Read "The Mystery of Crocksands" by Fred M. White online for free on Textopian. Full text with search, annotations, highlights, and AI-powered reading aids.
Christopher Wrath led the way across the hall of his flat into the inviting dining-room beyond. It was a little chill and dull after a warm day, and the log fire in the grate was welcome. So too, were the glasses and spirit decanter on the table, and the syphon by the side of a big silver box of cigarettes. Clapstone dropped into an armchair and warmed his thin hands at the grateful blaze.
"My God, how good it is after the last year or so to get back to this!" he muttered, with a comprehensive wave of his hand. "If you want to appreciate it, then go through what I have lately."