Vietnam or Thailand ? Vote for the TOP Country of the Week !
Updated: May 21, 2025
Driver," he called out, "please return to the Court at once." The man hesitated. "You recognize the gentleman who is with me?" Peter Ruff said. "He is the detective from Scotland Yard. I have full authority from Lord Clenarvon over all his servants. Please do as I say." The man hesitated no more. The car was backed and turned, the Frenchman struggling all the way like a wild cat.
Lady Mary had read the announcement of his marriage in the paper, had driven at once to his office with a magnificent present, and insisted upon his coming with his wife to the party which was assembling at Clenarvon Court in honor of her own approaching wedding. Peter Ruff had taken few holidays of late years, and for several days had thoroughly enjoyed himself.
At half-past ten that morning, a motor-car turned out from the garage at Clenarvon Court, and made its way down the avenue. In it was a single passenger the dark-faced Parisian valet of the Marquis de Sogrange. As the car left the avenue and struck into the main road, it was hailed by Peter Ruff and John Dory, who were walking together along the lane.
"If we could trouble your Lordship," he said, "to open that hatbox, you will find something that will interest you. Mr. Dory has planned a little surprise for you, in which I have been permitted to help." The women, who gathered that something was happening, came hastening out from the hall. They all crowded round Lord Clenarvon, who was cutting through the leather strap of the hatbox.
"He seems very agreeable," Peter Ruff answered, devoting himself to the game. The following night, being the last but one before the wedding itself, a large dinner-party had been arranged for, and the resources of even so princely a mansion as Clenarvon Court were strained to their utmost by the entertainment of something like one hundred guests in the great banqueting-hall.
"There's just a word or two I should like to have with you." Dory turned away. He had forced himself, in the excitement of the moment, to speak to his ancient enemy, but in this hour of his humility the man's presence was distasteful to him. "I am not sure," he said, shortly. "It depends on how things may turn out." The daily life at Clenarvon Court proceeded exactly as usual.
Dory, I should keep every one out of the room. Some one must telephone for a doctor. I suppose your man has been hurt." The guests were wild with curiosity, but Lord Clenarvon, with an insistent gesture, led the way back to the diningroom. "Whatever has happened," he said, "the people who are in charge there know best how to deal with the situation.
I had the most excellent references from the Prince of Strelitz. No doubt they were forged. My own man was taken ill just before I left, and I had to bring some one." "My dear Sogrange," Lord Clenarvon said, "don't think of it. What we must be thankful for is that we had so brilliant a detective in the house." "As John Dory?" Sogrange remarked, with a smile. Lord Clenarvon nodded.
The detective went round the boarded windows, examining the work carefully until he reached the door. "I am going to see if I can have a word with his lordship," he said. He caught Lord Clenarvon in the act of mounting his horse in the great courtyard. "What is it, Mr. Dory?" the Earl asked, stooping down.
You'll find Lady Mary about somewhere, if you'd like to ask her." Lord Clenarvon hurried off, with a little farewell wave of his crop, and John Dory returned into the house to make inquiries respecting Lady Mary. In a very few minutes he was shown into her presence. She smiled at him cheerfully. "Another detective!" she exclaimed. "I am sure I ought to feel quite safe now.
Word Of The Day
Others Looking