Very much of this story must remain untold, for the reason that if it were definitely known what business I had aboard the tramp steam-freighter Glarus, three hundred miles off the South American coast on a certain summer's day, some few years ago, I would very likely be obliged to answer a great many personal and direct questions put by fussy and impertinent experts in maritime law—who are paid to be inquisitive. Also, I would get "Ally Bazan," Strokher and Hardenberg into trouble. Suppose on that certain summer's day, you had asked of Lloyds's agency where the Glarus was, and what was her destination and cargo. You would have been told that she was twenty days out from Callao, bound North to San Francisco in ballast; that she had been spoken by the bark Medea and the steamer Benevento; that she was reported to have blown out a cylinder head, but being manageable was proceeding on her way under sail. That is what Lloyds's would have answered. If you know something of the ways of ships and what is expected of them, you will understand that the Glarus, to be some half a dozen hundred miles south of where Lloyds's would have her, and to be still going South, under full steam, was a scandal that would have made her brothers and sisters ostracize her finally and forever. And that is curious, too. Humans may indulge in vagaries innumerable, and may go far afield in the way of lying; but a ship may not so much as quibble without suspicion. The least lapse of "regularity," the least difficulty in squaring performance with intuition, and behold she is on the black list, and her captain, owners, officers, agents and consignors, and even supercargoes, are asked to explain. And the Glarus was already on the black list. From the beginning her stars had been malign. As the Breda, she had first lost her reputation, seduced into a filibustering escapade down the South American coast, where in the end a plain-clothes United States detective—that is to say, a revenue cutter—arrested her off Buenos Ayres and brought her home, a prodigal daughter, besmirched and disgraced. After that she was in some dreadful blackbirding business in a far quarter of the South Pacific; and after that—her name changed finally to the Glarus—poached seals for a syndicate of Dutchmen who lived in Tacoma, and who afterward built a clubhouse out of what she earned.

"A Chain of Evidence" is a captivating mystery novel penned by Carolyn Wells, an accomplished American author renowned for her contributions to the mystery genre during the early 20th century. First published in 1912, this novel transports readers to the bustling streets of New York City during the same era, providing a vivid backdrop for the story. The central figure in this gripping narrative is Detective Fleming Stone, a character who frequently makes appearances in Carolyn Wells' mystery novels. Stone is called upon to unravel a perplexing murder that shakes the city's elite. The victim, Richard Barnold, is a wealthy and influential businessman, and his death is shrouded in enigma. From the outset, the circumstances surrounding Barnold's murder are mysterious. Numerous individuals within his social circle emerge as potential suspects, each with their own motives and secrets. As Detective Stone digs deeper into the case, he discovers a trail of cryptic clues and evidence that seem to point in various directions. What sets "A Chain of Evidence" apart is its intricate and layered plot, filled with unexpected twists and turns. Carolyn Wells masterfully weaves a web of suspense, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as they accompany Stone in his quest to decipher the truth behind Barnold's murder. The story's suspenseful atmosphere is intensified by the multifaceted characters, each harboring their own hidden motivations and secrets. Throughout the narrative, Wells skillfully explores the themes of mystery and detective work, delving into the complexities of solving crimes through deduction, intuition, and meticulous investigation. Moreover, her ability to create an atmosphere of suspense and anticipation sets the novel apart as a classic of the mystery genre. In conclusion, "A Chain of Evidence" by Carolyn Wells is a remarkable mystery novel that exemplifies the author's talent for crafting intricate plots and compelling characters. With its engaging storyline, richly developed setting, and a detective who is both astute and engaging, this novel stands as a testament to Wells' significant contribution to the mystery genre during the early 20th century. It continues to captivate readers with its suspenseful narrative and intricate puzzle of a murder mystery.

"Through the Magic Door (1907) is an essay by Arthur Conan Doyle: his subject is the charisma and charm of books. Doyle invites readers to enjoy the greatest minds of all times through what they have left behind and argues that, when we read, the selfishness and hopelessness of the world can be left behind."

In this fifth and final set of Father Brown mysteries G K Chesterton's short, shabby priest continues, in his humorous, effortless but powerfully effective way to solve a wide range of high crimes and misdemeanours.