most interesting and intelligent man who literally adored his wife in the course of
The conversation it transpired that the newly arrived pair were from India and had taken the Blaine’s townhouse for the season and further that Parkman who had apparently become one of their most intimate friends have established his laboratory in one of the top rooms of that house
She paused and glanced across to the detective who was listening attentively with folded arms as she related her story her great Clear Eyes became more luminous a week later she continued we went to London and there saw a good deal of her next door neighbors Madam was on terms of
The closest intimacy with them and frequently we would dine there or they would dine with us while one evening Hartman who did not live there but only came to continue his scientific studies assisted by Mr Kerr who took the keenest interest in them invited us up into his laboratory
And after showing us Mr Kerr’s collection of pet Indian snakes which I confess and did not appreciate he exhibited to us an experiment which he told us had never been successfully accomplished by any other man except himself namely the liquefaction of hydrogen who succeeded
This he told us all his efforts have been directed for years and now that he had successfully solved the problem he would one day launch it upon the scientific world as a bull from the blue our friends gave excellent dinners were evidently possessed of almost unlimited means and were never
So happy as when the blames in ourselves were at their table of playing cards with them soon however another matter caused us deep reflection one evening at The Hollies after the Blaine’s at Heartland had been closely closeted with Madame discussing as they so often did their Private
Affairs I found lying beneath a book upon the table had apparently overlooked several playing cards and others with devices lines and circles roughly drawn an ink then two or three days later when I chanced to call in at the curse I noticed stuck behind a mirror over the mantle shelf some
Cards exactly similar I was alone therefore my curiosity prompted me to examine them upon them I found exactly similar devices ah what connection had those cards with the affair interrupted dick a very curious one she responded yet now firm in her determination to tell us everything
Their Discovery caused me a good deal of thought especially as the secret consultations with Mr Blaine became more frequent when after a fortnight or so in London we returned to The Hollies one day however a further incident happened which was to say the least extraordinary well alone in
Madame’s bedroom the cook entered asking for some coppers to pay for some small article which she had brought she wanted seven Pence I had only six pence in my purse but remembering that in the little cabinet where Madame kept her Jewels I had seen a penny on the previous day I unlocked
It and took it out strangely enough this Penny was wrapped up in paper I took it in my hand to turn it over to assure myself that it was not any rare foreign coin and was about to hand it to
The Cook when Madame herself came in what’s that you have she cried in an instant pale-faced in an alarm I told her that I had taken the penny from the cabinet whereupon she betrayed the greatest apprehension and snatched up a piece of paper in which she carefully re-wrapped it
Then telling me on no account to again touch it or open it she gave the cook a penny from her pocket and dismissed her almost next instant I felt an Indescribable numbness in the hand
That it held the Forbidden coin the fingers seemed paralyzed and I had a faint idea that I had felt a strange roughness about the face of the copper as though it had been chipped I complained to Madame
Of curious feeling where a Punchy fluid were small traveling Medicine Chest which he always kept lock and took there from a vial from which she poured a few drops of a dark green liquid into a glass of
Water there she said retrained quite undue alarm I thought drink that you’ll be better very quickly I gulped it down it tasted very bitter but within a quarter of an hour I felt in a further pain my hand had in a few seconds commenced to swell but the medicine it once arrested it
Until long afterwards it never occurred to me that upon that Penny was one of those Insidious but most deadly of poisons known to toxicologists which entering an abrasion of the skin would have quickly proved fatal had not my employer at once administered an antidote
Later I succeeded in obtaining possession of that coin and found upon it a series of almost infinitesimal steel points a puncture of scratch from any one of which must result in death I recollected how we had discovered that coin in a respiratory we might congratulate
Ourselves that neither of us had held it in our hands without his Rapids for a long time I was greatly puzzled by these and other circumstances certain scraps of conversation which I overheard between Madame and Blaine and between my employer and Hartman increased my suspicions
And especially so when I found Madame carrying on a series of secret experiments in her own rooms often boiling certain decoctions over the tiny Spirit lamp used to heat her curling irons several of the liquids thus manufactured she placed in the tiny vials of her medicine chest
All this time while passing everywhere as my mother lady glasslin she was extremely kind to me until I even began to believe that my suspicions were unfounded only now do I know how subtle was her cunning how ingenious and how daring she was one day in April I however had my suspicions still
More deeply strengthened by a strange request she made to me namely that if at any time I should chance to witness any uncommon scene at her house that I would Breathe No word to a single soul this struck me as peculiar and I demanded the reason whereupon she smiled giving me bluntly
