Bulldog Drummond

by Sapper

  ‘That again is a point on which I am profoundly ignorant,’ answered Peterson. ‘Perhaps Captain Drummond can enlighten us on that also?’

  ‘Yes,’ remarked Drummond, ‘I can. Henry has had an accident. After I drove him back from the Duchess’ last night’ – the girl gave a cry, and Peterson steadied her with his arm – ‘we had words – dreadful words. And for a long time, Carl, I thought it would be better if you and I had similar words. In fact, I’m not sure even now that it wouldn’t be safer in the long run…’

  ‘But where is he?’ said the girl, through dry lips.

  ‘Where you ought to be, Carl,’ answered Hugh grimly. ‘Where, sooner or later, you will be.’

  He pressed the studs in the niche of the wall, and the door of the big safe swung open slowly. With a scream of terror the girl sank half-fainting on the floor, and even Peterson’s cigar dropped on the floor from his nerveless lips. For, hung from the ceiling by two ropes attached to his arms, was the dead body of Henry Lakington. And even as they watched, it sagged lower, and one of the feet hit sullenly against a beautiful old gold vase…

  ‘My God!’ muttered Peterson. ‘Did you murder him?’

  ‘Oh, no!’ answered Drummond. ‘He inadvertently fell in the bath he got ready for me, and then when he ran up the stairs in considerable pain, that interesting mechanical device broke his neck.’

  ‘Shut the door,’ screamed the girl; ‘I can’t stand it.’

  She covered her face with her hands, shuddering, while the door slowly swung to again.

  ‘Yes,’ remarked Drummond thoughtfully, ‘it should be an interesting trial. I shall have such a lot to tell them about the little entertainments here, and all your endearing ways.’

  With the big ledger under his arm he crossed the room, and called to some men who were standing outside in the hall; and as the detectives, thoughtfully supplied by Mr Green, entered the central room, he glanced for the last time at Carl Peterson and his daughter. Never had the cigar glowed more evenly between the master criminal’s lips; never had the girl Irma selected a cigarette from her gold and tortoiseshell case with more supreme indifference.

  ‘Goodbye, my ugly one!’ she cried, with a charming smile, as two of the men stepped up to her.

  ‘Goodbye,’ Hugh bowed, and a tinge of regret showed for a moment in his eyes.

  ‘Not goodbye, Irma.’ Carl Peterson removed his cigar, and stared at Drummond steadily. ‘Only au revoir, my friend; only au revoir.’

  Epilogue

  ‘I simply can’t believe it, Hugh.’ In the lengthening shadows Phyllis moved a little nearer to her husband, who, quite regardless of the publicity of their position, slipped an arm round her waist.

  ‘Can’t believe what, darling?’ he demanded lazily.

  ‘Why, that all that awful nightmare is over. Lakington dead, and the other two in prison, and us married.’

  ‘They’re not actually in jug yet, old thing,’ said Hugh. ‘And somehow…’ he broke off and stared thoughtfully at a man sauntering past them. To all appearances he was a casual visitor taking his evening walk along the front of the well-known seaside resort so largely addicted to honeymoon couples. And yet…was he? Hugh laughed softly; he’d got suspicion on the brain.

  ‘Don’t you think they’ll be sent to prison?’ cried the girl.

  ‘They may be sent right enough, but whether they arrive or not is a different matter. I don’t somehow see Carl picking oakum. It’s not his form.’

  For a while they were silent, occupied with matters quite foreign to such trifles as Peterson and his daughter.

  ‘Are you glad I answered your advertisement?’ inquired Phyllis at length.

  ‘The question is too frivolous to deserve an answer,’ remarked her husband severely.

  ‘But you aren’t sorry it’s over?’ she demanded.

  ‘It isn’t over, kid; it’s just begun.’ He smiled at her tenderly. ‘Your life and mine…isn’t it just wonderful?’

