"Another case which but for idiotic blunders on the part of the police must have stood clear as daylight before the public and satisfied general anxiety.

Would you object to my recapitulating its preliminary details ?" She said nothing, so he continued without waiting further for a reply.
"It all occurred during the York racing week, a time which brings to the quiet cathedral city its quota of shady characters, who congregate wherever money and wits happen to fly away from their owners.

Lord Arthur Skelmerton, a very well-known figure in London society and in racing circles, had rented one of the fine houses which overlook the racecourse.

He had entered Peppercorn, by St.Armand--Notre Dame, for the Great Ebor Handicap.

Peppercorn was the winner of the Newmarket, and his chances for the Ebor were considered a practical certainty.
"If you have ever been to York you will have noticed the fine houses which have their drive and front entrances in the road called 'The Mount.' and the gardens of which extend as far as the racecourse, commanding a lovely view over the entire track.