The Mystery of the Peacock’s Eye by Brian Flynn published by John Hamilton, Ltd. (London) First Printed, July, 1928 Contents I. The Hunt Ball at Westhampton II. Mr. Bathurst Receives a Distinguished Visitor III. Chief-Inspector Bannister Gets a “Busman’s Holiday” IV. A Case of Identity V. John Martin’s Evidence VI. Mr. Bathurst Changes His Destination VII. Gentlemen and Players VIII. Daphne Draws Up the Blinds IX. Mr. Bathurst Looks at a Pair of Shoes—and a Luggage-Wagon X. A Room Is Ransacked at “Rest Harrow” XI. A Newspaper and a Second Suit-Case XII. Mr. Bathurst Listens to a Little Local Gossip XIII. Re-enter Mr. X XIV. The Peacock’s Eye XV. Alan Warburton Leads Trumps XVI. Of Which Mr. Bathurst Holds the Ace XVII. Bannister Strikes the Trail XVIII. That Leads Round the Mulberry-Bush XIX. Ronald Branston’s Story XX. “Findings—Keepings” XXI. The Lord Lieutenant Goes Back a Few Years XXII. Gallant Mr. Bathurst XXIII. Mr. Bathurst Forgets His Change XXIV. What Did Mr. Bathurst Whisper? XXV. Mr. Bathurst’s Patience Is Rewarded XXVI. Rendezvous XXVII. Sir Austin Kemble Removes His Hat Chapter I The Hunt Ball at Westhampton The foot-fascinating strains of the Red Ruritanian Band died gently away—to commence again after a short interval just as exquisitely. The Hunt Ball at Westhampton was the outstanding event of the season and this year it had exceeded all past successes and even present anticipations. It was actually honoured, so it was whispered, with the presence of Royalty—which interesting fact although not announced publicly or even hinted at in the Press—was nevertheless an open secret to at least half-a-dozen of the most influential people present. Life in the Midlands is a very different proposition from life in London or in the residential neighbourhoods that are within that great city’s reasonable range. Social distinctions mean very much more—there is the sharply-definite cleavage of class—determined very often by “County” prejudice—a line of division against which there is little or no chance of struggling with any degree of success.