To understand that my own safety lay alone in my secrecy and pointing out that by obtaining quantities of goods and jewelry on credit as I had done at her request from firms in Regent Street and Oxford Street in the name of Lady glassland I had placed myself a great Peril of being arrested
For fraud I saw instantly that this woman who had poses my friend had most cleverly spread about me a web from which there was now no possible Escape she evidently desired my assistance in whatever nefarious purpose she had in view what a position I explained then the woman had compelled you to
Obtain the goods by fraud in order to secure a certain hold over you of course she answered in a low firm tone but that’s not half the craft and kanesh displayed as you will proceed later I know I have acted wrongly and should have long ago placed my suspicions before the police but
I feared to do so lest I should be arrested for the fraud from day to day I lived on an anxiety and Reckless Wonder Mrs Blaine or playing himself being constant visitors to The Hollies while now and then Hartman would come down from London as if called in for consultation
At length one day in early chew we returned to the house in Upper Fillmore Place Madame announcing her intention to remain there a month our neighbors the Colter Kurds were delighted at our return for they seemed to know hardly a soul in London after we had been there about
A week Mrs Blaine and Mary called one afternoon and while I chatted to the ladder in the dining room Mrs Blaine talked privately with Madame in the room Beyond the door was closed as usual and they were conversing only in low Whispers when suddenly their voices became raised that he did
Discussion a quarrel had Arisen for I heard Mrs Blaine exclaimed quite distinctly I tell you I have never dreamed of any such thing and I’ll never be a party to it such a suggestion is horrifying then Madame spoke some low words to which her companion responded I tell you I will
Not from this moment I retire from it such a thing is Infamous I never thought that it was intended to act in such a manner to this Madame made some muttered observation regarding absurd Scruples and the impossibility of detection whereupon Mrs Blaine flounce forth in the room in a high state
Of indignation saying Mary it’s time we should go dear or we shan’t be home for dinner then she made a call to do to the woman who had been her most into his friend and with her daughter Departed Ava’s breath came and went rapidly in the intensity of her emotions her thin nostrils
Slightly dilated and as she paused her lips were firmly pressed together next morning at about 11 almost before Madame was ready to receive Blaine himself called she went on he was gray-faced and very great but after a long interview he left in High Spirits wishing me farewell quite gayly
On the following day the Colter Kurds were in great distress about their servants for both were dishonest and upon madame’s declaration that she could immediately find others they had been discharged at a moment’s notice about five o’clock that afternoon both husband and wife with whom I
Was on the most friendly terms came into chat with Madame about the servants and after we had conversed some time tea was brought of which we all partook then Madame invited them in for Wist after dinner as was our habit for we were all invertebrate players about six o’clock while I
Uncopied Mrs Curry next door in order to prepare their makeshift meal Mrs Kerr Madame always called her Anna remained behind to make some arrangements for one of our servants to go in temporarily suddenly about 20 minutes later while I was in the kitchen washing some salad I became conscious of a
Strange sharp pain which struck me across the eyes followed almost instantly by a kind of paralysis of the limbs and a feeling of giddiness I ascended to the hall calling loudly for help and from the drawing room heard Mr Kerr’s voice hoarse and strange-tounded response with difficulty
I struggled up the second flight of stairs put on entering the room where the tiny red light burned some Curious Indian Superstition of Mrs cars I saw in the dust that Kerr had fallen prone on
The floor and was motionless as one dead then help us I tottered across to a chair and sinking into it all Consciousness left me both Boyd and myself stood breathless at these startling Revelations when I came to myself she continued I was back in madame’s house next door she had forced some
Liquid between my lips and was injecting some other flute into my arms with a hypodermic syringe I was amazed too to notice that she had changed her dress assumed a gray wig and wore a cap with bright ribbons in most marvelous imitation of an old lady while I thus remained on the
Couch in the back sitting room dazed and only half conscious there came a loud ring at the door and I overheard a police officer making inquiries of Mrs luff regarding the people next door then I knew that Kerr’s body had been discovered and that Madame was personating the previous
Occupier of that house I was not however aware at that time of how Hartman had called upon Madame and had carried Mrs Kurtz with small breach made in the fencing of the garden at the rear into her
Own house or that eye had been brought back by the same way into ours Madame when all was clear went that night down to The Hollies leaving me alone with the servants who apparently haven’t been sent out upon errands during the events described knew nothing I therefore kept my own counsel and
Recollecting having overheard blame when taking leave of Madame on his last visit referred to an appointment he had with Hartman in St James’s Park I resolved also to keep it I did but instead of meeting him she said addressing me I met you I recollect the meeting well I answered continue
