I was leaning over the starboard railing, waiting for a boat, when Ross, the ship's doctor, came sauntering along the deck, puffing contentedly at a large Manilla cigar. "Hullo, Dryden!" he observed, in that pleasant drawling voice of his. "Busy as usual?" Having just completed five hours' strenuous toil, supervising the unlading of cargo, I could afford to treat his effort at sarcasm with the contempt that it deserved. "Are you coming ashore?" I asked. He shook his head. "I'm not the seco...

The story may revolve around a protagonist who finds themselves unexpectedly thrust into a web of secrets and danger when they assume another person's identity or find themselves in possession of someone else's shoes. As they navigate the complexities of their new identity, they may uncover hidden truths, confront dangerous adversaries, and grapple with questions of morality and personal responsibility.Central to the narrative may be themes of identity, empathy, and the consequences of one...

"Greensea Island" revolves around the mysterious events that unfold on the remote Greensea Island. When a young woman named Eve Hilyard arrives on the island to work as a governess for the eccentric Harling family, she soon becomes embroiled in a web of secrets, lies, and sinister goings-on.As Eve delves deeper into the mysteries surrounding the Harling family and the history of Greensea Island, she uncovers dark secrets and hidden agendas. With the help of a local doctor, Dr. Ramsay, Eve ...

When you are really hungry, and have precisely one and sixpence to spend upon your dinner, the problem is one which requires a certain amount of consideration. I hesitated for some time between —— and the ——. At —— they give you four quite decent courses for a shilling, which leaves sixpence over for a drink and a tip for the waiter. On the other hand, the tablecloths are generally dirty, and the atmosphere of the place about as poisonous as that of a Chinese joss-house. In this respect ——...

In "The Cruise of the 'Scandal'," readers may be taken on a maritime adventure aboard the titular vessel, encountering danger, romance, and intrigue on the high seas. The story might revolve around the exploits of the ship's crew or passengers, weaving together elements of mystery, suspense, and perhaps even a touch of romance.Beyond the titular story, the collection likely includes additional tales of suspense and adventure, each offering its own unique blend of thrills, twists, and surpr...

Lady Jocelyn sighed gently and put down her cup on the tea-table. "I suppose, Tony," she said, "that when one gets to seventy-two, one's conscience begins to decay just as one's body does. I seem to like good people less and immoral and useless ones more. You are the only member of the family it gives me the faintest pleasure to see nowadays." Sir Antony Raymond Fulk Desmoleyn Conway—Conway Bart., more commonly known as Tony, nodded his head. "They are rather a stuffy lot the others, aren'...

The novel begins with the discovery of a body in a house in Long Acre, a street in London. Inspector Littlejohn is called to the scene to unravel the mystery surrounding the murder. As he delves deeper into the case, he uncovers a web of secrets, lies, and hidden motives among the residents of Long Acre.The title character, the Lady from Long Acre, plays a central role in the story, as her connections and interactions with the other characters become key elements in solving the mystery. Th...

The novel may follow the adventures or investigations of secret service agents, involving espionage plots, clandestine missions, and the pursuit of spies or criminal masterminds. Bridges might incorporate elements of suspense, mystery, and action as the characters navigate through dangerous situations and attempt to uncover and thwart nefarious plots.The title, "A Rogue by Compulsion," suggests a protagonist who might be coerced or forced into a risky or morally ambiguous situation, possib...

The Complete Works of Victor BridgesThis Complete Collection includes the following titles:--------1 - A Rogue by Compulsion: An Affair of the Secret Service2 - Another Man's Shoes3 - The Cruise of the "Scandal", and other stories4 - Greensea Island: A Mystery of the Essex Coast5 - The Lady from Long Acre6 - The Red Lodge: A Mystery of Campden Hill

A dark green Rolls-Royce limousine slid round the corner of Sydney Place and, proceeding a few hundred yards along the Fulham Road, drew up in front of St. Christopher's Hospital. It had scarcely stopped before the door opened and its solitary occupant—a tall, well-dressed man of about fifty—stepped out on to the pavement. "You can wait here, Simmons," he said, addressing the chauffeur. "I shan't be more than a few minutes." The porter on duty, who was talking to a friend in the hall, touc...

One must never forget, said George solemnly, "that rank has its duties as well as its privileges." I helped myself to another glass of champagne. "What is it you want me to do?" I asked. "I have no wish to dictate to you in any way," he answered. "I am merely offering you my advice. As your elder brother and the head of the family, I naturally take an interest in your career." "Fire ahead," I replied gratefully. "I'm always ready to listen to wisdom, especially from a Cabinet Minister." Th...

The plot revolves around a mysterious and sinister occurrence at the Red Lodge, a grand mansion in Campden Hill. When a body is discovered on the grounds of the lodge, Inspector Devenish is called in to investigate the case. As he delves deeper into the mystery, he uncovers a web of secrets, hidden motives, and unexpected connections among the residents of Campden Hill.The novel features a cast of intriguing characters, including the enigmatic owner of the Red Lodge, Sir Harold Leveridge, ...