The Piccadilly Puzzle: A Mysterious Story — David Hume — John Shaqi
The Piccadilly Puzzle: A Mysterious Story
David Hume · en
"It's the irony of Fate . . . brought me here . . . to my death. I came
to conquer and remain to die . . . . . . . . . The old Greeks were
right . . . . . . . Man . . . sport of Fate . . . . . . Nemesis
. . . . wins hands down . . . . . . . if there is . . . . . . world
. . . . . . . . beyond . . . . I . . . I . . . . find . . . . ."
His slow monotonous voice stopped here and his head fell back; to all
appearances he was asleep, but the onlookers knew it was his last
earthly sleep, and when he awoke it would be in another world.
The calm placid light of the evening stole softly through the windows
and shone on the still face of the dead man, and on the awe-struck
spectators.
EPILOGUE.
The Piccadilly puzzle being now solved, nothing remained but to settle
all matters in connection therewith, which was speedily done. The
publication of the whole story caused a great deal of excitement, and
of course all the newspapers quoted the well-known proverb that "Truth
is stranger than fiction."
Myles Desmond was released from prison, and became a kind of hero
owing to the fortitude with which he had sustained his unpleasant
position. Sir Rupert gave his consent to May Penfold's marriage with
him, and it took place at St. George's, Hanover Square, with great
splendour, and the happy pair departed to the Continent for their
honeymoon. On their return Myles published a novel he had written,
which was a great success, and being in an independent position owing
to his wife's fortune he had the peculiar satisfaction of writing to
please himself and not the public.
Lord Calliston did not remain in London long, as the part he had
played in the terrible drama was not by any means an enviable one; so
as soon as Lena Sarschine, now Lady Calliston, recovered from her
illness they went away to the South Seas in the _Seamew_, where among
the gorgeous scenery of the islands, they soon forgot the one tragic
episode of their lives.
Sir Rupert did not marry again but left London for his place in the
country, where he shut himself up like a hermit and steadily refused
to see anyone. His faith in womankind was gone, and not having any
heirs, a distant cousin is now eagerly waiting for his demise, as he
is anxious to enjoy the Balscombe estates and the large income
appertaining thereto.
Flip was taken off the streets by Dowker and put to school, where his
natural sharpness was wonderfully developed, and he is now looking
forward to the time when Dowker intends to instruct him in the
mysteries of the detective craft and make him his successor.