The Detective's Clew: Or, The Tragedy of Elm Grove

by O. S. Adams

Two boats, each with a small, dim head-light, were approaching the land. They were moving slowly, with sails hoisted, and soon reached the shore.

Out of each sprang two men, carrying coils of rope, which they had made fast to large, heavy stones lying a few feet back from the water.

The two who had remained stationed with the lanterns ran forward to meet them, a few hurried words were exchanged, and forthwith ensued a scene of busy occupation.

Packages, and boxes, and bales were taken from the boats, and carried into the cavern. Three of the men occupied themselves in this way, while the fourth promenaded the beach with his lantern, evidently keeping a lookout for intruders. The other two had disappeared within the cave, probably to receive and stow away the articles brought to them.

The men worked rapidly and industriously, speaking but few words, and those in low, indistinct tones.

All this Carlos watched from his place of concealment, withdrawing his gaze only when he was obliged to crouch more closely under the shadow of the rocks when the sentinel passed him at intervals.

The work went on for two hours or more, when suddenly there was a new-comer on the scene. A tall man came from the cavern and stood idly looking on.

The heart of Carlos bounded as he beheld him, for the form and carriage were those of Geoffrey Haywood. The distance and the darkness rendered his face indistinct, and it might be added also that he wore a mask, although Carlos could not discern it. But he was certain that it was Geoffrey Haywood, and his eyes remained riveted upon him.

At length the goods that had been brought in by the boats seemed to be all disposed of. The men loitered around, wiping their brows. Then the man whom Carlos believed to be Geoffrey Haywood stepped forward and said a few words.

Carlos crept forward to get a better view of him. In his eagerness he altogether abandoned the shelter of the rock under whose friendly shelter he had remained in concealment, and, before he was fairly aware of it, he was within a rod of the knot of men.