The Albert Gate Mystery Being Further Adventures of Reginald Brett, Barrister Detective

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 THE ALBERT GATE MYSTERY


 Being Further Adventures of
 REGINALD BRETT, _Barrister Detective_


 BY LOUIS TRACY


 _Author of_ "WINGS OF THE MORNING," "THE STOW-MARKET MYSTERY," "THE
 FINAL WAR," ETC., ETC.


 R. F. FENNO & COMPANY 9 & 11 East 16th Street, New York :: _1904_




 Copyright, 1904

 BY R. F. FENNO & COMPANY


[Illustration: Hussein-ul-Mulk. --_Frontispiece._]




                          Contents

 CHAPTER                                           PAGE

      I A MYSTERIOUS CRIME                            7

     II MEHEMET ALI'S NOTE                           18

    III WHAT THE POLICE SAW                          29

     IV THE MURDERS                                  42

      V A STARTLING CLUE                             51

     VI A JOURNEY TO PARIS                           69

    VII THE HOUSE IN THE RUE BARBETTE                87

   VIII WHAT HAPPENED IN THE RUE BARBETTE           100

     IX A MONTMARTRE ROMANCE                        115

      X ON GUARD                                    125

     XI A DISCONCERTED COMMISSARY                   140

    XII THE INNKEEPER                               161

   XIII THE RELEASE                                 176

   XIV "TOUT VA BIEN"                               198

    XV "MARIE"                                      209

   XVI THE HALL-PORTER'S DOUBTS                     223

  XVII THE YACHT "BLUE-BELL"                        235

 XVIII TALBOT'S ADVENTURES                          247

   XIX THE RACE                                     259

    XX CLOSE QUARTERS                               269

   XXI THE FIGHT                                    281

  XXII PIECING THE PUZZLE                           292




THE ALBERT GATE MYSTERY

CHAPTER I

A MYSTERIOUS CRIME


Reginald Brett, barrister-at-law and amateur detective, had seldom been
more at peace with the world and his own conscience than when he entered
the dining-room of his cosy flat this bright October morning.

Since the famous affair of Lady Delia Lyle's disappearance and death, he
had not been busy, and the joy of healthy idleness is only known to the
hard worker. Again, while dressing, he had received a letter inviting
him to a quiet shoot at a delightful place in the country.

All these things blended with happy inconsequence to render Brett
contented in mind and affable in manner.

"It's a fine morning, Smith," he said cheerily, as he settled himself at
the table where his "man" was already pouring out the coffee.

"Bee-utiful, sir," said Smith.

"Smith!"

"Yessir."

"Not even the best English autumn weather can stand being called
'bee-utiful.' Don't do it. You will open the flood-gates of Heaven."

Smith laughed decorously. He had not the slightest idea what his master
meant, but if it pleased Mr. Brett to be jocose, it was the duty of a
servant who knew his place to be responsive.

The barrister fully understood Smith's delicate appreciation--and its
limits. He instantly noticed that the morning paper, instead of reposing
next to his folded napkin, was placed out of reach on a sideboard, and
that the eggs and bacon made their appearance half a minute too soon.

As an expert swordsman delights to execute a pass _en tierce_ with an
umbrella, so did the cleverest analytical detective of the age resolve
to amaze his servitor.

"Smith," he said suddenly, composing his features to their most severe
cross-examination aspect, "I think the arrangement is an excellent one."

"What arrangement, sir."

"That Mrs. Smith and yourself should have a few days' holiday, while
Mrs. Smith's brother takes your place during my forthcoming visit to
Lord Northallerton's--why, man, what is the matter? Is it too hot?"--for
the cover Smith had lifted off the bacon and eggs clattered violently on
the table.

"'Ot, sir. 'Ot isn't the word. You're a fair licker, that's what you
are."

Smith invariably dropped his h's when he became excited.

"Smith, I insist that you shall not call me names. Pass the paper."

"But, sir----"

"Pass the paper. Utter another word and I refuse to accept Mrs. Smith's
brother as your _locum tenens_."

Smith was silenced by the last terrible epithet. Yet he was so
manifestly nervous that Brett resolved o enlighten him before plunging
into the day's news.

"For the last time, Smith," he said, "I will explain to you why it is
hopeless for you to think of concealing tradesmen's commissions from
me."

The shot went home, but the enemy was acquainted with this method of
attack, and did not wince.

"You knew that Lord Northallerton had recently invited me to his October
pheasant-shooting. During the last few days a youth, who grotesquely
reproduces Mrs.