  And once again the man sauntered past them. But this time he dropped a piece of paper on the path, just at Hugh’s feet, and the soldier, with a quick movement which he hardly stopped to analyse, covered it with his shoe. The girl hadn’t seen the action; but then, as girls will do after such remarks, she was thinking of other things. Idly Hugh watched the saunterer disappear in the more crowded part of the esplanade, and for a moment there came on to his face a look which, happily for his wife’s peace of mind, she failed to notice.

  ‘No,’ he said, à propos of nothing, ‘I don’t see the gentleman picking oakum. Let’s go and eat, and after dinner I’ll run you up to the top of the headland…’

  With a happy sigh she rose. It was just wonderful! and together they strolled back to their hotel. In his pocket was the piece of paper; and who could be sending him messages in such a manner save one man – a man now awaiting his trial?

  In the hall he stayed behind to inquire for letters, and a man nodded to him.

  ‘Heard the news?’ he inquired.

  ‘No,’ said Hugh. ‘What’s happened?’

  ‘That man Peterson and the girl have got away. No trace of ’em.’ Then he looked at Drummond curiously. ‘By the way, you had something to do with that show, didn’t you?’

  ‘A little,’ smiled Hugh. ‘Just a little.’

  ‘Police bound to catch ’em again,’ continued the other. ‘Can’t hide yourself these days.’

  And once again Hugh smiled, as he drew from his pocket the piece of paper: ‘Only au revoir, my friend; only au revoir.’

  He glanced at the words written in Peterson’s neat writing, and the smile broadened. Assuredly life was still good; assuredly…

  ‘Are you ready for dinner, darling?’ Quickly he swung round, and looked at the sweet face of his wife.

  ‘Sure thing, kid,’ he grinned. ‘Dead sure; I’ve had the best appetiser the old pothouse can produce.’

  ‘Well, you’re very greedy. Where’s mine?’

  ‘Effects of bachelordom, old thing. For the moment I forgot you. I’ll have another. Waiter – two Martinis.’

  And into an ashtray nearby, he dropped a piece of paper torn into a hundred tiny fragments.

  ‘Was that a love letter?’ she demanded with assumed jealousy. ‘Not exactly, sweetheart,’ he laughed back. ‘Not exactly.’ And over the glasses their eyes met. ‘Here’s to hoping, kid; here’s to hoping.’

  Series Information

  Dates given are for year of first publication.

  'Bulldog Drummond' Series

  These Titles can be read as a series, or randomly as standalone novels

  1. Bulldog Drummond 1920

  2. The Black Gang 1922

  3. The Third Round 1924

  4. The Final Count 1926

  5. The Female of the Species 1928

  6. Temple Tower 1929

  7. The Return of Bulldog Drummond 1932

  8. Knock Out 1933

  9. Bulldog Drummond At Bay 1935

  10. Challenge 1937

  'Ronald Standish' Series

  These Titles can be read as a series, or randomly as standalone novels

  1. Knock Out 1933

  2. Ask For Ronald Standish 1936

  3. Challenge 1937

  'Jim Maitland'

  These Titles can be read as a series, or randomly as standalone novels

  1. Jim Maitland 1933

  2. The Island of Terror 1937

  Synopses - All Titles

  Published by House of Stratus

  Ask for Ronald Standish

  Introducing debonair detective, Ronald Standish – good-looking, refined, and wealthy enough to be selective in taking cases that are of special interest to him. There are twelve tales in this compelling collection, written by the creator of Bulldog Drummond, who once more proves his mastery with the cream of detection.

  The Black Gang

  Although the First World War is over, it seems that the hostilities are not, and when Captain Hugh ‘Bulldog’ Dru
mmond discovers that a stint of bribery and blackmail is undermining England’s democratic tradition, he forms the Black Gang, bent on tracking down the perpetrators of such plots. They set a trap to lure the criminal mastermind behind these subversive attacks to England, and all is going to plan until Bulldog Drummond accepts an invitation to tea at the Ritz with a charming American clergyman and his dowdy daughter.

