
Preface. - Author’s Note.
Chapter One. - London’s Delight.
Chapter Two. - This Crucifix.
Chapter Three. - Woman’s World.
Chapter Four. - Not Counting the Cost.
Chapter Five. - The Bony-Faced Man.
Chapter Six. - Two Mysteries.
Chapter Seven. - What Ash Knew.
Chapter Eight. - Within Grasp.
Chapter Nine. - Mrs Popejoy’s Statement.
A weary Clifton Cleeve finds himself wandering the glittering streets of London after an evening of idle strolls, only to be drawn into a concealed world that pulses beneath the city’s polished façade. He hints at a “curious phase of society,” a secret network of relationships and motives that few have ever glimpsed, promising a tale that blends love, self‑sacrifice, and a darker, almost invisible malice. The narrator’s voice is intimate, offering a personal recount of events that feel both extraordinary and unnervingly plausible.
When an old acquaintance appears on Bond Street, the ordinary night is abruptly reshaped into a series of unsettling encounters that test Clifton’s resolve and expose the hidden currents of London’s elite. As he navigates these shadowy connections, the story invites listeners to contemplate the thin line between civilization’s refinement and the covert passions that drive it. The first act sets the stage for a compelling exploration of morality, desire, and the unseen forces that bind people together.
Language
en
Duration
~7 hours (403K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Nick Hodson of London, England
Release date
Nov 23, 2012
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1864–1927
A master of early spy fiction, this prolific journalist-novelist turned fears of invasion, secrecy, and political intrigue into page-turning popular fiction. His stories helped shape the modern thriller long before espionage became a genre of its own.
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by William Le Queux

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