The Hidden Door

The Hidden Door by Arthur Gask

The narrative unfolds in a grim and atmospheric setting, centered around Thralldom Castle, a historic stronghold steeped in dark secrets and the weight of its past. The story begins with the last lord of the castle, Roger, a frail and childless man, who is obsessed with the safety of his valuable art collection, particularly a recently acquired Rubens painting. The castle is heavily fortified, with alarms and armed servants, reflecting the lord's paranoia about potential theft. A group of men, including Captain Bonnett, Silas Hudson, and others, are plotting to steal the valuable paintings. They discuss the existence of a secret passage beneath the castle, which they believe could facilitate their heist. Fenner, an artist and member of the group, is convinced that the passage exists, as referenced in historical texts, but they struggle to find its location without alerting the suspicious lord. As the plot thickens, the narrative shifts to a series of mysterious disappearances in the surrounding area, including a schoolteacher, a bank manager, an innkeeper, and the bailiff of Lord Thralldom. Each of these individuals vanishes under suspicious circumstances, leading to speculation about a possible connection between their disappearances and the castle. The local police are baffled, and the tension escalates as the detective Gilbert Larose is called in to investigate. Larose's inquiries reveal that the bailiff, Peter Rawlings, had been acting strangely before his disappearance, and there are whispers of a madman lurking in the vicinity. The detective's investigation leads him to suspect that Rawlings may have been involved in something sinister, possibly linked to the castle's secrets. Meanwhile, the relationships between the characters deepen, with romantic tensions emerging, particularly between Ann Devenham, the lord's niece, and John Harden, a bank clerk. As Larose delves deeper into the mystery, he uncovers clues that suggest a connection between the disappearances and the castle's hidden passages. The narrative builds suspense as Larose navigates the treacherous waters of deception, obsession, and the supernatural, ultimately leading to a confrontation with the truth behind the castle's dark history and the fate of those who have vanished. The story culminates in a tense climax where Larose must confront the potential murderer, revealing the intricate web of motives and secrets that bind the characters together. The themes of madness, obsession, and the haunting legacy of the past resonate throughout, creating a chilling atmosphere that lingers long after the final revelations.

By Arthur Gask · First published 1929 · Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Adventure · 19 chapters

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