  Bulldog Drummond

  ‘Demobilised officer, finding peace incredibly tedious, would welcome diversion. Legitimate, if possible; but crime, if of a comparatively humorous description, no objection. Excitement essential... Reply at once Box X10.’

  Hungry for adventure following the First World War, Captain Hugh ‘Bulldog’ Drummond begins a career as the invincible protectorate of his country. His first reply comes from a beautiful young woman, who sends him racing off to investigate what at first looks like blackmail but turns out to be far more complicated and dangerous. The rescue of a kidnapped millionaire, found with his thumbs horribly mangled, leads Drummond to the discovery of a political conspiracy of awesome scope and villainy, masterminded by the ruthless Carl Peterson.

  Bulldog Drummond At Bay

  While Hugh ‘Bulldog’ Drummond is staying in an old cottage for a peaceful few days duck-shooting, he is disturbed one night by the sound of men shouting, followed by a large stone that comes crashing through the window. When he goes outside to investigate, he finds a patch of blood in the road, and is questioned by two men who tell him that they are chasing a lunatic who has escaped from the nearby asylum. Drummond plays dumb, but is determined to investigate in his inimitable style when he discovers a cryptic message.

  Challenge

  When Colonel Henry Talbot summons Bulldog Drummond and Ronald Standish, it is to inform them of the mysterious death of one of their colleagues – Jimmy Latimer. At the time of his death, he was on a big job, and was travelling on a boat to Newhaven when he died. But there was no sign of any wound, no trace of any weapon when they found him in his cabin. What strikes Drummond and Standish is why millionaire, Charles Burton, would have been travelling on the same boat – arguably the most uncomfortable crossing he could choose and very out-of-character.

  The Dinner Club

  A fascinating collection of tales, including stories related by members of a select club consisting of an actor, a barrister, a doctor, a soldier, a writer and an ‘ordinary man’. Each member of this club is obliged to entertain his fellows to dinner from time to time, after which he relates a story connected with his profession or trade – the only penalty is a donation to a worthy charity should he fail to keep his audience awake. Readers of these excellent stories may rest assured that there is no such danger.

  The Female of the Species

  Bulldog Drummond has slain his archenemy, Carl Peterson, but Peterson’s mistress lives on and is intent on revenge. Drummond’s wife vanishes, followed by a series of vicious traps set by a malicious adversary, which lead to a hair-raising chase across England, to a sinister house and a fantastic torture-chamber modelled on Stonehenge, with its legend of human sacrifice.

  The Final Count

  When Robin Gaunt, inventor of a terrifyingly powerful weapon of chemical warfare, goes missing, the police suspect that he has ‘sold out’ to the other side. But Bulldog Drummond is convinced of his innocence, and can think of only one man brutal enough to use the weapon to hold the world to ransom. Drummond receives an invitation to a sumptuous dinner-dance aboard an airship that is to mark the beginning of his final battle for triumph.

  The Finger of Fate

  The title story in this wry collection concerns acquaintances Staunton and Barstow, who witness a bizarre spectacle outside a bar in an Austrian village. A thin-lipped aristocrat steps down from his plush horse-drawn vehicle, and commences formidable target-practice on some playing cards – the Five of Hearts and the Five of Spades. Barstow remains utterly still during this peculiar display, and it emerges that he has witnessed this on six consecutive days – the shooter is the husband of his mistress, and he is challenging Barstow to a duel. Further stories of love, revenge, jealousy and fate complete this stirring volume.

  The Island of Terror

  When intrepid adventurer, Jim Maitland, returns to England for a brief visit, he meets a charming young woman named Judy Draycott, who solicits his help in a perilous matter. She relates the story of her brother, Arthur – drifting in South America until he meets an old sailor who, on his deathbed, tells him about a hoard of buried treasure. When Arthur is shot during an attempt to return to London, Maitland persuades his cousin, Percy, to accompany him to Lone Tree Island, where the treasure is allegedly buried. But what can they do with only half a map? And can they evade the undesirables on their trail?

