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| 1912 1913 1914 | |
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Publishing: Blake author A. G. Pearson dies. The arrival of many of Blake's greatest opponents marks the beginning of the 'Golden Age'. Blake: According to THE EARLY CHRONICLES OF SEXTON BLAKE 1: THE GREAT HOTEL MYSTERY, a teenage Sexton Blake went through a lean period, tried to join the police force but was turned down, and finally found a position with Farrow's Private Detective Agency. In BROTHER DETECTIVES! we learn that Blake owns a yacht named The Swift. This is a challenging year for the detective as a plethora of new über-criminals appear, including Dr. Huxton Rymer, Professor Kew, Mlle. Yvonne Cartier and Wu Ling and the Brotherhood of the Yellow Beetle. | |
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THE BOYS' FRIEND · Issue 628 · 21/6/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 2d TINKER ABROAD by Anon. (Cecil Hayter) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: None at present. Unrated |
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THE BOYS' FRIEND · Issue 648 · 8/11/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 2d THE FIFTH AT TELFORD by Anon. (Cecil Hayter) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: None at present. Unrated |
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THE BOYS' FRIEND · Issue 650 · 22/11/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 2d LITTLE TINKER'S VISITOR by Anon. (Cecil Hayter) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: None at present. Unrated |
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THE BOYS' FRIEND · Issue 652 · 6/12/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 2d TINKER'S FIG PUDDING by Anon. (Cecil Hayter) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: None at present. Unrated |
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THE BOYS' FRIEND · Issue 654 · 20/12/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 2d TINKER'S TANGO TEA by Anon. (Cecil Hayter) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: None at present. Unrated |
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THE BOYS' FRIEND LIBRARY · Issue 228 · May 1913 · Amalgamated Press · 3d THE GREAT MINING SWINDLE by Anon. (G. H. Teed) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: Story features Dr. Huxton Rymer. Unrated |
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THE BOYS' FRIEND LIBRARY · Issue 229 · June 1913 · Amalgamated Press · 3d TINKER'S SCHOOLDAYS by Anon. (Cecil Hayter) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: This is an abridged reprint of a serial that ran in THE BOYS' FRIEND from issue 537 to 562 (1911). Unrated |
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THE BOYS' FRIEND LIBRARY · 232 · Jul. 1913 · Amalgamated Press · 3d TINKER'S SCHOOLDAYS: THE FOUR MUSKETEERS by Anon. (Cecil Hayter) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: None Notes: This is an abridged version of a serial that ran in THE BOYS' FRIEND from issue 562 to 586 (1912). Unrated |
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THE BOYS' FRIEND LIBRARY · Issue 246 · Nov. 1913 · Amalgamated Press · 3d THE SLAVE MARKET by Anon. (Cecil Hayter) · Illustrator: Val Reading SEXTON BLAKE'S ZULU by Anon. (Cecil Hayter) · Illustrator: Val Reading Other content: None Notes: A double issue with two stories featuring Sir Richard Losely and Lobangu. The stories are reprints from UNION JACK issues 171 and 181. Unrated |
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THE BOYS' FRIEND LIBRARY · Issue 248 · Dec. 1913 · Amalgamated Press · 3d THE GHOST OF RUPERT FORBES by Anon. (Ernest Semphill) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: Rupert Forbes, once a leader of society until he was discovered to be the head of an international gang of forgers, is being transported from prison to court when a train crash gives him the opportunity to escape. He takes the money and clothing of one of the crash victims, Austin Graves, and creates a new identity: Gerald Austin. In this guise, over the next twelve months, he rises to a position of power as a financial magnate. He employs Graves' niece, Dorothy Ford, as his secretary and makes romantic advances towards her, knowing that she is due a large inheritance. She rejects him, being already engaged to Donald Grey, who is the son of a casualty of Rupert Forbes's crooked dealings. Dorothy notices that Austin is a young man disguised to look older. Furthermore, she finds that he is in possession of her uncle's watch. She tells Donald Grey of this and he promises to go to Sexton Blake. However, that night, Grey is framed by Forbes for a robbery and is tricked into going abroad, where he is held captive. Dorothy visits Blake who, after piecing together the clues, is quick to conclude that Gerald Austin is behind events and is, in fact, Rupert Forbes. Meanwhile, Forbes puts into motion another scheme which deprives a baronet of two hundred thousand pounds. Blake investigates and once again sees evidence of Forbes's involvement. By now, though, Forbes knows that the detective is on to him and so he attempts to murder Blake but is foiled by Pedro. Sexton Blake retaliates by tricking 'Gerald Austin' into leaving examples of his fingerprints, which are then matched with those of Forbes at Scotland Yard. He then taps into Forbes's telephone and learns that the crook is planning to intercept a secret shipment of bullion meant for the Bank of England. Forbes kidnaps Dorothy and takes her to Rotterdam, not realising that Tinker has stowed away on his barge. He imprisons the girl in a cell under the house of Van Hayden, a crooked diamond dealer. Donald Grey is held in the cell next door and manages to escape with his fiance. Blake arrives at the house disguised as Gerald Austin and is met there by Forbes, disguised as Van Hayden. The detective is exposed, captured and imprisoned on the same barge in which Tinker is hiding. The villains tow this out to sea to sink it but, under cover of a thick fog, Blake and Tinker unfasten the tow rope and make a getaway. They then fake the sinking of the barge. Believing them dead, Forbes returns to London, disguises himself as Sexton Blake, and enters the detective's Baker Street rooms to retrieve the evidence against him. Finding that the detective has foreseen this move, he leaves empty handed. With his assistant, Tony, he then travels to Plymouth to intercept the bullion while disguised as Detective-Inspector Martin. However, Blake and Scotland Yard have set an ambush and Forbes is finally captured. He receives a life sentence. Trivia: Detective-Inspector Martin is described as being blue-eyed and a wearer of spectacles. Two of the 'street arabs' who occasionally assist Blake are named: The Weasel and Tiny. This is a reprint of UNION JACK issue 269 (1908). It is the middle of a trilogy which began with THE MYSTERY OF THE EGYPTIAN BONDS (THE PENNY PICTORIAL, issue 491, 24/10/1908) and which ends with THE MERVYN MYSTERY (THE BOYS' FRIEND LIBRARY, issue 96, Sep. 1909). Rating:  A long, extremely well-written and thrilling tale.
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THE BOYS' REALM · Vol. 12 Issue 600 · 29/11/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 2d THE EARLY CHRONICLES OF SEXTON BLAKE 1: THE GREAT HOTEL MYSTERY by Anon. (E. J. Gannon) · Illustrator: E. E. Briscoe Other content: Your Editor's Christmas Chat (ed.); Bravo, The Gunners by Captain Malcom Arnold; The Sports Promoter by Andrew Gray; The Rival Marines by Andrew Gray; The Spy of the Team by Arthur Steffens; The Bootboy of St. Bart's by Robert Murray; Blacktown's Xmas Box by Walter Edwards; The Sporting Journalist by Geoffrey Gordon; The Pride of the Plains by Cecil Hayter. Notes: Double Christmas issue. This short adventure takes place during Sexton Blake's early years before he was established as a consulting detective. Although his age isn't mentioned, he seems to be around 19 or 20. Blake is down on his luck and for the past few months he has earned practically nothing. The tale begins with him taking a physical prior to joining the police force. But having been without a proper meal for many weeks, his condition is poor and he fails the examination. Then a newspaper placard catches his attention. A middle-aged gentleman called Romer Culverston has gone missing; he walked out of his lodgings three days ago and never returned. The police are baffled, so Blake decides to do a little investigating of his own... Trivia: Blake lives in lodgings in Victoria. Rating:  By the end of this case, Blake's reputation is given a lift and the story ends with him finding a position with Farrow's Private Detective Agency. It's a slight tale but well told and interesting for the insight it gives into a little known period of Sexton Blake's life.
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THE DREADNOUGHT · Vol.2 issue 32 · 4/1/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE MAN FROM SCOTLAND YARD (part 6) by Anon. (Ernest Sempill aka Michael Storm) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: Story features George Marsden Plummer. This is a serialised reprint of UNION JACK issue 222 (1925). Rating:
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THE DREADNOUGHT · Vol.2 issue 33 · 11/1/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE MAN FROM SCOTLAND YARD (part 7) by Anon. (Ernest Sempill aka Michael Storm) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: Story features George Marsden Plummer. This is a serialised reprint of UNION JACK issue 222 (1925). Rating:
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THE DREADNOUGHT · Vol.2 issue 34 · 18/1/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE MAN FROM SCOTLAND YARD (part 8) by Anon. (Ernest Sempill aka Michael Storm) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: Story features George Marsden Plummer. This is a serialised reprint of UNION JACK issue 222 (1925). Rating:
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THE DREADNOUGHT · issue 35 · 25/1/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE MAN OF MANY DISGUISES (part 1) by Anon. (Ernest Sempill aka Michael Storm) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: Story features George Marsden Plummer. Unrated |
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THE DREADNOUGHT · issue 36 · 1/2/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE MAN OF MANY DISGUISES (part 2) by Anon. (Ernest Sempill aka Michael Storm) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: Story features George Marsden Plummer. Unrated |
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THE DREADNOUGHT · issue 37 · 8/2/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE MAN OF MANY DISGUISES (part 3) by Anon. (Ernest Sempill aka Michael Storm) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: Story features George Marsden Plummer. Unrated |
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THE DREADNOUGHT · issue 38 · 15/2/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE MAN OF MANY DISGUISES (part 4) by Anon. (Ernest Sempill aka Michael Storm) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: Story features George Marsden Plummer. Unrated |
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THE DREADNOUGHT · issue 39 · 22/2/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE MAN OF MANY DISGUISES (part 5) by Anon. (Ernest Sempill aka Michael Storm) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: Story features George Marsden Plummer. Unrated |
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THE DREADNOUGHT · issue 40 · 1/3/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE MAN OF MANY DISGUISES (part 6) by Anon. (Ernest Sempill aka Michael Storm) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: Story features George Marsden Plummer. Unrated |
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THE DREADNOUGHT · issue 41 · 8/3/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE MAN OF MANY DISGUISES (part 7) by Anon. (Ernest Sempill aka Michael Storm) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: Story features George Marsden Plummer. Unrated |
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THE DREADNOUGHT · issue 42 · 15/3/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE MAN OF MANY DISGUISES (part 8) by Anon. (Ernest Sempill aka Michael Storm) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: Story features George Marsden Plummer. Unrated |