Well I returned to The Hollies but it was evident from Adam’s manner that she was in deadly fear I was not of course aware of what had actually occurred although I entertained the horrible suspicion that both my friends had fallen victims she took me part of the into her confidence later
That day for the police she said would discover an awkward incident next door and that she must not be seen and recognized as Mrs love she told me that in order to avoid any unpleasant inquiries heartburn had entered the place before the police and had carried away every scrap of anything that
Could lead to their identity and as I knew for Mrs Kerr’s previous conversation that all his letters were addressed to Drummond’s Bank it seemed improbable that the bodies would be identified it’s a very serious matter for us Madame said to be earnestly therefore say nothing either
To Mrs Blaine or Mary by that another subsequent circumstances I knew that both were an ignorance they had no hand whatever in the ghastly Affair or after the quarrel they never again met madam weeks went by she continued after a pause I still remained on friendly terms with Mrs Blaine and her
Daughter knowing them to be innocent madab never went out but once or twice Hartman visited her whenever he did so high words usually arose regarding money it seemed and once blame who by his family was supposed to be still in Paris came late at night ill-dressed and dirty it was then
That I first learned the motive for the ingenious conspiracy Blaine seemed an abject fear that the police had somehow established the identity of the dead man if so he said all had been futile Hartman
It appeared had a daughter whom I had never seen and it was through her that the activity of the police had been ascertained then turning her eyes again to me with an undisguised love look Ava exclaimed the tortures of conscience which I have suffered through those summer days when
You declared Your Love are known to God Alone my position was a terrible one for I saw that by preserving this secret I had been an accessory to a most power and cowardly crime and I held back
From your Embrace knowing that one day air long I should be arrested and brought to punishment I lived on my heart gripped by that awful sin in which I had been unwittingly implicated then one
Day you called it The Hollies and I gave you some wine from a fresh bottle which I opened myself it was wine which Madame had specially ordered from the stores on my account because the doctor had prescribed pork for me that wine was poisoned and you narrowly escaped death the Fatal drop was
Attended for me Hartman and Madame DeMont had indeed brought poisoning to a fine art was poisoned never in your possession inquired boy greatly yes she responded without a second’s hesitation after the efferent filamor place I discovered Hartman’s address and from a paper in
Madame’s Jewel cabinet I copied some strange name Latin I think which I knew related to one of the secret poisons then in order to satisfy myself as the heartland’s position I went to him to obtain
Some my idea was that the information I could thus obtain would be of use if I were arrested I found that under the name of Boris Lowry he had for years kept an herbalist shop near the elephant
And Casper fortunately by reason of my veil he did not recognize me and after some haggling gave me some grayish powder in a small wooden box securely sealed I discovered afterwards that his daughter was in love with your friend Mr Clue therefore it must have been through the latter
That the Old Man became aware of the movements of police yes said Lily simply it was the Revelation held her dumbfounded then Hartman and Lowry were actually one of the same I observed bewildered certainly Ava answered all her soul in her eyes but there was yet a further curious incident
A few days after you had taken that fatal drop from my hand Madame and sudden anger discharged all three servants then when they had gone she had a small square hole about six inches wide cutting the wall of one of the rooms a bathroom adjoining my bedroom close down to the floor and
Before it was fitted a sliding paddle in the wainscoting afterwards she had a strong iron bar placed upon the door and hole repainted and grained then having furnished the place roughly as a living room there came secretly late one night The Wretched poisoned her Hartman Alias Professor
Douglas Dawson flying from the police from sub previous offense as I afterwards discovered some German police agents had got wind of his whereabouts he entered that room and when he was inside Madame fetched an apparatus I had never seen before a kind of punch and with it placed a
Lead and seal upon the door fresh servants were at once engaged and these were told that inside that room was a quantity of antique furniture belonging to a friend who had gone abroad meanwhile Madame herself supplied The Fugitive with food cooked and uncooked drink and books and for a fortnight or so
He lived there in secret I held him in loathing and in hatred yet I dare not utter a word or even flee from that house of Terror knowing well that in such a case I too would quickly follow
The victims to the machinations of what seemed a widespread conspiracy I was in possession of their secret and might turn Informer that was the reason those half dozen bottles of port wine had been so generously given to me by my ingenious employer I dared scarcely to eat or drink and
Often slipped out secretly and bought cooked meat and bread to satisfy my Hunger one day when my dad had ventured up to London I chanced to enter the bedroom I had previously occupied the panel was cautiously pushed back and the man within asked for something to drink I answered
That I only had support all the rest being locked up then give me that he said I hesitated then in sudden desperation I went to the cupboard where the wine was and handed him on an open bottle
He gave a grunt of satisfaction and the panel closed that wine Frank she added a death-like Tyler on her cheeks was the same as that of which you partook Madam had prepared it with a little syringe as she had done the Benedictine she paused placing her hand upon her planting breast
When she returned she continued at last for the nervousness which had agitated her at first gave place to strength in confidence her first question was apartment I told her of his request and how I
Had acceded to it giving him a bottle of the wine she had so generously ordered for me she grew limit in an instant it stood speechless glaring at me as though she would strike me dead then rushing
Up to the room she Drew back the panel and called him by name there was no response in an instant she knew the truth without uttering a single word to me but ordering the servants to close the
House as we were going away for a week or two she made instant preparations for departure and after seeing everything securely folded and barred she left with a trunk on a cab for full well stationed
While I with my small trunk took Refuge with my friends the planes with whom I have since remained but the motive of that secret assassination at Fillmore place I asked astounded at her story only within the past few days have I discovered it she answered
The crime was planned with extraordinary care and forth if it were not for this confession which you have rung from me the police would never I believe have elucidated the mystery the reason briefly was this holder Kerr was an Englishman living in Calcutta who had been left
A great Indigo estate in the Northwest by his uncle and had returned to England with a view of selling it to a company the estate one of the finest in the whole of India realized the very handsome income but both he and his wife preferred life in England Blaine being a Speculator and
Promoter of companies besides an importer of wines having been introduced to him conceived a plan of obtaining This Magnificent estate and with that object had approached Hartman who in his turn had Enlisted the services of Madame DeMont both of them being very desperate characters
Hartman lived in London and was supposed to be the most expert toxicologist in the whole world while Madame was a woman whose previous Adventures had earned for her great Renown in certain Shady circles on the continent Blaine it appeared had already been out to India to visit the estate
And on his return had paid a couple of thousand pounds deposit agreeing to purchase it privately occurred for two hundred thousand pounds the valuation made upon it by a valuer whom he had taken up with him from Bombay and then turn it into a company a date was arranged when the money
Should be paid over at the house in philomar place in exchange for the Deeds duly executed Hartman whose experiments Kerr was so interested to be present to witness any document necessary in accordance with Blaine’s request the Deeds were therefore prepared beforehand and executed and all
The papers relating to the transaction placed an order into large deed box in which they have been brought from India in accordance with the cunningly devised plan Blaine called upon the curse on the afternoon arranged the afternoon of the day of the tragedy and found Kerr ready with
All the legal papers and receipts duly executed Blaine however was profused in his apologies stating that owing us some slight difficulty with his bank he was unable to draw that day but would do so on the day following and would return at the same hour the curves on their part Express
Regret that they could not ask him to remain to dinner but explained that they had no servants again she paused her story held us all speechless I have already explained how it occurs afterwards visited me and took tea and the terrible tragedy which followed
Hartman was without doubt concealed in that house at the time watching for the unfortunate man’s end and without delay secured the deed box and all the receipts and papers carrying them next door searching the body of the man and placing certain things in his pockets namely the porch banknotes
And the penny wrapped in paper which would puzzle the police while Blaine had caused that same evening to be posted from the Grand Hotel in Paris a letter to the man now dead addressed the Drummond’s Bank expressing satisfaction at the termination of the negotiations and
Acknowledging the safe receipt of the deeds and transfers from the messenger he had sent this was of course to carry out the fiction that for several weeks he had been in Paris on business connected with the floating of the company and to enable him to prove an alibi if ever required
Elaine went in India took good care that it should be widely known that he intended to purchase these states so that his sudden possession would not be considered strange there was a man it afterwards transpired who was actually staying at the Grand in Paris in the name of plane and he had posted
The letter while I further discovered that this ingenious swindler had actually borrowed the sum of two hundred thousand pounds for three days to pass through his bank so that he might show that he had paid for the property then Blaine is a natural possession of the Deeds which only
Require the step of the courts in India for the property to become his void observed yes responded my beloved but the fear that you have discovered the Dead Man’s identity has hitherto prevented him taking possession or raising money on the Deeds he has placed them somewhere in
Safety I suppose and is now most likely out of the country absolutely astounding I guess then on reflection I inquired the meaning of the cars which had so puzzled us horribly though it may seem she said they were used to cast lots as to who should actually administer the poison
Being shuffled and dealt face downwards there were 50 only two of which were marked it was I have learned the mode in which the anarchist of Zurich cast lots the person receiving the one with a line to commit the crime while whoever received the circle became the accomplice and protected
With grim disregard for consequences these very cards were afterwards used by the assassins and their victims to decide upon partners for whisk sometimes being placed beneath the place at dinner when on entering the groom the guests were allowed to choose their places afterwards turning
Up their cards this gave rise sometimes to Great Amusement what would the unfortunate parrot have thought could they have known the truth alas I did not know it until too late or I would have given the warning regardless of the consequences Boyd briefly explained how he had seen Blaine
Throw something into the lake in St James’s Park whereupon Ava suggested that the object he thus got rid of was no doubt one of the poison coins with which Hartman had supplied it at his request I referred to the incident of the telephone and Ava explained how she had since discovered
That Blaine had made an inquiry by telephone in phobally that it was Hartman who had responded when next day he discovered his mistake he saw how narrowly he had escaped the police Mary’s letter to me had no doubt been a coincidence but her subsequent visit was at her
Mother’s instigation it having been discovered that I was aware of the terrible tragedy you received some type written letters Boyd observed who wrote them Elaine she replied surprised that she should be aware of this he knew that I had discovered the secret and wrote urging
Me to take the utmost precautions to preserve what he guardedly referred to as the silence but you say that Madame herself took tea with her victims I said she did not suffer certainly not responded my beloved in her expert hand these poisons discovered by Heartland may be fatal to
One person and perfectly harmless to another she no doubt drank some prophylactic first which at once counteracted any ill-effective poison taken afterwards Hartman seems to have rediscovered Secrets Dead with abortions from Adam can I believe secrete a Swift and deadly poison within
Almost anything whereas she now asked boy quickly we must take immediate steps for her arrest as well as blames Madame has flown to the continent but where I have no idea she replied tonight I intended to go to Paris and try to obtain a situation as governance for I feared to remain
Longer in England knowing of the body apartment lying in that closed room at The Hollies you must remain Boyd said quietly your evidence will be required ah no I cannot she declared bursting into a torrent of tears after this confession I and her voice was choked by sobs as she covered her
Haggard face with her hands after this confession darling I said tenderly I love you nonetheless then clasping her swaying figure to me in Wild ecstasy I felt the swell of her bosom against my breast and I covered her cold tear stained cheeks with passionate kisses While She For the
First Time raised her sweet full lips to mine in a fervid passionate caress and murmured that she loved me ah what Joy was mine at that moment a new life had been renewed within me for I knew that by that sacred Bond of an undying affection she was bound to me forever
End of chapter 24. chapter 25 conclusion upon events which occurred immediately afterwards there is little need to dwell saved to declare that the hours that followed were the most joyous of all our lives and further that the post and the telegraph that night carried over the seas a
Demand to the police for the search and arrest of Madame DeMont and the unscrupulous schemer Henry Blaine a little more than a year has now gone by since that well-remembered day of confession and Ava and I are happily United men in white while Lily Lowry no longer toils at her counter but is
Married to dick against whom Boyd’s suspicions were of course entirely unfounded by the death of a maiden Aunt who never gave me Sixpence while alive I have fortunately found myself possessed of sufficient to live independently in a house empowered in trees on the banks of
The act in Devon while dick who was still the comet man lives in a neat Villa out at eckenham Ava and I are frequent guests there and on such occasions the conversation often turns to those breathless summer days up the Thames and that extraordinary mystery so intricate and puzzling
A mystery which Never After All appeared in the comet of Mrs Blaine and Mary we hear but very little they left riverdine broken and crushed poor things and went to live in a small house at Bournemouth upon the wreck of the fugitives Fortune no word has since been heard of him but
As the deedbots containing many of the papers was found by the police in the Garrett in the Rue de maw in Paris from which the occupier an Englishman answering to Blaine’s description had mysteriously disappeared it is almost Beyond doubt that he had committed suicide rather than star
Hartman’s unplanned scientific discovery is still The Wonder of the Royal Institution and Patterson is still stationed at Kensington as for Madame DeMont she was three months ago arrested in Venice where in the course of a sensational trial it was proved that she had most ingeniously poisoned a
Wealthy German contractor whom she had beenveled into marriage and today she is serving a life term of imprisonment the Italian government does not give up its subjects for offenses committed abroad or she would otherwise have been brought to London for trial and the readers of newspapers
Would have been startled by the details of this one of the most skillful and extraordinary plot of secret assassination ever devised by the devilish Ingenuity of man or woman this is the end of an eye for an eye by William Lee Q This was audiobook caboodle YouTube channel presentation we hope you
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