I can say with all sincerity, nay with all solemn responsibility, that this detective mystery deceived me. And as I have been looking out for a long time for a detective mystery that should be at leas...

The telephone bell rang on the table of Superintendent Sinclair at Scotland Yard. He was a busy man, and had given orders that he was not to be disturbed except on matters important. Putting down a pa...

Collins, Sinclair and Boyce had just discussed an excellent glass of port after a frugal but well-cooked meal at Collins’ flat. The room was tastefully but not luxuriously furnished, and was stamped w...

The Vale was situated in one of the lovely valleys of North Devon on the borders of Somerset. In the distance could be seen the Mendip Hills. Here the summer stayed on when autumn had taken hold of le...

Sinclair was sitting at his desk, and his brows were knitted. Before him was a letter. He read it over again for the third time, and then told the clock that he was damned. Then he picked up the envel...

By dining on the train, Collins had just time to do a Gilbert and Sullivan opera. He had a seat permanently booked, which was to be disposed of if he did not turn up in time. After the excitement of h...

The blinds were drawn at the house in Leveson Square, and a crowd was still gazing up at the blank windows. There is always something gruesome in drawn blinds, and the policeman standing at the door a...

Collins was punctual to the minute at Paddington. He had dressed himself up for the occasion, though he felt contempt for so doing. The express from Wilton-on-Sea was up to time. From a first-class co...

After the inquest there was nothing to keep Miss Watson in London. A sad cortege started from Leveson Square after dark, for, in the circumstances, they had no wish for public display. The body of the...

Sinclair and Boyce were sitting in the former’s room, waiting for Collins. “I wonder how he will like this?” said Boyce. “Not at all,” said the other, making a face. “He is so fond of a problem that h...

A surprise awaited Collins on his arrival at Wilton-on-Sea. Eric Sanders was on the platform, and came forward with a pleasant smile. He was a changed being. The sulky petulance was gone, and he seeme...

The next three days passed outwardly in the usual enjoyments of a country house-party. They golfed and motored and played tennis. Behind the scenes many things were happening. It was obvious to anyone...

The incident of the day had cast a gloom over the party. Mabel’s aunt had been in bed all the day, with one of her sick headaches. Collins was down before the others, and had a word with old John. The...

In spite of the adventures of the night, Collins was the first down in the morning. Old John was in the dining-room. “Oh, sir,” he said, “Mr. Eric has gone off early this morning. He has left a note f...

Boyce was smoking an excellent cigar, and was generally pleased with himself. He had just received a short note from the Prime Minister, thanking him for his good work in running the murderer of the H...

Beyond Wilton-on-Sea, there is a bare hill standing gaunt above the surrounding country. On the seaward side the cliff is sheer, and to the West a sudden drop into a quarry pit makes for danger. On th...

“He’s a long time getting that whiskey,” said Allery. “I expect he’s having a talk with John and my brother,” said Mabel. Sinclair sprang forward in his chair. “Good God,” he shouted, and without wait...

In the stillness of the night the sound of a car was heard. Sinclair went to the door and waited. Out of the blackness the car emerged, and came to rest at the door. From the inside issued Sanders. Hi...