Part 1

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A MASTER OF MYSTERIES

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A MASTER OF MYSTERIES

By L. T. MEADE and ROBERT EUSTACE

Illustrated By J. AMBROSE WALTON

London Ward, Lock & Co Limited Warwick House Salisbury Square E C New York And Melbourne

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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

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Introduction

It so happened that the circumstances of fate allowed me to follow my own bent in the choice of a profession. From my earliest youth the weird, the mysterious had an irresistible fascination for me. Having private means, I resolved to follow my unique inclinations, and I am now well known to all my friends as a professional exposer of ghosts, and one who can clear away the mysteries of most haunted houses. Up to the present I have never had cause to regret my choice, but at the same time I cannot too strongly advise any one who thinks of following my example to hesitate before engaging himself in tasks that entail time, expense, thankless labour, often ridicule, and not seldom great personal danger. To explain, by the application of science, phenomena attributed to spiritual agencies has been the work of my life. I have, naturally, gone through strange difficulties in accomplishing my mission. I propose in these pages to relate the histories of certain queer events, enveloped at first in mystery, and apparently dark with portent, but, nevertheless, when grappled with in the true spirit of science, capable of explanation.

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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.