170
XVII. A Pair of Boots 180
XVIII. Enter Cyril 192
XIX. Dollops Makes a Discovery 202
XX. "Pins and Needles" 212
XXI. "A Lunnon Gentleman" 221
XXII. Damning Evidence 226
XXIII. A Startling Denouement 233
XXIV. Hare and Hounds 239
XXV. The Man in the Black Mask 247
XXVI. The End in Sight 265
XXVII. What Happened in the Library 278
XXVIII. The Secret of the Singing Wheel 284
XXIX. "As a Tale That Was Told" 297

THE RIDDLE OF THE
SPINNING WHEEL

CHAPTER I

THE GIRL FROM SCOTLAND

Mr. Maverick Narkom, Superintendent of Scotland Yard, looked up from the
letter he was perusing, a wrinkle in his brow and one hand spread out
over the sheet to keep it open, as the sound of a soft knock broke
through the stillness, and with an exasperation born of the knotty
problem upon which he was at work, called out an irritable "Come in."

Inspector Petrie's head appeared in the aperture, stiff hand at the
salute.

"I know you wasn't to be disturbed, sir," he began apologetically, "but
there's a leddy come to see you. Seemed distressed, and said it was
urgent, and begged me for the love of 'even to let her in."

"And, being a religious man, you succumbed, of course," rapped out Mr.
Narkom in a tone of exasperation. "Oh, well, where's her card? What with
one thing and another, this morning's work has practically gone to
blazes. Not a minute's peace, by James! What's the lady's name, Petrie?"

Inspector Petrie came forward, a strip of pasteboard in his hand upon
which was engraved a name and something written in a woman's hand
underneath.

"_Miss Maud Duggan._ H'm. Scotch, I take it. And what's this! _School
friend of Miss Ailsa Lorne._--Ailsa Lorne, eh? Haven't heard from her in
a month of Sundays. Said her business was important--eh, Petrie?"

"Very important, sir."

"Oh, well, then, show her up. This cipher business requires entire
quiet, and so long as I can'