The Mandarin's Fan

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[Illustration: [Frontispiece "WELL, SAIL IN. WE'RE READY FOR THE PLAY." (page 198)]

POPULAR NOVELS BY FERGUS HUME

Author of 'The Mystery of a Hansom Cab,' etc.

In Crown 8vo, pictorial cloth. Price 6s. each.

THE RED WINDOW

=Second Impression=

'For a skilfully conceived plot, succession of stirring incidents and series of surprises, not one of Mr. Fergus Hume's books is surpassed by "The Red Window." ... Is the best book of the kind issued this season.'--Newcastle Daily Journal.

THE YELLOW HOLLY

=Third Edition=

'A story of thrilling interest.'--To-Day.

'An exciting detective story.'--Academy.

A COIN OF EDWARD VII.

=Third Edition=

'A clever detective story. The book holds one spellbound to the end.'--Yorkshire Herald.

THE CRIME OF THE CRYSTAL

=Third Edition=

'Mr. Fergus Hume once more shows his skill in weaving an intricate plot which holds the reader enthralled until the last line. If this book were judged upon its merits it should obtain a popularity even greater than "The Mystery of a Hansom Cab."'--Court Circular.

THE PAGAN'S CUP

=Third Edition=

'For the lover of mystery the author of the "Mystery of a Hansom Cab" has prepared a feast in his new book. The story is beyond doubt enthralling, and will in every case be read at a sitting.'--Glasgow Herald.

THE RED-HEADED MAN

=Third Edition=

'Is perhaps the best piece of work that Mr. Fergus Hume has given us since he wrote "The Mystery of a Hansom Cab." The plot is very ingenious. Devoid of suspicion of padding, brightly and smoothly written, Mr. Fergus Hume's latest tale contains not a single dull chapter.'--World.

'A highly ingenious and well-constructed tale.'--Scotsman.

SHYLOCK OF THE RIVER

=Fifth Edition=

'Quite the most brilliant detective story Mr. Hume has given us since he made such a remarkable hit in "The Mystery of a Hansom Cab."'--Literary World.

THE MASQUERADE MYSTERY

=Third Edition=

'Is as good as, if not better than, "The Mystery of a Hansom Cab." ... It is an excellent story.'--World.

=In Crown 8vo, Cloth, 2s. 6d. Cheap Edition=

A MARRIAGE MYSTERY

'Is ingeniously put together.... Mr. Hume's new book is good of its kind.'--Athenaeum.

'The plot is very clever and well worked out'--Vanity Fair.

London: DIGBY, LONG & Co., 18 Bouverie Street, Fleet St., E.C.

THE MANDARIN'S FAN

by

FERGUS HUME

AUTHOR OF

"THE MYSTERY OF A HANSOM CAB," ETC.

SECOND EDITION

LONDON

DIGBY, LONG & CO.

18 BOUVERIE STREET, FLEET STREET, E.C.

1905

CONTENTS

CHAPTER. PAGE.

I. THE ADVERTISEMENT 1

II. DR. FORGE 13

III. MISS WHARF AT HOME 27

IV. RUPERT'S SECRET 40

V. CONCERNING THE FAN 53

VI. BURGH'S STORY 65

VII. THE WARNING 78

VIII. THE BEGINNING OF THE BALL 90

IX. THE END OF THE BALL 104

X. A MYSTERIOUS CASE 118

XI. THE CANTON ADVENTURE 132

XII. AT THE INQUEST 147

XIII. THE WILL 160

XIV. A MYSTERIOUS LETTER 172

XV. THE ROTHERHITHE DEN 185

XVI. THE FAN MYSTERY 196