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THE DREADNOUGHT · issue 47 · 19/4/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE MAN WHO VANISHED (part ?) by Anon. (Ernest Sempill aka Michael Storm) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: Story features George Marsden Plummer. Unrated |
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THE DREADNOUGHT · issue 48 · 26/4/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE MAN WHO VANISHED (part ?) by Anon. (Ernest Sempill aka Michael Storm) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: The Cliveden Redskins by Charles Hamilton; Contraband of War by Anon.; The Taming of the Third by David Goodwin; Delhi — Its Loss, Siege, and Fall (article); The Bully of the Barracks by Andrew Gray; The Kidnapped Boxer by Anon.; The Cad of the School by Robert Comrade; The Dreadnought League (ed.); The Boy Mill-Owner by Anon. Notes: Story features George Marsden Plummer. Unrated |
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THE DREADNOUGHT · issue 49 · 3/5/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE MAN WHO VANISHED (final part) by Anon. (Ernest Sempill aka Michael Storm) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: Story features George Marsden Plummer. Unrated |
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THE DREADNOUGHT · Vol.4 Issue 61 · 26/7/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE GREAT CONSPIRACY (part 1) by Anon. (Norman Goddard) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: I don't own this issue but the episode's content is summarised in the issue that follows. An eccentric American millionaire named Silas P. Fosdyke is enraged when Sir Henry Lovelace refuses to sell his famous jewel collection. Fordyke is approached by Count Ivor Carlac, who offers to get the jewels in return for £200,000. The American consents. Assisted by a crook named Pendleton — who operates under the alias of James Carter — Carlac kidnaps Lovelace's daughter, Marjorie, and demands the jewels in return for her safe release. Sexton Blake, Tinker and William Spearing take up the case and, together with Marjorie's fiance, Vincent Treehearn, they track Carlac to a cottage near Beckenham. Carlac sees them approaching and leaps into a car to escape. As it speeds away, Blake dives at it ... Rating: 
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THE DREADNOUGHT · Vol.4 Issue 62 · 2/8/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE GREAT CONSPIRACY (part 2) by Anon. (Norman Goddard) · Illustrator: H. M. Lewis Other content: The Dreadnought League (ed.); Won by a Touch by A. S. Hardy; The Fourth Form at Courthope by David Goodwin; Gordon of the Greys by Alec G. Pearson; Buffalo Bill's Boyhood by Claude Custer; Shut from the World by Andrew Craig; The Film Favourite by Colin Collins; Dead Man's Quest by Anon. Notes: Blake misses the car and Carlac speeds away. Some days later, an almost penniless, George Marsden Plummer decides to break into a large house. However, he spots another man who has evidentally had the same idea and so waits for him to open the safe in the building's study. This done, Plummer jumps into through the French windows only to find that the burglar is his old partner John Marsh. The two men agree to work together but are interrupted when the door opens and a man comes through wielding a pistol. Plummer recognises him as Count Ivor Carlac. The three criminals decide to team up to rob Sir Henry Lovelace. His jewel collection will be on display at his daughter Marjorie's coming-of-age party. They'll be guarded by William Spearing. The three crooks plan to kidnap Spearing and — with Carlac disguised and masquerading as the detective — steal the jewels. Plummer, though, secretly plots to betray his two colleagues. They put their scheme into action: Plummer, disguised as the Home Secretary, visits Spearing, lures him into a car and tries to knock him unconscious. Trivia: William Spearing's detective agency is located on Victoria Street, London. He has two assistants: Steel and Hodges. Rating:
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THE DREADNOUGHT · Vol.4 Issue 63 · 9/8/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE GREAT CONSPIRACY (part 3) by Anon. (Norman Goddard) · Illustrator: H. M. Lewis Other content: The Dreadnought League (ed.); Buffalo Bill's Boyhood by Claude Custer; Colts v County by A. S. Hardy; The Film Favourite by Colin Collins; The Fourth Form at Courthope by David Goodwin; The Passing of the King by Robert W. Comrade; Shut from the World by Andrew Craig. Notes: Finding himself under attack, Will Spearing fights back. George Marsden Plummer's green eyes give away his true identity and Spearing manages to snap handcuffs on him before being overpowered by Count Ivor Carlac. Carlac frees Plummer and they make off with their prisoner. That evening, Sexton Blake accepts an invitation to Sir Henry Lovelace's party and is shown the jewels by Marjorie. He is surprised to find that Spearing (actually, of course, Carlac) objects to his presence. Meanwhile, in a warehouse some miles away, the real Spearing is being guarded by John Marsh. However, Marsh makes a mistake which allows the detective to escape from his bonds. When the crook Pendleton is sent by Marsh to check on the prisoner, Spearing knocks him cold and flees, catching a train to Sir Henry's place. He arrives there just as Carlac departs with the jewels, climbing into a getaway car driven by Plummer. Sexton Blake realises what has happened — and that Carlac and Plummer are working together. Trivia: Sexton Blake hints that there is a woman in his life towards whom he feels a strong attraction. This is probably a reference to Mademoiselle Yvonne. Rating:
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THE DREADNOUGHT · Vol.4 Issue 64 · 16/8/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE GREAT CONSPIRACY (part 4) by Anon. (Norman Goddard) · Illustrator: H. M. Lewis Other content: The Dreadnought League (ed.); Buffalo Bill's Boyhood by Claude Custer; Seven A Side by A. S. Hardy; The Fourth Form at Courthope by David Goodwin; The Horse-Thief by Anon.; Tales of the Boxing Ring by Donnelly Shannon; The Film Favourite by Colin Collins; Shut from the World by Andrew Craig; Dead Man's Quest by Anon. Notes: William Spearing tells Blake how he had been abducted and Blake concludes that, along with Count Ivor Carlac and George Marsden Plummer, they have John Marsh to deal with. Tinker and Pedro arrive, as does Detective-Inspector Lurgan of Scotland Yard. Blake, Tinker, Pedro and Spearing go to the warehouse where the latter had been held prisoner and, from there, Pedro's nose leads them into a rough area of town where they are attacked by a mob of petty crooks. Just as they are about to be overwhelmed by the crowd, the police come to the rescue. Continuing on the trail, they follow the bloodhound to a train station, catch a train along the same route as their quarry, are led to a taxi rank, from whence they are taken to Streatham Common. Rating:
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THE DREADNOUGHT · Vol.4 Issue 65 · 23/8/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE GREAT CONSPIRACY (part 5) by Anon. (Norman Goddard) · Illustrator: H. M. Lewis Other content: Tales of the Boxing Ring by Donnelly Shannon; The Fourth Form at Courthope by David Goodwin; John Drayton's Leap by A. S. Hardy; Buffalo Bill's Boyhood by Claude Custer; The Dreadnought League (ed.); The Film Favourite by Colin Collins; The Adventure at Circle Ranch by Anon.; Shut from the World by Andrew Craig. Notes: Count Ivor Carlac and George Marsden Plummer return to Carlac's house by Streatham Common. When John Marsh also arrives, Plummer rages at him for allowing William Spearing to escape. After securing the stolen jewels in a safe, the three crooks retire for the night. At three in the morning, Plummer sneaks down the stairs, removes the jewels from the safe, and departs. He is spotted by Blake, Tinker and Spearing, who have just arrived at Streatham Common. Blake sets Spearing on his trail, then he and Tinker return to Baker Street. Detective-Inspector Lurgan is given the address of the house and told of Carlac and Marsh's presence there. The next morning, Blake receives a letter from Plummer in which the criminal informs him that he has absconded with the jewels and urges him to arrest Carlac and Marsh so they are prevented from following him. Spearing reports that Plummer is in the U.S.A. Hotel, disguised as a Frenchman. Blake realises that this is the same hotel where Silas P. Fosdyke is resident. Accompanied by Detective-Inspector Martin, he waits outside Fosdyke's room and pounces as a man emerges. Unfortunately, it is the American millionaire. Inside the room, seeing the ambush, Plummer, who has traded the jewels for Fosdyke's £200,000, flees through a window. Tinker, waiting outside, pursues him. Trivia: Mention is made of Plummer's murderous attack on Tinker in THE GREAT BANK FRAUD (UNION JACK issue 473, 1912). Rating:
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THE DREADNOUGHT · Vol.4 Issue 66 · 30/8/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE GREAT CONSPIRACY (part 6) by Anon. (Norman Goddard) · Illustrator: H. M. Lewis Other content: The Dreadnought League (ed.); Buffalo Bill's Boyhood by Claude Custer; The Film Favourite by Colin Collins; Other Fellows' Jobs (article); London to Brighton by A. S. Hardy; The Fourth Form at Courthope by David Goodwin; Ned of the Black Blocks by Anon.; Shut from the World by Andrew Craig. Notes: When George Marsden Plummer sneaks from the house, Count Ivor Carlac awakens and, some moments later, realises that he has been betrayed by his fellow crook. Waking John Marsh, Carlac vows to track Plummer down in order to torture him to death. Carlac compares himself to the fictional Professor Moriarty, revealing that he has hundreds of criminals at his beck and call and will mobilise them to find Plummer. His anger increases when he finds evidence that Plummer has written to Sexton Blake telling him where Carlac and Marsh are hiding (though, of course, Blake knows their location anyway). The two men immediately leave the house and go into hiding, narrowly missing a raid led by Detective-Inspector Lurgan. The next day, Sexton Blake disguises himself as Fosdyke, sends the real millionaire on a wild goose chase, and in his guise enters the man's hotel room, breaks into the safe, and removes the jewels. However, when he turns around he finds that the real Fosdyke has returned and is holding him at gunpoint. Blake persuades the millionaire to admit his part in hiring Carlac to obtain Sir Henry Lovelace's jewel collection ... and then offers to hush the whole affair up in return for a large donation to charity. Fosdyke accepts this opportunity to clear himself. Meanwhile, as Carlac's many henchmen begin to search for Plummer, Tinker is on the trail. Rating:
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THE DREADNOUGHT · Vol.4 Issue 67 · 6/9/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE GREAT CONSPIRACY (part 7) by Anon. (Norman Goddard) · Illustrator: H. M. Lewis Other content: The Dreadnought League (ed.); The Scapegrace of the Regiment by Andrew Grey; The Fourth Form at Courthope by David Goodwin; Tom the Trammer by Allan Blair; Buffalo Bill's Boyhood by Claude Custer; The Film Favourite by Colin Collins; The Replayed Match by A. S. Hardy. Notes: My copy is missing pages so I can only describe a fragment of this episode: Following George Marsden Plummer, Tinker sees him enter a pub. Sexton Blake's assistant swaps his clothes with those of a street urchin and keeps watch on the premises. When a slightly drunken Plummer emerges, he shadows him. Count Ivor Carlac's henchmen jump Plummer and Tinker is overpowered and tied up. Both are taken to Carlac. Rating:
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THE DREADNOUGHT · Vol.4 Issue 68 · 13/9/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE MEN WHO CHANGED PLACES; OR, THE MYSTERY OF CONVICT 308 (part 1) by Anon. (E. W. Alais) · Illustrator: H. M. Lewis Other content: The Dreadnought League (ed.); The Fourth Form at Courthope by David Goodwin; A Warning to Young Footballers (article); Buffalo Bill's Boyhood by Claude Custer; Champions of Scotland by A. S. Hardy; The Scapegrace of the Regiment by Andrew Grey; Other Fellows Jobs (article); The Film Favourite by Colin Collins. Notes: Convict 308 — Robert Carling — escapes from Princetown gaol. He discovers a bundle of civilian's clothes, and is about to undoe them when a stranger rushes on him. The two fight; but after a moment the stranger's demeanour changes, and they shake hands. Carling explains his needs, and asks for some money. The stranger gives him the clothes and a bunch of seals — all the valuables he possesses. Carling thanks him and goes on his way. He comes across a lonely cottage, and helps himself to food and drink, at the same time changing his old pruning-knife for a large carving knife which he finds there. Then, having refreshed himself, he starts anew for his destination. The Governor of the prison asks Sexton Blake to take up the trail of Convict 308, for in the lonely cottage where he had last been traced had been found the body of a man, brutally stabbed to death, and in the fireplace the pruning-knife. Carling is immediately suspected. Blake, accompanied by Tinker and Pedro, journeys down to the lonely old cottage and starts on the track of the escaped convict. Trivia: The new serial introduces Captain Horatio Peak. It was reprinted as THE CASE OF CONVICT 308 in THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY 1st series issue 7 (1916). Rating: THE GREAT CONSPIRACY (part 8) by Anon. (Norman Goddard) Notes: In the power of Count Ivor Carlac, George Marsden Plummer is deprived of the £200,000 and threatened with torture, while Tinker is told that he will be placed in a weighted sack and dropped into the river. The two prisoners are then tied and bound and left in a locked room. Tinker manages to free himself and makes a bargain with Plummer: if the criminal helps him to escape, Tinker will, in turn, aid him. They will then agree to go their separate ways. Plummer consents to this. Gaining their freedom, they split up, and Tinker calls Sexton Blake, giving him Carlac's location. Led by Detective-Inspector Lurgan and Detective-Inspector Martin, and accompanied by Blake, Tinker, and William Spearing, the police raid the villain's premises. Carlac's men are rounded up. Blake bursts into a room and finds himself confronted by Carlac and John Marsh. They overpower him and tie him up. The same fate falls to Spearing. The two crooks then disguise themselves as the two detectives and calmly walk out of the building. Carlac, though, forgets to take the £200,000 with him Rating:
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THE DREADNOUGHT · Vol.4 Issue 69 · 20/9/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE MEN WHO CHANGED PLACES; OR, THE MYSTERY OF CONVICT 308 (part 2) by Anon. (E. W. Alais) · Illustrator: H. M. Lewis Other content: The Dreadnought League (ed.); Buffalo Bill's Boyhood by Claude Custer; A Footballer's Luck by A. S. Hardy; The Fourth Form at Courthope by David Goodwin; The Mystery of the Mine by Anon.; Training Absurdities (article); The Film Favourite by Colin Collins; The Scapegrace of the Regiment by Andrew Grey. Notes: Pedro's nose leads Blake and Tinker towards the town of Market Dutton. There, some time earlier, Carling visits his former partner in crime, Captain Horatio Peak, and threatens to kill him. Peak had promised that, while Carling was in prison, he would send money to his wife. She, however, had received nothing and had died, leaving Carling's son and daughter as orphans. They had subsequently disappeared. Peak is defended by a young girl named Little Pearl, who Carling recognises as his long lost daughter. After dismissing her, Peak informs the escaped convict that he has been looking after his children and found a good job for his son. He then sends Carling to a place of safety after promising to raise enough cash for him to leave the country. Meanwhile, Blake and Tinker draw ever closer. Rating: THE GREAT CONSPIRACY (part 9) by Anon. (Norman Goddard) Notes: Blake and William Spearing are discovered and freed from their bonds. Blake is frustrated that Count Ivor Carlac, George Marsden Plummer and John Marsh are once again at liberty. Rating:
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THE DREADNOUGHT · Vol.4 Issue 70 · 27/9/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE MEN WHO CHANGED PLACES; OR, THE MYSTERY OF CONVICT 308 (part 3) by Anon. (E. W. Alais) · Illustrator: H. M. Lewis Other content: The Dreadnought League (ed.); The Fourth Form at Courthope by David Goodwin; The Outside-Right by A. S. Hardy; Other Fellows' Jobs (article); Buffalo Bill's Boyhood by Claude Custer; Stumbling Blocks to Success by John Walker; The Scapegrace of the Regiment by Andrew Grey; The Death Seam by Allan Blair; The Film Favourite by Colin Collins. Notes: The next day, Captain Horatio Peak, who has no intention of supplying money to Carling, manipulates Little Pearl into reporting the escaped convict to the police. When she does so, Blake and Tinker are present at the police station. They decide to accompany two constables to Carling's hiding place — inside one of a row of abandoned houses. When they confront him, he leaps out of a window and runs away. The two constables, believing that he is making for the river, head in that direction. Blake and Tinker, though, follow him to an old ruined tower. Rating:
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THE DREADNOUGHT · Vol.4 Issue 71 · 4/10/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE MEN WHO CHANGED PLACES; OR, THE MYSTERY OF CONVICT 308 (part 4) by Anon. (E. W. Alais) · Illustrator: H. M. Lewis Other content: The Dreadnought League (ed.); The Last in the League by Steve Bloomer and Ambrose Earle; Buffalo Bill's Boyhood by Claude Custer; Are We Speed Mad? (article); A Double Disaster by Anon.; The Fourth Form at Courthope by David Goodwin; The Bounder by A. S. Hardy; The Scapegrace of the Regiment by Andrew Grey; The Film Favourite by Colin Collins. Notes: Carling climbs to the top of the tower and there becomes trapped on a ledge. Blake and Tinker rescue him and tell him that he is wanted for murder. Carling denies murdering the man in the cottage and the detective believes him. Blake sneaks the escaped convict into his hotel and listens to the full story of his escape from prison. However, as the Baker Street man ponders the tale, Carling becomes increasingly nervous and finally panics, attacking Blake. Rating:
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THE DREADNOUGHT · Vol.4 Issue 72 · 11/10/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE MEN WHO CHANGED PLACES; OR, THE MYSTERY OF CONVICT 308 (part 5) by Anon. (E. W. Alais) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: I don't currently own issues 72, 73 or 74 but according to the summary in issue 75 the following events occur over the span of these three installments: Blake hears Carling's story and promises to help. The escaped convict is returned to gaol. Sending Tinker to keep an eye on Captain Horatio Peak and to find an individual that Carling calls 'Blight', Sexton Blake returns to the scene of the murder. He meets a gipsy named Lengro Lea, who tells the detective it was Jeb Irons who committed the murder. Blake returns with Lea to the gipsy encampment where Irons is living. Meanwhile, Tinker sees burglars entering Captain Peak's house and, hearing a scream, hurries to the rescue with Pedro. Rating:
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THE DREADNOUGHT · Vol.4 Issue 73 · 18/10/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE MEN WHO CHANGED PLACES; OR, THE MYSTERY OF CONVICT 308 (part 6) by Anon. (E. W. Alais) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: See issue 72 (above). Rating:
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THE DREADNOUGHT · Vol.4 Issue 74 · 25/10/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE MEN WHO CHANGED PLACES; OR, THE MYSTERY OF CONVICT 308 (part 7) by Anon. (E. W. Alais) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: See issue 72 (above). Rating:
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THE DREADNOUGHT · Vol.4 Issue 75 · 1/11/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE MEN WHO CHANGED PLACES; OR, THE MYSTERY OF CONVICT 308 (part 8) by Anon. (E. W. Alais) · Illustrator: H. M. Lewis Other content: A Chat With My Chums (ed.); Pride of the Prairie by Claude Custer; Max the Magnificent by Herbert Allingham; The Scapegrace of the Regiment by Andrew Grey; The Terror of the Mess-Deck by Geoffrey Murray; The Last in the League by Steve Bloomer and Ambrose Earle; Buffalo Bill's Boyhood by Claude Custer. Notes: With Pedro's help Tinker chases the burglars off, accompanied by frenzied screaming from upstairs. Little Pearl, who doesn't recognise Tinker due to his disguise, tells Captain Horatio Peak that he saved her. Peak, though, is more concerned with his bureau, which he checks to see whether anything is missing. Tinker notes that it is filled with postal orders and cheques. Hitting upon an idea, Sexton Blake's assistant suggests that he was in the street in search of lodgings. Peak takes the bait and offers him a room in the house, which Tinker promptly accepts, giving his name as Wilberforce Clayton. He quickly learns that Captain Horatio Peak and 'Mr Blight' are one and the same. Curious about the screams he had heard from upstairs, Tinker meets the source of them three days later: Mrs Peak — an invalid who begs him to loan her four shillings, which he does. She promptly spends this on drink, gets drunk and attacks Little Pearl, who she accuses of being her husband's spy. Tinker steps in to try to defend the young girl. Rating:
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THE DREADNOUGHT · Vol.4 Issue 76 · 8/11/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE MEN WHO CHANGED PLACES; OR, THE MYSTERY OF CONVICT 308 (part 9) by Anon. (E. W. Alais) · Illustrator: H. M. Lewis Other content: A Chat With My Chums (ed.); Pride of the Prairie by Claude Custer; Max the Magnificent by Herbert Allingham; The Volunteer by Geoffrey Murray; Playing for Applause (article); Other Fellows' Jobs (article); The Last in the League by Steve Bloomer and Ambrose Earle; The Scapegrace of the Regiment by Andrew Grey; Buffalo Bill's Boyhood by Claude Custer. Notes: Tinker manages to calm Mrs Peak down and she falls into a drunken sleep. When Captain Horatio Peak returns to the house, he is concerned to find that he has received far fewer postal orders and cheques through the post than is normal. Among the envelopes there is one with a written message from Jeb Irons informing him that plans have gone wrong and demanding that Peak comes to the hiding place tomorrow with money so that he can get out of the country. Tinker also receives a message, from Sexton Blake asking him to meet the detective on the following day. Blake, meanwhile, is in the gipsy camp in the guise of 'Dick Martin', hoping to discover the whereabouts of Irons. Unfortunately, when Inspector Snow of the local police enters the camp in search of a thief, he recognises Blake and this is noticed by Elsa, the queen of the gipsies. Her sons, Tawno and Jose begin to plot against the detective. Rating:
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THE DREADNOUGHT · Vol.4 Issue 77 · 15/11/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE MEN WHO CHANGED PLACES; OR, THE MYSTERY OF CONVICT 308 (part 10) by Anon. (E. W. Alais) · Illustrator: H. M. Lewis Other content: A Chat With My Chums (ed.); The Last in the League by Steve Bloomer and Ambrose Earle; Pride of the Prairie by Claude Custer; Let it Rip (article); Max the Magnificent by Herbert Allingham; Champion of the Fleet by Geoffrey Murray; The Scapegrace of the Regiment by Andrew Grey. Notes: Jess, the daughter of the gipsy queen, acting under instructions from Tawno and Jose, lures Sexton Blake out onto the moors. The detective believes that she is leading him to Jeb Irons' hiding place, but in fact she guides him straight into a trap and he is knocked unconscious by Tawno. The Gipsy brothers then lower him into an abandoned mine shaft and leave him there to die. Tinker and Pedro, meanwhile, are on their way to reunite with Blake but encounter Tawno and Jose in the road. The gipsies are currently hard up for cash since Jeb accidentally killed the horse — Diamond Star — that he was trying to dope ahead of a race meet. Had his mission been successful, they would have won a fortune but, as it is, their one hope now, they decide, is to capture and sell Pedro. Tinker, of course, is having none of this, so he and the bloodhound square up for a fight. Rating:
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THE DREADNOUGHT · Vol.4 Issue 78 · 22/11/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE MEN WHO CHANGED PLACES; OR, THE MYSTERY OF CONVICT 308 (part 11) by Anon. (E. W. Alais) · Illustrator: H. M. Lewis Other content: A Chat With My Chums (ed.); Max the Magnificent by Herbert Allingham; Pride of the Prairie by Claude Custer; The Traitor of the Team by Geoffrey Murray; Unexpected Results (article); Other Fellows' Jobs (article); The Last in the League by Steve Bloomer and Ambrose Earle; The Scapegrace of the Regiment by Andrew Grey. Notes: Deciding that discretion is the better part of valour, Tinker turns and runs away, followed by Pedro and, farther behind, the gipsy brothers. He arrives at an inn where Lengro Lea happens to be drinking. Lea and the landlord, Joe Turnbull, wonder where Sexton Blake — who they know as 'Dick Martin' — has got to. They and Tinker decide to go to the gipsy camp to search for him and are accompanied by Turnbull's hugely strong son, Dave. They head towards the gipsy camp but, on the way, are diverted by Pedro's nose, which picks up Sexton Blake's scent. The bloodhound leads them to the old mine. Rating:
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THE DREADNOUGHT · Vol.4 Issue 79 · 29/11/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE MEN WHO CHANGED PLACES; OR, THE MYSTERY OF CONVICT 308 (part 12) by Anon. (E. W. Alais) · Illustrator: H. M. Lewis Other content: A Chat With My Chums (ed.); Pride of the Prairie by Claude Custer; Max the Magnificent by Herbert Allingham; Other Fellows' Jobs (article); The Green-Eyed Monster by Anon.; Saving His Side by A. S. Hardy; Not Justice! (article); The Scapegrace of the Regiment by Andrew Grey; The Last in the League by Steve Bloomer and Ambrose Earle. Notes: Upon discovering Sexton Blake at the bottom of a mineshaft, Tinker has Dave Turnbull lower him into it using a long rope. By this means, the detective is rescued. Meanwhile, Captain Horatio Peak is becoming paranoid because he failed to respond to Jeb Irons' letter and expects retribution. Sure enough, Jeb turns up and demands money, telling Peak that he wants to stay in the house for a night. He also confesses to killing the man in the cottage — the murder Carling has been accused of. Rating:
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THE DREADNOUGHT · Vol.4 Issue 80 · 6/12/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE MEN WHO CHANGED PLACES; OR, THE MYSTERY OF CONVICT 308 (part 13) by Anon. (E. W. Alais) · Illustrator: H. M. Lewis Other content: A Chat With My Chums (ed.); Pride of the Prairie by Claude Custer; Max the Magnificent by Herbert Allingham; The Fool of the Foretop by Geoffrey Murray; Successes and Failures (article); Other Fellows' Jobs (article); The Last in the League by Steve Bloomer and Ambrose Earle; The Scapegrace of the Regiment by Andrew Grey. Notes: Jeb Irons suggests that Captain Horatio Peak is as much responsible for the murder of the old man as he is, for Peak was behind the plan to dope the horse Diamond Star — a plan which old man Fulger was meant to be involved in but backed out of before threatening to expose the plot to the police. The gipsy also reveals that Fulger had two letters in which the scheme was outlined — and the whereabouts of these letters is unknown. All this is overheard by an eavesdropper — Peak's wife — who silently flees when it becomes too dangerous to remain outside the door. The Captain tells Irons that he has a plan which involves Little Pearl's brother — Carling's son, Brydon — who works as a clerk at Gosset's stables where Diamond Star had been housed. Every Friday, Brydon rides a horse to the bank to pick up £200 in cash which is used to pay the stablehands' wages. Jeb vows that, with help from Tawno and Jose, he will commit a highway robbery. Meanwhile, Sexton Blake goes on a night-time expedition to recover the black box in which are stored Fulger's letters. In this he is successful, and so Peak's part in the crimes is revealed. That same night, Tinker takes Pedro for a walk on the moor and interrupts the attack on Brydon. As he approaches, the horse, frightened by Pedro, bolts and the trap attached to it runs over Jeb Irons. The other two pick him up and flee. Tinker chases after the horse and eventually catches it up, finding Lengro Lea holding it — he had been walking in the road and saw it galloping towards him. In the back of the trap they find young Brydon, badly injured, and they take him to the inn where he's treated by Sexton Blake. Guessing that the gipsy brothers would have taken Jeb to their camp, Blake sends Tinker and Lea with a note to police Inspector Snow. Mr Gosset, of the stables, arrives accompanied by Little Pearl. Rating:
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THE DREADNOUGHT · Vol.4 Issue 81 · 13/12/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE MEN WHO CHANGED PLACES; OR, THE MYSTERY OF CONVICT 308 (part 14) by Anon. (E. W. Alais) · Illustrator: H. M. Lewis Other content: A Chat With My Chums (ed.); A London Lad in Mill-Land by Escott-Inman; Pride of the Prairie by Claude Custer; Max the Magnificent by Herbert Allingham; Thomson's Luck by Clement Hale; The Football Reporter (article); The Last in the League by Steve Bloomer and Ambrose Earle. Notes: While Little Pearl nurses her brother, big Dave Turnbull rapidly falls in love with her. Meanwhile, Inspector Snow leads a police raid on the gipsy camp in search of the three 'highwaymen'. Tawno and Jose are taken into custody but the injured Jeb is protected by Jess, who points a shotgun at the inspector. Her mother tries to wrestle the weapon away from her and in the struggle it goes off, killing Jess. Jeb Irons is arrested but isn't expected to live for much longer. He makes a full confession. With his various schemes collapsing about his ears, Captain Horatio Peak decides that the time has come for flight. However, in order to start a new life elsewhere, he requires funds. He therefore starts plotting to rob a charity for which he acts as treasurer. Rating:
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THE DREADNOUGHT · Vol.4 Issue 82 · 20/12/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE MEN WHO CHANGED PLACES; OR, THE MYSTERY OF CONVICT 308 (part 15) by Anon. (E. W. Alais) · Illustrator: H. M. Lewis Other content: A Chat With My Chums (ed.); A London Lad in Mill-Land by Escott-Inman; Pride of the Prairie by Claude Custer; To a Mess-Mate's Rescue by Geoffrey Murray; Where the Money Goes (article); Max the Magnificent by Herbert Allingham; Other Fellows' Jobs (article); The Last in the League by Steve Bloomer and Ambrose Earle. Notes: Captain Horatio Peak calls a meeting of the members of the charity and gives them a heartfelt speech about the desperate plight of dog-collar makers. In response, the gathering begins to make its donations — which Peak intends to use to flee the country. However, as the cheques are being written, his wife enters the room and denounces him. He may seem a gentleman, she says, but he leads a double life and is, in fact, a bookmaker, swindler, gambler and coward. Peak's guests leave, taking their money with them. Driven to fury, the captain grabs a scimitar which had decorated one of his walls and tries to murder his wife. Just as he swings the sword, a figure leaps into the house and grabs his wrist. Rating:
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THE DREADNOUGHT · Vol.4 Issue 83 · 27/12/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE MEN WHO CHANGED PLACES; OR, THE MYSTERY OF CONVICT 308 (part 16) by Anon. (E. W. Alais) · Illustrator: H. M. Lewis Other content: A Chat With My Chums (ed.); The Midnight Snow Fight by Charles Hamilton; Pride of the Prairie by Claude Custer; A New Magic Lantern (article); Max the Magnificent by Herbert Allingham; A London Lad in Mill-Land by Escott-Inman; The Xmas Mutiny by Geoffrey Murray; Catches and Games for Christmas (article); The Last in the League by Steve Bloomer and Ambrose Earle. Notes: The intruder — and Mrs Peak's saviour — is Sexton Blake, who now has all the evidence he needs to prove that Captain Horatio Peak — whose real name is Josiah Peak — committed the crime for which Robert Carling was sentenced. The villain is arrested and sent to trial, where he receives a rather light sentence thanks to the many people who, still under the spell of his 'gentlemanly' facade, are willing to vouch for him. Blake sees to it that Mrs Peak is able to start a new life. Jeb Irons dies from his injuries. Robert Carling is set free and all charges against him are dropped. He is reunited with his son and daughter. At a celebratory meal, Dave Turnbull asks Carling for his daughter's hand in marriage. Trivia: The final installment appears in the first issue published in 1914. Rating:
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THE PENNY PICTORIAL · Issue 711 · 11/1/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE MAN IN THE TRAIN by Anon. (Unknown) · Illustrator: R. J. MacDonald Other content: Unknown Notes: None at present. Unrated |
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THE PENNY PICTORIAL · Issue 712 · 18/1/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE MARFIELD JEWEL MYSTERY by Anon. (Unknown) · Illustrator: W. Tayler Other content: Unknown Notes: None at present. Unrated |
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THE PENNY PICTORIAL · Issue 714 · 1/2/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE CLEYTON MYSTERY by Anon. (Unknown) · Illustrator: R. J. MacDonald Other content: Unknown Notes: None at present. Unrated |
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THE PENNY PICTORIAL · Issue 715 · 8/2/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d WHEN GREEK MEETS GREEK by Anon. (Unknown) · Illustrator: R. J. MacDonald Other content: Unknown Notes: None at present. Unrated |
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THE PENNY PICTORIAL · Issue 718 · 1/3/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE AMBROSE TOWERS MYSTERY by Anon. (Unknown) · Illustrator: R. J. MacDonald Other content: Unknown Notes: None at present. Unrated |
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THE PENNY PICTORIAL · Issue 719 · 8/3/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d SAVED BY A HAIR by Anon. (Unknown) · Illustrator: R. J. MacDonald Other content: Unknown Notes: None at present. Unrated |
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THE PENNY PICTORIAL · Issue 721 · 22/3/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE ELVIRA MYSTERY by Anon. (Unknown) · Illustrator: W. Taylor Other content: Unknown Notes: None at present. Unrated |
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THE PENNY PICTORIAL · Issue 725 · 19/4/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d A SIMPLE CASE by Anon. (Unknown) · Illustrator: R. J. MacDonald Other content: Unknown Notes: None at present. Unrated |
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THE PENNY PICTORIAL · Issue 731 · 31/5/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE BRANDON MEADOWS MYSTERY by Anon. (Unknown) · Illustrator: R. J. MacDonald Other content: Unknown Notes: None at present. Unrated |
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THE PENNY PICTORIAL · Issue 737 · 12/7/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d A HOLIDAY CASE by Anon. (Unknown) · Illustrator: R. J. MacDonald Other content: Unknown Notes: None at present. Unrated |
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THE PENNY PICTORIAL · Issue 754 · 8/11/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE CLUE OF THE FOOTPRINTS by Anon. (Unknown) · Illustrator: R. J. MacDonald Other content: Unknown Notes: None at present. Unrated |
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THE PENNY PICTORIAL · Issue 755 · 15/11/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE ROLT GREEN MOTOR MYSTERY by Anon. (Unknown) · Illustrator: R. J. MacDonald Other content: Unknown Notes: None at present. Unrated |
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THE PENNY PICTORIAL · Issue 756 · 22/11/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE MYSTERY OF THE GOLDEN GOD by Anon. (Unknown) · Illustrator: R. J. MacDonald Other content: Unknown Notes: None at present. Unrated |
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THE PENNY PICTORIAL · Issue 757 · 29/11/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE LOCKED DOOR by Anon. (Unknown) · Illustrator: R. J. MacDonald Other content: Unknown Notes: None at present. Unrated |
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THE PENNY POPULAR · Vol. 1 Issue 13 · 4/1/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE MYSTERY OF ROOM NO. 77 by Anon. (A. G. Pearson) · Illustrator: Harry Lane Other content: Marmaduke's Master-Stroke! by Martin Clifford; Tracked Down by S. Martin Hook. Notes: This is an abridged reprint of UNION JACK issue 79 SECRETS OF A GREAT CITY (1905). Unrated |
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THE PENNY POPULAR · Vol. 1 Issue 14 · 11/1/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d SEXTON BLAKE, MAN O' WAR'S MAN by Anon. (A. G. Pearson) · Illustrator: Harry Lane Other content: Tom Merry & Co.'s Strike! by Martin Clifford; The Spectre of the Tower by S. Clarke Hook. Notes: This is an abridged reprint of UNION JACK issue 102 THE NAVY DETECTIVE (1905). Unrated |
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THE PENNY POPULAR · Vol. 1 Issue 15 · 18/1/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE REDSKIN DETECTIVE by Anon. (William Murray Graydon) · Illustrator: Harry Lane Other content: Tom Merry's Theatrical Company by Martin Clifford; The Miners of Red Gulch! by S. Clarke Hook. Notes: This is an abridged reprint of UNION JACK issue 118 THE LOST CHIEF (1906). Unrated |
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THE PENNY POPULAR · Vol. 1 Issue 16 · 25/1/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE SHOWMAN DETECTIVE by Anon. (Cecily Hamilton) · Illustrator: Harry Lane Other content: The Missing Stamp! by Martin Clifford; The South Sea Smugglers! by S. Clarke Hook. Notes: This is an abridged reprint of UNION JACK issue 130 THE CIRCUS DETECTIVE (1906). Unrated |
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THE PENNY POPULAR · Vol. 1 Issue 17 · 1/2/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d £500 REWARD by Anon. (Norman Goddard) · Illustrator: Harry Lane Other content: Tom Merry & Co.'s Capture! by Martin Clifford; The Haunted Palace! by S. Clarke Hook. Notes: This is an abridged reprint of UNION JACK issue 105 SEXTON BLAKE P. C. (1905). See that issue for review notes. Rating: 
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THE PENNY POPULAR · Vol. 1 Issue 18 · 8/2/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d LORD VANCOURT'S LUCK by Anon. (E. J. Gannon) · Illustrator: Harry Lane Other content: The Stolen Captain! by Martin Clifford; Warned Off! by S. Clarke Hook; Harry Wharton's Schooldays! by Frank Richards. Notes: This is an abridged reprint of UNION JACK issue 110 THE JOCKEY DETECTIVE (1905). Unrated |
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THE PENNY POPULAR · Vol. 1 Issue 19 · 15/2/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE NEWSPAPER DETECTIVE by Anon. (E. A. Treeton) · Illustrator: Harry Lane Other content: Figgins & Co.'s Combine by Martin Clifford; The Diamond Robbers! by S. Clarke Hook; Harry Wharton's Schooldays! by Frank Richards. Notes: This is an abridged reprint of UNION JACK issue 117 THE REPORTER DETECTIVE (1906). Unrated |
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THE PENNY POPULAR · Vol. 1 Issue 20 · 22/2/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE MASTER HAND by Anon. (Norman Goddard) · Illustrator: Harry Lane Other content: The Snobs of St. Jim's by Martin Clifford; Treason's Reward by S. Clarke Hook; Harry Wharton's Schooldays! by Frank Richards. Notes: This is an abridged reprint of UNION JACK issue 108 SEXTON BLAKE'S COUP (1905). Unrated |
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THE PENNY POPULAR · Vol. 1 Issue 21 · 1/3/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE ANARCHIST TRACKER by Anon. (Norman Goddard) · Illustrator: Harry Lane Other content: The St. Jim's Joker! by Martin Clifford; The Gold-Digger's Legacy! by S. Clarke Hook; Harry Wharton's Schooldays! by Frank Richards. Notes: This is an abridged reprint of UNION JACK issue 129 THE DISGUISE DETECTIVE (1906). Unrated |
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THE PENNY POPULAR · Vol. 1 Issue 22 · 8/3/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE MYSTERY CAB by Anon. (W. B. Home-Gall) · Illustrator: Harry Lane Other content: Poor Old Tom! by Martin Clifford; The Legend of Blackwater! by S. Clarke Hook; Harry Wharton's Schooldays! by Frank Richards. Notes: This is an abridged reprint of UNION JACK issue 107 THE CAB DRIVER DETECTIVE (1905). Unrated |
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THE PENNY POPULAR · Vol. 1 Issue 23 · 15/3/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE STOLEN BLOODHOUND by Anon. (William Murray Graydon) · Illustrator: Harry Lane Other content: The Swindled Schoolboys by Martin Clifford; The Avenger by S. Clarke Hook; Harry Wharton's Schooldays! by Frank Richards. Notes: This is an abridged reprint of UNION JACK issue 160 LOST PEDRO (1906). Unrated |
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THE PENNY POPULAR · Vol. 1 Issue 24 · 22/3/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d SEXTON BLAKE, PITMAN by Anon. (E. A. Treeton) · Illustrator: Harry Lane Other content: The Terrible Three's Triumph! by Martin Clifford; By Whose Command! by S. Clarke Hook. Notes: This is an abridged reprint of UNION JACK issue 143 THE COLLIER DETECTIVE (1906). Unrated |
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THE PENNY POPULAR · Vil. 1 Issue 25 · 29/3/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d ON THE HALLS by Anon. (F. H. Evans) · Illustrator: Harry Lane Other content: The Schoolboy Editors! by Martin Clifford; A Fight For Freedom! by Arthur S. Hardy. Notes: This is an abridged reprint of UNION JACK issue 147 FOOTLIGHT FAVOURITES (1906). Unrated |
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THE PENNY POPULAR · Vol. 1 Issue 26 · 5/4/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d BROTHER DETECTIVES by Anon. (Norman Goddard) · Illustrator: Harry Lane Other content: The Form-Master's Decree! by Martin Clifford; The Cave of Mystery by S. Clarke Hook. Notes: This is an abridged reprint of UNION JACK issue 144 THE AMERICAN DETECTIVE (1906). An American detective called Cyrus Deep asks Blake to assist him with a case of kidnapping. The 14-year-old son of a US millionaire - Elias Money - is being held to ransom. When Blake is then visited by one of Money's friends, James Carew, he quickly identifies him as the villain; all he needs is evidence. The next day he receives a mocked-up photograph showing the boy being threatened and a note telling him to cease his investigation. He traces the photograph to a down-and-out photographer who confirms that he was commissioned to fake it by Carew. Cyrus Deep continues to flounder as Blake's superior skills keep him guessing but feels a little happier when he's given the task to follow Carew who Blake expects to leave the country with his hostage in tow. Unfortunately, Deep is assaulted and left unconscious. Blake learns that the villain and his captive have left on a steamer bound for America. He sends the recovered Cyrus Deep in pursuit on his own yacht, The Swift, but then learns that Carew has a plan to change ships during the voyage. He and Tinker set sail for New York, overtaking Carew to meet and arrest him at the port. Rating: Norman Goddard's version of Sexton Blake is a little too brusque, arrogant and downright rude for my tastes. In this case, he treats a well-meaning fellow detective as an inept amateur for no apparent reason other than to feed his own ego. The tale itself is slight and ends very suddenly, as if Goddard lost interest halfway through.
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THE PENNY POPULAR · Vol. 2 Issue 27 · 12/4/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d SEXTON BLAKE'S WAGER by Anon. (E. J. Gannon) · Illustrator: Harry Lane Other content: Tom Merry's Excursion! by Martin Clifford; The Boxer Outcast by Arthur S. Hardy. Notes: This is an abridged reprint of UNION JACK issue 150 THE MISSING 13 (1906). Unrated |
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THE PENNY POPULAR · Vol. 2 Issue 28 · 19/4/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE RAJAH'S BODYGUARD by Anon. (William Murray Graydon) · Illustrator: Harry Lane Other content: Tom Merry & Co.'s Substitute! by Martin Clifford; The Dead City by S. Clarke Hook. Notes: This is an abridged reprint of UNION JACK issue 152 THE STEWARD DETECTIVE (1906). Unrated |
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THE PENNY POPULAR · Vol. 2 Issue 29 · 26/4/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d SEXTON BLAKE'S JEWEL HUNT by Anon. (Cecily Hamilton) · Illustrator: Harry Lane Other content: Stolen Gold! by S. Clarke Hook; Gussy's Love Affair by Martin Clifford. Notes: This is an abridged reprint of UNION JACK issue 153 SEXTON BLAKE AMONG THE BRIGANDS (1906). Unrated |
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THE PENNY POPULAR · Vol. 2 Issue 30 · 3/5/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d IN THE KAISER'S SERVICE by Anon. (Norman Goddard) · Illustrator: Harry Lane Other content: The Cad of the Form! by Martin Clifford; The Isle of Mystery! by S. Clarke Hook. Notes: This is an abridged reprint of UNION JACK issue 154 THE GERMAN DETECTIVE (1906). Unrated |
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THE PENNY POPULAR · Vol. 2 Issue 31 · 10/5/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d SEXTON BLAKE'S MISSION by Anon. (Norman Goddard) · Illustrator: Harry Lane Other content: Tom Merry's Reward! by Martin Clifford; The Eagle of Death! by S. Clarke Hook. Notes: This is an abridged reprint of UNION JACK issue 177 SALVATION ARMY BLAKE (1907). Unrated |
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THE PENNY POPULAR · Vol. 2 Issue 32 · 17/5/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE PRODIGAL'S PRIDE by Anon. (E. J. Gannon) · Illustrator: Harry Lane Other content: The Schoolboy Reformer! by Martin Clifford; Jack, Sam, & Pete's Compact by S. Clarke Hook. Notes: This is an abridged reprint of UNION JACK issue 185 THE REMITTANCE MAN (1907). Unrated |
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THE PENNY POPULAR · Vol. 2 Issue 33 · 24/5/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE SECRET OF THE GLACIER by Anon. (Cecily Hamilton) · Illustrator: Harry Lane Other content: Figgins' Blunder! by Martin Clifford; The Black Horseman! by S. Clarke Hook. Notes: This is an abridged reprint of UNION JACK issue 167 LOST ON THE ALPS (1906). Unrated |
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THE PENNY POPULAR · Vol. 2 Issue 34 · 31/5/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE MAN IN POSSESSION by Anon. (Norman Goddard) · Illustrator: Harry Lane Other content: Tom Merry's Treat! by Martin Clifford; The Russian Outlaw! by S. Clarke Hook. Notes: This is taken from chapters 1, 2, 9, 10 and 11 of UNION JACK issue 195 THE BROKERS MAN (1907). Unrated |
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THE PENNY POPULAR · Vol. 2 Issue 35 · 7/6/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE LONG LANE MYSTERY by Anon. (Norman Goddard) · Illustrator: Harry Lane Other content: The Terrible Three's Find! by Martin Clifford; The Bedouin Chief's Revenge! by S. Clarke Hook. Notes: This is taken from chapters 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 of UNION JACK issue 195 THE BROKERS MAN (1907). Unrated |
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THE PENNY POPULAR · Vol. 2 Issue 36 · 14/6/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE MISSING TREATY by Anon. (E. W. Alais) · Illustrator: Harry Lane Other content: Miss Priscilla's Champions! by Martin Clifford; The Phantom Raiders! by S. Clarke Hook. Notes: This is an abridged reprint of UNION JACK issue 187 THE EMPTY HOUSE (1907). Unrated |
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THE PENNY POPULAR · Vol. 2 Issue 37 · 21/6/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d SEXTON BLAKE ON 'CHANGE by Anon. (A. C. Murray) · Illustrator: Harry Lane Other content: The Mystery of the Idol! by Martin Clifford; The Hunters of Red Fort! by S. Clarke Hook. Notes: This is an abridged reprint of UNION JACK issue 190 THE STOCK EXCHANGE DETECTIVE (1907). Unrated |
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THE PENNY POPULAR · Vol. 2 Issue 38 · 28/6/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE PICTURE STEALERS by Anon. (Arthur Steffens) · Illustrator: Harry Lane Other content: Tom Merry & Co.'s Exhibition! by Martin Clifford; The Pool of Peril! by S. Clarke Hook. Notes: This is an abridged reprint of UNION JACK issue 191 THE STOLEN GAINSBOROUGH (1907). Unrated |
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THE PENNY POPULAR · Vol. 2 Issue 39 · 5/7/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d COUNT NAVANI'S COUP by Anon. (Norman Goddard) · Illustrator: Harry Lane Other content: On the Warpath! by Martin Clifford; Under False Colours! by S. Clarke Hook. Notes: This is an abridged reprint of UNION JACK issue 211 THE CATTLE MYSTERY (1907). Unrated |
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THE PENNY POPULAR · Vol. 2 Issue 40 · 12/7/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE PRESIDENT DETECTIVE by Anon. (E. H. Burrage) · Illustrator: Harry Lane Other content: The Peace-Maker of St. Jim's! by Martin Clifford; The Secret of the Palace! by S. Clarke Hook. Notes: This is an abridged reprint of UNION JACK issue 197 THE CASE OF THE MISSING PRESIDENT (1907). Unrated |
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THE PENNY POPULAR · Vol. 2 Issue 41 · 19/7/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d COUNTERFEIT COIN by Anon. (Arthur Steffens) · Illustrator: Harry Lane Other content: Tom Merry's Test! by Martin Clifford; Baja the Spy! by S. Clarke Hook. Notes: This is an abridged reprint of UNION JACK issue 203 BASE COIN (1907). Unrated |
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THE PENNY POPULAR · Vol. 2 Issue 42 · 26/7/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d STARS OF THE OPERA by Anon. (William Murray Graydon) · Illustrator: Harry Lane Other content: Rivals, But Chums! by Martin Clifford; The Hermit of the Ice! by S. Clarke Hook. Notes: This is an abridged reprint of UNION JACK issue 202 SEXTON BLAKE AT THE OPERA (1907). Unrated |
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THE PENNY POPULAR · Vol. 2 Issue 43 · 2/8/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE GHOST OF ASHLEIGH DENE by Anon. (Cecily Hamilton) · Illustrator: Harry Lane Other content: The Swell of the School! by Martin Clifford; The Deathless Horseman! by S. Clarke Hook. Notes: This is an abridged reprint of UNION JACK issue 205 SEXTON BLAKE IN AMSTERDAM (1907). Unrated |
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THE PENNY POPULAR · Vol. 2 Issue 44 · 9/8/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d CHECKMATED! by Anon. (Cecily Hamilton) · Illustrator: Harry Lane Other content: Strangers in the School by Martin Clifford; The Man of Mystery! by S. Clarke Hook. Notes: This is an abridged reprint of UNION JACK issue 210 THE MYSTERY OF THE LIGHTSHIP (1907). Unrated |
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THE PENNY POPULAR · Vol. 2 Issue 45 · 16/8/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d SEXTON BLAKE, LUMBERJACK by Anon. (Norman Goddard) · Illustrator: Harry Lane Other content: The Cad's Confession by Martin Clifford; Lost in the Catacombs! by S. Clarke Hook. Notes: This is an abridged reprint of UNION JACK issue 207 SEXTON BLAKE, LUMBERMAN (1907). Unrated |
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THE PENNY POPULAR · Vol. 2 Issue 46 · 23/8/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE MASTER CHEAT by Anon. (W. J. Lomax) · Illustrator: Harry Lane Other content: Rough Justice! by Martin Clifford; On Equal Terms by S. Clarke Hook. Notes: This is an abridged reprint of UNION JACK issue 213 THE CARD SHARPERS (1907). Unrated |
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THE PENNY POPULAR · Vol. 2 Issue 47 · 30/8/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d BY THE KING'S COMMAND by Anon. (William Murray Graydon) · Illustrator: Harry Lane Other content: The Misadventures of Gussy by Martin Clifford; Pete's Proof! by S. Clarke Hook. Notes: This is an abridged reprint of UNION JACK issue 218 BY ROYAL COMMAND (1907). Unrated |
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THE PENNY POPULAR · Vol. 2 Issue 48 · 6/9/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE WILMINGHAM GANG by Anon. (Cecily Hamilton) · Illustrator: Harry Lane Other content: Cousin Ethel's Scheme! by Martin Clifford; Larna's Revenge! by S. Clarke Hook. Notes: This is an abridged reprint of UNION JACK issue 220 SEXTON BLAKE, CHEMIST (1907). It replaces Inspector Grange, from the original, with Inspector Widgeon. Unrated |
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THE PENNY POPULAR · Vol. 2 Issue 49 · 13/9/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d AT GRIPS WITH THE LAW by Anon. (Norman Goddard) · Illustrator: Harry Lane Other content: Beaten Hollow! by Martin Clifford; The Haunted Mountain! by S. Clarke Hook. Notes: This is a rewrite of chapters 9 to 13 of of UNION JACK issue 217 THE SLATE CLUB SCANDAL (1907). Unrated |
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THE PENNY POPULAR · Vol. 2 Issue 50 · 20/9/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d HUNTER, AND HUNTED TOO by Anon. (Ernest Sempill aka Michael Storm) · Illustrator: Harry Lane Other content: The Bogus Eleven! by Martin Clifford; A Leap For Life! by S. Clarke Hook. Notes: This is an abridged reprint of UNION JACK issue 222 THE MAN FROM SCOTLAND YARD (1908) - The story that introduces George Marsden Plummer. It also appeared in THE DREADNOUGHT (1912). Rating:
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THE PENNY POPULAR · Vol. 2 Issue 51 · 27/9/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE FIGHTING DETECTIVE by Anon. (Norman Goddard) · Illustrator: Harry Lane Other content: A Schoolboy Traitor! by Martin Clifford; Pete's Resolve! by S. Clarke Hook. Notes: This is an abridged reprint of UNION JACK issue 224 SEXTON BLAKE'S CHAMPIONSHIP (1908). Unrated |
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THE PENNY POPULAR · Vol. 2 Issue 52 · 4/10/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE HAUNTED MAN by Anon. (Harold Blyth) · Illustrator: Harry Lane Other content: Votes For Schoolboys by Martin Clifford; A Forest Outcast! by S. Clarke Hook. Notes: This is an abridged reprint of UNION JACK first series issue 2 SEXTON BLAKE - DETECTIVE: THE STORY OF A GREAT MYSTERY (1894). Unrated |
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THE PENNY POPULAR · Vol. 3 Issue 53 · 11/10/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE MISSING CHAMPION by Anon. (Arthur Steffens) · Illustrator: Harry Lane Other content: The St. Jim's Parliament by Martin Clifford; The Medicine Man! by S. Clarke Hook. Notes: This is an abridged reprint of UNION JACK issue 230 SEXTON BLAKE, WRESTLER (1908). Unrated |
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THE PENNY POPULAR · Vol. 3 Issue 54 · 18/10/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d IN THE CZAR'S DOMAIN by Anon. (E. J. Gannon) · Illustrator: Vol. 3 Other content: The Telephone Mystery! by Martin Clifford; A Baffling Trail! by S. Clarke Hook. Notes: This is an abridged reprint of UNION JACK issue 228 SEXTON BLAKE IN BAKU (1908). Unrated |
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THE PENNY POPULAR · Vol. 3 Issue 55 · 25/10/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE FRONTIER SMUGGLERS by Anon. (E. J. Gannon) · Illustrator: Harry Lane Other content: The New Tutor! by Martin Clifford; The Black King by S. Clarke Hook. Notes: This is an abridged reprint of UNION JACK issue 231 PEDRO'S TRAIL (1908). Unrated |
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THE PENNY POPULAR · Vol. 3 Issue 56 · 1/11/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d TRICKING THE TURK by Anon. (William Murray Graydon) · Illustrator: Harry Lane Other content: The Guy of St. Jim's by Martin Clifford; The Rival Presidents by S. Clarke Hook. Notes: This is an abridged reprint of UNION JACK issue 232 SEXTON BLAKE IN TURKEY (1908). Unrated |
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THE PENNY POPULAR · Vol. 3 Issue 57 · 8/11/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE KIDNAPPED HEIR by Anon. (William Murray Graydon) · Illustrator: Harry Lane Other content: The Truants by Martin Clifford; Marching Orders! by S. Clarke Hook. Notes: This is an abridged reprint of UNION JACK issue 233 SEXTON BLAKE IN ROME (1908). Unrated |
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THE PENNY POPULAR · Vol. 3 Issue 58 · 15/11/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d A KINGDOM AT STAKE by Anon. (E. J. Gannon) · Illustrator: Harry Lane Other content: The Bore of St. Jim's! by Martin Clifford; Lynch Law! by S. Clarke Hook. Notes: This is an abridged reprint of UNION JACK issue 234 SEXTON BLAKE AT COURT (1908). Unrated |
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THE PENNY POPULAR · Vol. 3 Issue 59 · 22/11/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE SECRET OF THE DALE by Anon. (G. Anderson) · Illustrator: Harry Lane Other content: The Hamper Hunters by Martin Clifford; The Exile! by S. Clarke Hook. Notes: This is an abridged reprint of UNION JACK first series issue 172 DEAD MAN'S HAND (1897). Unrated |
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THE PENNY POPULAR · Vol. 3 Issue 60 · 29/11/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE PRINCE'S ORDEAL by Anon. (Norman Goddard) · Illustrator: Harry Lane Other content: Jack Blake's Tribe! by Martin Clifford; Pete's Stratagem! by S. Clarke Hook. Notes: This is an abridged reprint of UNION JACK issue 235 SEXTON BLAKE N.S.P.C.C. (1908). Unrated |
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THE PENNY POPULAR · Vol. 3 Issue 61 · 6/12/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d BY ORDER OF CHANCERY by Anon. (William Murray Graydon) · Illustrator: Harry Lane Other content: Skimpole's Love Affair by Martin Clifford; Alligator Swamp by S. Clarke Hook. Notes: This is an abridged reprint of UNION JACK issue 236 A WARD IN CHANCERY (1908). Unrated |
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THE PENNY POPULAR · Vol. 3 Issue 62 · 13/12/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d HIS LAST CARD by Anon. (W. J. Lomax) · Illustrator: Harry Lane Other content: Tom Merry's Party! by Martin Clifford; The Search Warrant by S. Clarke Hook. Notes: This is an abridged reprint of UNION JACK issue 237 SEXTON BLAKE AT MONTE CARLO (1908). Unrated |
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THE PENNY POPULAR · Vol. 3 Issue 63 · 20/12/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d SEXTON BLAKE'S RESOLVE by Anon. (Norman Goddard) · Illustrator: Harry Lane Other content: Tom Merry & Co.'s Christmas by Martin Clifford; Friends All! by S. Clarke Hook. Notes: This is a rewrite of chapters 1, 2, 14, 15, 16 and 23 of UNION JACK issue 217 THE SLATE CLUB SCANDAL (1907). Unrated |
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THE PENNY POPULAR · Vol. 3 Issue 64 · 27/12/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE SLATE CLUB SWINDLER by Anon. (Norman Goddard) · Illustrator: Harry Lane Other content: Tracked Down! by Martin Clifford; A False Claim by S. Clarke Hook. Notes: This is a rewrite of chapters 17 to 22 of UNION JACK issue 217 THE SLATE CLUB SCANDAL (1907). Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 482 · 4/1/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE GREAT DIARY MYSTERY by Anon. (E. J. Gannon) · Illustrator: E. E. Briscoe Other content: Charlie Gordon's Schooldays by Anon.; A Word from the Skipper (ed.) Notes: None at present. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 483 · 11/1/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE GREAT BOXING FRAUD by Anon. (Andrew Murray) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: Story features Count Ivor Carlac. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 484 · 18/1/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE SECRET OF BLEAKMOOR PRISON by Anon. (Lewis Carlton) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: Story features George Marsden Plummer. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 485 · 25/1/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d BEYOND REACH OF THE LAW by Anon. (G. H. Teed) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: This story marks the first appearance of Mlle. Yvonne Cartier. It was reprinted in a revised (?) form in DETECTIVE WEEKLY (issue 351, 11/11/1939) under the title THE GIRL WHO MADE PEARLS. See that issue for story notes. Rating: 
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 486 · 1/2/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE TEN MILLIONAIRES by Anon. (Andrew Murray) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: Story features Count Ivor Carlac. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 487 · 8/2/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d POLICE CONSTABLE PLUMMER VS SEXTON BLAKE, DETECTIVE by Anon. (Lewis Carlton) · Illustrator: H. M. Lewis Other content: Charlie Gordon's Schooldays by Anon. Notes: Story features George Marsden Plummer. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 488 · 15/2/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d WHEN GREEK MEETS GREEK by Anon. (G. H. Teed) · Illustrator: Val Reading Other content: A Word From the Skipper (ed.); Charlie Gordon's Schooldays by Anon. Notes: My copy is missing its cover. When Dr. Huxton Rymer tries to join forces with Mademoiselle Yvonne Cartier in the tropical country of Salvarita, he gets his wish but on her terms, not his. Together they plot to steal two million in bullion from the country's President — a man named Pearson, who is one of the men responsible for the downfall of Yvonne's family. They succeed in this endeavour and also kidnap Pearson, so that he is blamed for the disappearance of the funds. Sexton Blake is commissioned to investigate and sends Tinker on ahead to Salvarita. However, the detectives are being watched and, out at sea, Tinker is attacked and thrown overboard. Blake is loaned a yacht and travels to the tropical country which he enters disguised as a sailor. He too, though, is being observed and is followed and stabbed in the back. Ten days later he regains consciousness to find himself in the care of a Spanish woman. The crew of his yacht, with help from Pedro, track him down and the group sets sail on the trail of Yvonne, whom Blake has identified as Pearson's kidnapper. Meanwhile, Tinker, who after many hours at sea was rescued by a passing ship, makes his way back to London and then on to Hong Kong to rendezvous with Blake. After they are reunited, Tinker sneaks aboard Yvonne's yacht, the Fleur-de-Lys, but is captured. Blake disguises himself as the vessel's Chinese cook and joins the crew. Days later, as they approach an island near Fiji, he doses the food with a sleeping draft and thus gains the upper hand. Blake releases President Pearson and hands over the yacht and prisoners to him. Some considerable time later, back at Baker Street, the detective learns that Pearson has been assassinated by a disgruntled soldier and Yvonne and her crew have escaped. Yvonne severs her alliance with Dr. Huxton Rymer. Trivia: This was reprinted as THE VENGEANCE OF YVONNE in DETECTIVE WEEKLY issue 366 (1940). Rating:
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 489 · 22/2/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE CASE OF THE EMIGRANT SLAVES by Anon. (Andrew Murray) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: Story features Count Ivor Carlac. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 490 · 1/3/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d PLUMMER IN SOCIETY by Anon. (Lewis Carlton) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: Story features George Marsden Plummer. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 491 · 8/3/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d PLUMMER'S GAMBLING DEN by Anon. (Lewis Carlton) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: Story features George Marsden Plummer. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 492 · 15/3/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d ON THE BRINK OF RUIN by Anon. (G. H. Teed) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: Story features Mlle. Yvonne Cartier. This was reprinted in DETECTIVE WEEKLY issue 354 as THE CASE OF THE PURPLE COTTON (1939) Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 493 · 22/3/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE DIAMOND DRAGON by Anon. (G. H. Teed) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: Easter double issue. Story features Dr. Huxton Rymer. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 494 · 29/3/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d A ROGUE AT LARGE by Anon. (Andrew Murray) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: Story features Count Ivor Carlac. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 495 · 5/3/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d SETTLING DAY by Anon. (G. H. Teed) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: Story features Mlle. Yvonne Cartier. This was reprinted in DETECTIVE WEEKLY issue 357 as THE CASE OF THE MONEY KING (1939). Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 496 · 12/4/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE ARBITRATION SWINDLE by Anon. (Lewis Carlton) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: Story features George Marsden Plummer. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 497 · 19/4/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE WANDERING BARONET by Anon. (Andrew Murray) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: Story features Count Ivor Carlac. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 498 · 26/4/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d A MINISTER OF THE CROWN by Anon. (G. H. Teed) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: Story features Mlle. Yvonne Cartier. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 499 · 3/5/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE WELSHER by Anon. (Lewis Carlton) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: Story features George Marsden Plummer. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 500 · 10/5/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE SUGAR PLANTER'S SECRET by Anon. (Andrew Murray) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: Story features Count Ivor Carlac. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 501 · 17/5/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE DETECTIVE AIRMAN by Anon. (G. H. Teed) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: Story features Mlle. Yvonne Cartier. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 502 · 24/5/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE GREAT SAFE MYSTERY by Anon. (Lewis Carlton) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: Story features George Marsden Plummer. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 503 · 31/5/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE CASE OF THE SUFFRAGETTE RAID by Anon. (Andrew Murray) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: Story features Count Ivor Carlac. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 504 · 7/6/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE LONG TRAIL by Anon. (Cecil Hayter) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: Story features Lobangu. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 505 · 14/6/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE MISSING GUESTS by Anon. (G. H. Teed) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: Story features Mlle. Yvonne Cartier. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 506 · 21/6/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE EX-CONVICT'S SECRET by Anon. (Andrew Murray) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: None at present. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 507 · 28/6/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE BROTHERHOOD OF THE YELLOW BEETLE by Anon. (G. H. Teed) · Illustrator: H. M. Lewis Other content: A Word from the Skipper (ed.); Dick of the Highways by David Goodwin. Notes: Three Englishmen have learned that a secret Chinese society named The Brotherhood of the Golden Beetle intends to bring Europe under the heel of the Orient. Two of these men return to Britain before the Brotherhood is aware of their knowledge. The third, Sir George Halliday, is hunted but appears to get away. The leader of the Yellow Beetle, Wu Ling, calls a meeting at which he announces his attention to travel to London to kill the three men and begin a campaign of terror. But unknown to him, Sir George is not only still in China but is spying on that very meeting! Weeks later, in London, Godfrey Carslake, who is engaged to Halliday's daughter, summons Sexton Blake after finding Sir George dead in his study. At the scene, Pedro goes wild and chases a yellow beetle from the room. Even though Halliday's death seems to be from heart failure, Blake thinks otherwise and begins researching rare poisonous beetles. Soon he has a close encounter with one of the insects which is placed in his bedchamber by one of the Brotherhood. He is saved from death by Pedro. Tinker, meanwhile, surprises Wu Ling when the Chinaman enters the Baker Street house on some nefarious mission. The villain escapes but Tinker follows him to the house next door to Halliday's. There he is captured and taken to another premises where he is condemned to the 'Room of Glass'. Halliday's daughter is also kidnapped, to be held until all her father's papers, which may contain details of the Brotherhood, are handed over. Sexton Blake follows with the police in tow. He wins a fist-fight against Wu Ling and rescues Tinker and the girl, narrowly avoiding a swarm of deadly yellow beetles. Most of the oriental gang are rounded up but Wu Ling escapes and manages to destroy Halliday's papers, leaving Blake unaware of the Brotherhood's purpose. Trivia: This story was reprinted in DETECTIVE WEEKLY issue 367 as THE BROTHERHOOD OF THE BEETLE (1940). Rating: The first story to feature Wu Ling and a terrific adventure. Very highly recommended.
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 508 · 5/7/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE CASE OF THE FAMILY FEUD; OR, THE TRAGEDY OF SNAKE ISLAND by Anon. (E. W. Elais) · Illustrator: E. E. Briscoe Other content: Dick of the Highways by Anon. Notes: Story features Steve Derrick, the American Detective. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 509 · 12/7/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d BY RIGHT OF POSSESSION by Anon. (G. H. Teed) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: Story features Mlle. Yvonne Cartier. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 510 · 19/7/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE IDOL'S SPELL by Anon. (G. H. Teed) · Illustrator: H. M. Lewis Other content: A Word from the Skipper (ed. this week devoted to the 'Coming World War - how the Yellow Races are preparing for the great struggle for the future with the White Nations'); Dick of the Highways by Anon; Guy of the Greenwood by Morton Pike. Notes: Sir Frederick Baxter returns from his expeditions abroad and is disturbed to hear of the death of his friend Sir George Halliday. Baxter realises that he is the only man able to warn the Government of the plans of The Botherhood of the Yellow Beetle. His wife, Lady Diana, throws a party which is attended by Professor Kai-San, an eminent Orientalist who, unknown to her, is actually Prince Wu Ling. He invites her, and her daughter Elaine, to view his antiques the following day. When they do so, Elaine is drawn into a room where sits a giant buddha. Looking into its eyes, she falls into a hypnotic trance and Wu Ling instructs her to steal her father's papers and deliver them to him, after which she shall remember nothing. When the spell is broken, she rejoins the other visitors and they take their leave. That night, mesmerised, Elaine unknowingly obeys the Celestial's orders. Next day, when Sir Frederick discovers his loss, he immediately consults Sexton Blake. The detective finds evidence that Elaine committed the robbery but finds it hard to believe as she appears to be absolutely faithful to her father. When she once again responds to hypnotic suggestion and visits Wu Ling for instructions, Tinker follows. But he is captured, bound and gagged, and placed in a coffin. Elaine takes the stolen papers, minus the material concerning the Brotherhood, back to her father's study. Blake follows and realises that she has been hypnotised. When Wu Ling and his deputy, San, attempt to murder Sir Frederick, Blake captures them. He then frees Tinker but cannot prevent his captives from escaping. Trivia: Blake has two juvenile deputies, Tim and Jerry, who deputise for Tinker when the latter has his hands full. Rating:  This story loses points due to a ridiculous scene in which Blake, who already knows that he's dealing with the Brotherhood of the Yellow Beetle, spends ages and ages trying to remember whose eyes the idol's remind him of. Wu Ling is the obvious answer, but the 'great' detective takes a whole day before he realises this.
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 511 · 26/7/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE AYLESBURY SQUARE MYSTERY by Anon. (Andrew Murray) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: Police Inspector Bragley is puzzled when a fourth girl, in as many days, is found unconscious in Aylesbury Square. Like the others, she is taken to a nearby doctor, Professor Kew, but, once recovered, refuses to speak of her experience. Bragley doesn't know it but all four girls have been Kew's 'guinea pigs', testing a narcotic he has developed. The inspector visits Sexton Blake and tells him about the case. The detective begins investigating. When Kew learns of this, he decides that, as this is his first foray into crime, he should test Blake. He therefore sends him an anonymous note which reveals that, at the Ranee of Magwar's ball, he intends to steal her priceless emerald necklace. He challenges the detective to prevent this theft. At the ball, a dissipated young nobleman, Lord Alpineby, who is under Kew's power, gives the Ranee a gift of a small ivory casket. When she opens it, fumes from the narcotic send her into a trance. Alpineby leads her into the garden and leaves her there. Kew then takes the necklace and makes off, though not without his shadowy figure being spotted by Blake. Next day, the detective goes to Alpineby's flat to question him but finds him vanished; and there are signs of a struggle and traces of the drug. He takes the latter to a chemist for analysis but the substance isn't recognised. Blake is referred to the expert in such matters — Professor Kew! — and during the subsequent interview quickly recognises him as the man behind the crimes. Blake sets Tinker to keep watch on the criminal and the lad follows Kew to a house where Alpineby is imprisoned. He sends a note to his guv'nor shortly before falling into the hands of the villain. Blake comes to the rescue and also recovers the emerald necklace but Kew gets away to fight another day. Trivia: This was reprinted as THE DOCTOR'S DUPES in DETECTIVE WEEKLY issue 347 (1939). Rating:
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 512 · 2/8/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE YELLOW SPHINX by Anon. (G. H. Teed) · Illustrator: Val Reading Other content: Dick of the Highways by David Goodwin Notes: A victim of Chinese pirates, castaway John Strang lands on the island of Kaitu, which turns out to be his attackers' base. From his hiding place, he witnesses the arrival of a captive English girl, whom he subsequently rescues. They escape in possession of a box containing a fortune in gemstones. Twenty years later, Strang is a multimillionaire, the girl he saved and married is recently deceased and he has a daughter named Alice. Strang loans £10,000,000 to a Chinese organisation, not realising that it is the Brotherhood of the Yellow Beetle. During negotiations, Prince Wu Ling's mentor and right-hand man, San recognises Strang, for San had been chief of the pirates and the gems had been his entire fortune. Wu Ling recovers a down-on-his luck Dr. Huxton Rymer from an opium den and sets him the task of impersonating Strang, who is subsequently kidnapped and held captive. When Alice notices that her 'father' is not acting normally, she voices her suspicions to Sexton Blake and Mademoiselle Yvonne Cartier. The detective sends Tinker to work as a page at the Venetia Hotel in order to keep watch on the room where the bogus Strang is staying. Meanwhile, Blake begins to investigate the millionaire's recent movements. Wu Ling realises that the detective has taken an interest and so kidnaps Alice for extra security. However, unknown to him, his victim is actually a disguised Yvonne. Rymer leaves the hotel and, upon learning this, Tinker takes the news to Baker Street only to be captured by Wu Ling's minions. The next morning, Sexton Blake realises that the bogus Strang, Yvonne and Tinker have all gone missing and, aided by Yvonne's uncle Graves, he begins to follow the clues, tracing Wu Ling to an old country house. Here, the real Strang is being tortured by San, as is a now rebellious Rymer. Tinker manages to escape and leads Blake and Graves to Wu Ling. Blake and the villain make a pact: the detective will allow the Prince to go providing the prisoners are released and Strang's money is returned. Wu Ling agrees to this, though Rymer is found to have escaped of his own accord. Trivia: This issue is a summer double-length special. It marks the first of a number of meetings between Prince Wu Ling and Dr. Huxton Rymer. John Strang (aka 'Strang the Silent') reappears in SCOUNDRELS ALL, Union Jack issue 613, 1915. Rating:
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 513 · 9/8/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE COWBOY DETECTIVE by Anon. (Norman Goddard) · Illustrator: G. M. Dodshon Other content: Photography for Novices (article); Dick of the Highways by David Goodwin; A Word from the Skipper (ed.) Notes: Story features John Marsh. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 514 · 16/8/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d FOILED BY SEXTON BLAKE; OR, THE CASE OF THE TWO COLONIALS by Anon. (Andrew Murray) · Illustrator: E. E. Briscoe Other content: Dick of the Highways by David Goodwin; A Word from the Skipper (ed.) Notes: Melville Hendry and Philip Jordan are friends and business partners who own a mine in Tasmania. Unfortunately, Hendry is losing his mind and attempts to kill Jordan. After he fails to do so, the two men sail for Britain. As they approach the home country, Hendry makes another attempt on his partner's life but is foiled by Sexton Blake, who happens to be aboard. Jordan refuses to allow Blake to prosecute. In London, the partners settle into a hotel. Hendry has been given the address of Professor Kew and commissions him to murder Jordan. The professor accepts the job while also swindling Hendry out of a fortune. When Tinker sees the two men together, he informs Blake who promptly dons a disguise and moves into the hotel room next to the wayward mine owner's. He witnesses Kew giving Hendry a syringe filled with cholera baccili, instructing him to inject it into his partner. The detective, after causing a diversion, replaces the baccili with water, thus saving Jordan's life. After the murder attempt, Hendry regains his sanity. Kew drugs him and sends to a nursing home. Tinker discovers its location and Blake, disguised as an ailing old man, is booked in as a patient and occupies the same room. He is there when Kew arrives. The professor attempts to hypnotise Hendry into approving a cheque for £200,000 but is interrupted by Tinker, who is spying through the window. A fight breaks out and Kew is overpowered. However, there is no solid evidence against him and, though his schemes are defeated, Blake is forced to let him go. Hendry, now sane, is reunited with his friend Jordan. Rating:
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 515 · 23/8/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE GREAT HOTEL MYSTERY by Anon. (E. J. Gannon) · Illustrator: H. M. Lewis Other content: Dick of the Highways by David Goodwin; A Word from the Skipper (ed.) Notes: Story features Gideon Preece. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 516 · 30/8/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE CROOKS FROM AMERICA by Anon. (Norman Goddard) · Illustrator: W. Tayler Other content: A Word from the Skipper (ed.); Dick of the Highways by David Goodwin. Notes: My copy is lacking a cover. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 517 · 6/9/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE SECRET REPORT by Anon. (J. Staniforth) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: Story features The Scorpion. The author has the distinction of being the man who created NELSON LEE and NIPPER. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 518 · 13/9/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE BLACK JEWEL CASE by Anon. (G. H. Teed) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: Story features Mlle. Yvonne Cartier. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 519 · 20/9/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE WHITE MANDARIN by Anon. (G. H. Teed) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: Story features Wu Ling. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 520 · 27/9/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE CASE OF THE MOTOR CYCLIST by Anon. (Andrew Murray) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: Story features Professor Kew. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 521 · 4/10/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE MISSING HEIRESS by Anon. (J. Staniforth) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: Story features The Scorpion. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 522 · 11/10/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE CATTLE THIEF by Anon. (Norman Goddard) · Illustrator: G. M. Dodshon Other content: None Notes: Story features John Marsh. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 523 · 18/10/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE CAPTAIN OF THE CAMEL CORPS by Anon. (Andrew Murray) · Illustrator: R. J. MacDonald Other content: A Word from the Skipper (ed.); The Tragedy of the Oklahoma by Cecil Hayer. Notes: None at present. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 524 · 25/10/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE TRAIL OF THE SNAKE by Anon. (H. E. Inman) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: Story features Henri Garrock. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 525 · 1/11/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d TINKER'S TERRIBLE TEST by Anon. (Andrew Murray) · Illustrator: H. M. Lewis Other content: A Word from the Skipper (ed.); The Tragedy of the Oklahoma by Cecil Hayer. Notes: Two thugs approach Professor Kew and ask him to remove a bullet from their colleague who was shot during a robbery. Kew agrees and finds the wounded man — Gilbert Dykes — to be a cut above his companions; a gentleman, in fact. The bullet is duly removed but the professor realsies that Dykes has consumption and will die soon anyway. Three months later, Lady Marjory Mountjoy hits on a novel idea for a fund-raising party. She has a small model ambulance built into the back of which her guests will deposit jewellery. The items will be auctioned off to raise money for hospitals. Kew learns of this and employs Dykes in a scheme to rob the ambulance of its cargo — what he doesn't realise is that Lady Mountjoy and Dykes are old acquaintances. The robbery goes without a hitch — the body of the ambulance, filled with jewels, is replaced with an empty copy. When this is discovered, Sexton Blake, who is a guest at the party, begins investigating. Unknown to him, Tinker witnessed the swap, followed Dykes, and has fallen into the hands of Professor Kew who has paralysed him with a drug. The next morning, worrying about his assistant's absence, Blake discovers evidence which points at Dykes. He also learns that his suspect is Lady Marjory's cousin and that they had been childhood sweethearts. Meanwhile, Tinker is taken to a hospital where Kew advises that a brain operation is necessary to cure him of the paralysis. The patient is wheeled into an operating theatre where, fully conscious but unable even to blink, he listens in horror as the surgeon decides that no anaesthetic will be required. Sexton Blake tracks down Gilbert Dykes who confesses to his crime and reveals Kew's whereabouts. The detective confronts the professor who, cornered, offers a deal: he will prevent Tinker's death at the hands of the surgeon and return the stolen jewels in return for his freedom. Blake agrees to these terms and Kew telephones the hospital to stop the operation. Tinker is rescued and cured of his paralysis. Dykes attempts to revenge himself but before he can reach Kew his illness overtakes him and he dies. Rating:
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 526 · 8/11/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE YELLOW OCTOPUS by Anon. (G. H. Teed) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: Story features Dr. Huxton Rymer and Wu Ling. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 527 · 15/11/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d WON BY A SHORT HEAD by Anon. (H. E. Inman) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: Story features Henri Garrock. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 528 · 22/11/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE MYSTERY OF WALLA-WALLA by Anon. (G. H. Teed) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: Story features Mlle. Yvonne Cartier. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 529 · 29/11/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE SACRED SPHERE by Anon. (G. H. Teed) · Illustrator: Val Reading and Arthur Jones Other content: A Word from the Skipper (ed.); Mike Langton's Vow by Anon. Notes: American Secret Service man Bryant Kennedy visits Sexton Blake at Christmas and enlists his help. He has been investigating how vast numbers of illegal Chinese immigrants have been entering the States and the trail has led him to England. After he departs, the Duchess of Carrisbrooke arrives and asks Blake to investigate the disappearance of her daughter, Sybil, during a trip to Cardiff. Probing the girl's past, the detective is told that, while the family were in China the previous year, Sybil had rejected the attentions of a man named Dr Li-Fuang. Blake quickly learns that this man is, in fact, Prince Wu Ling. During Christmas dinner with Mademoiselle Yvonne, Blake discusses the case and, unknown to him, she decides to help by trying to get herself kidnapped the same way as Sybil. The detective makes her a gift of a fabulous Chinese carved jade sphere, then departs. The sacred sphere was once handed from emperor to emperor until the Ming Dynasty gave way to the Manchu, at which point it was lost. The detective leaves a letter warning her to keep it hidden, for it would be much prized by Wu Ling. Yvonne places it in a small chamoise bag which she wears on a chain around her neck. She then travels to Cardiff with her uncle Graves and puts her plan into action. Meanwhile, from the Eastern Queen, docked in that same city, Dr Huxton Rymer comes ashore intent on investigating the disappearance of Sybil, for whom a huge reward has been offered in the newspapers. He witnesses the kidnapping of a girl and learns that she is to become the wife of a Chinese governor. She, along with thirty-nine illegal Chinese emmigrants, is taken aboard the Eastern Queen where Rymer finally sees through the disguise and recognised her as Yvonne. A fortieth emmigrant joins the ship and it sets sail across the Atlantic. This fortieth Chinese is, in fact, a heavily made-up Sexton Blake and he is quick to notice Rymer's presence. As the voyage progresses — and with Yvonne's yacht Fleur-de-Lys carrying Tinker, Pedro, Kennedy and Graves not far behind — Blake overhears Rymer proposing marriage to Yvonne, who summarily rejects him. He also manages to find a way for her to pass to him the sacred sphere for safekeeping. At last the ship reaches Canada and its human cargo is transferred to another ship, bound for America. Blake manages to get a note to his allies, who follow. In American waters, the Fleur-de-Lys attacks. During the terrific battle that ensues, Rymer gets away with Yvonne as his prisoner. Discovering the route along which Sybil had been sent, he follows the trail to Boston. In that city, Prince Wu Ling and his lieutenant, San, interrogate Sybil in an attempt to discover the purpose of her father's diplomatic missions to China. She tells them nothing and the interview is interrupted by the arrival of Rymer and Yvonne. Wu Ling immediately sentences Rymer to a lifetime of slavery as a consequence of his past betrayals. His encounter with Yvonne, though, is disrupted by yet another arrival: Sexton Blake. Blake informs him that the place is surrounded by Kennedy's Secret Service men and demands the return of both women, the closure of the illegal immigration route and the handing over of sixty-eight immigrants. In return, he will allow Wu Ling to go free. The prince has no choice but to agree to this arrangement. Yvonne then begs Blake to plead for Rymer's release. Wu Ling refuses the request, so Blake exchanges Rymer's freedom for the sacred sphere. Trivia: Double Christmas issue. Rating: Simply one of the best Sexton Blake tales of all time.
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 530 · 6/12/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE GOLD SEEKERS by Anon. (Norman Goddard) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: Story features John Marsh. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 531 · 13/12/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE BLACKMAILER'S SECRET by Anon. (Andrew Murray) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: Story features Professor Kew. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 532 · 20/12/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE CASE OF THE PETROL SUBSTITUTE by Anon. (H. E. Inman) · Illustrator: W. Reading Other content: Mike Langton's Vow by Anon.; A Word from the Skipper (ed.) Notes: Story features Henri Garrock. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 533 · 27/12/1913 · Amalgamated Press · 1d A YULETIDE VOW by Anon. (William Murray Graydon) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: Story features Laban Creed. Unrated |
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