  Jim Brent

  A soldier with a death wish is the subject of the title story in this inspiring collection of First World War experiences. Jim Brent, serving in Belgium with the Royal Engineers, has his heart broken when his sweetheart announces she is to marry someone else. He becomes instantly fearless and suggests a wild scheme to blow up a bridge – which could very well cost him his life.

  Jim Maitland

  Immaculate, charming, fearless wanderer, Jim Maitland, has a peculiar code of morals and an unforgettable character. Our enthusiastic narrator, Leyton, meets the legendary Maitland on the Island of Tampico – a flawless jewel in a sapphire sea, with more vice than the slums of a city – and leaps at the chance to accompany this charismatic man on his spontaneous travels.

  John Walters

  In the ranks of North Sussex – Number Three Platoon – serves a man whose physical stature is imposing, but whose mental state is said to be inert at best. This is the story of his remarkable awakening, one hot day in May, as he serves in the trenches of the front line. Other fascinating stories follow in this convincing commentary of wartime experience.

  Knock Out

  Ronald Standish – the charming, occasional detective who accepts cases when they take his fancy – receives a frantic phone call from a friend, who works for the Secret Service, asking for help. But when the line suddenly goes dead, Standish rushes round to his friend’s Hampstead abode, and is horrified to find him dead, with the receiver still in his hand and a horrific wound to his eye. When Standish teams up with Bulldog Drummond, the tangled political web surrounding this murder and the fearsome risks in pursuing the perpetrators are met head on.

  Mufti

  In a town called Poperinghe, during the height of the German offensive in May 1918, quartermaster-sergeant, Derek Vane, watches with mixed feelings as a pilot and his observer are shot down. What is there left for this ghost town, ravaged by war and utterly devastated? This penetrating story, which takes us through to the end of the war and charts the diverse experiences of soldiers and their loved-ones, was written by a man who experienced it all.

  The Return of Bulldog Drummond

  While staying as a guest at Merridale Hall, Captain Hugh ‘Bulldog’ Drummond’s peaceful repose is disturbed by a frantic young man who comes dashing into the house, trembling and begging for help. When two warders arrive, asking for a man named Morris – a notorious murderer who has escaped from Dartmoor – Drummond assures them that they are chasing the wrong man. In which case, who on earth is this terrified youngster?

  Sergeant Michael Cassidy RE

  Cassidy is a legendary soldier in the Corps of Royal Engineers – courageous, fiery and full of Irish charm, he has been known to turn even Brigadier-Generals trembling and submissive. During his temporary absence from the plains of Flanders, he meets our narrator – a higher-ranking officer who is in awe of Cassidy’s formidable reputation – and during their break from action, they share incredible stories about life on the front.

  Temple Tower

  As the ‘Maid of Orleans’ sets sail for Boulogne, two men wave goodbye to their trusting wives, who are completely unaware that their husband’s intended ‘golf holiday’ is a ruse. One of the men is Captain H
ugh ‘Bulldog’ Drummond – a demobilised officer with a fierce appetite for adventure and ale; the other is Bulldog’s loyal friend, Peter, who narrates this exciting tale of a man in fear of his life and in desperate need of their help in penetrating the ill-omened Temple Tower.

  The Third Round

  The death of Professor Goodman is officially recorded as a tragic accident, but at the inquest no mention is made of his latest discovery – a miraculous new formula for manufacturing flawless diamonds at negligible cost, which strikes Captain Hugh ‘Bulldog’ Drummond as rather strange. His suspicions are further aroused when he spots a member of the Metropolitan Diamond Syndicate at the inquest. Gradually, he untangles a sinister plot of greed and murder, which climaxes in a dramatic motorboat chase at Cowes and brings him face to face with his arch-enemy.

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