A MASTER OF MYSTERIES

Contents

PAGE

I THE MYSTERY OF THE CIRCULAR CHAMBER 9

II THE WARDER OF THE DOOR 57

III THE MYSTERY OF THE FELWYN TUNNEL 95

IV THE EIGHT-MILE LOCK 139

V HOW SIVA SPOKE 183

VI TO PROVE AN ALIBI 227

I

THE MYSTERY OF THE CIRCULAR CHAMBER


One day in late September I received the following letter from my
lawyer:--

"My Dear Bell,--

"I shall esteem it a favour if you can make it convenient to call
upon me at ten o'clock to-morrow morning on a matter of extreme
privacy."

At the appointed hour I was shown into Mr. Edgcombe's private room. I
had known him for years--we were, in fact, old friends--and I was
startled now by the look of worry, not to say anxiety, on his usually
serene features.

"You are the very man I want, Bell," he cried. "Sit down; I have a great
deal to say to you. There is a mystery of a very grave nature which I
hope you may solve for me. It is in connection with a house said to be
haunted."

He fixed his bright eyes on my face as he spoke. I sat perfectly silent,
waiting for him to continue.

"In the first place," he resumed, "I must ask you to regard the matter
as confidential."

"Certainly," I answered.

"You know," he went on, "that I have often laughed at your special
hobby, but it occurred to me yesterday that the experiences you have
lived through may enable you to give me valuable assistance in this
difficulty."