CHAPTER I
A NOVEL CASE
"Talking of sudden disappearances the one you mention of Hannah in
that Leavenworth case of ours, is not the only remarkable one which has
come under my direct notice. Indeed, I know of another that in some
respects, at least, surpasses that in points of interest, and if you will
promise not to inquire into the real names of the parties concerned, as the
affair is a secret, I will relate you my experience regarding it."
The speaker was Q, the rising young detective, universally
acknowledged by us of the force as the most astute man for mysterious
and unprecedented cases, then in the bureau, always and of course
excepting Mr. Gryce; and such a statement from him could not but arouse
our deepest curiosity. Drawing up, then, to the stove around which we
were sitting in lazy enjoyment of one of those off-hours so dear to a
detective\'s heart, we gave with alacrity the required promise; and settling
himself back with the satisfied air of a man who has a good story to tell
that does not entirely lack certain points redounding to his own credit, he
began: