The Affair of the Mutilated Mink by James Anderson

going off? Can't stand bangs, you know.'
    'There is a firing range up there, and I may demonstrate one or two. But I'll give plenty of advance warning, so anyone who wants to leave can do so.'
    'Oh, right. Jolly good.'
    'Am I invited?' Cecily asked.
    'Oh, of course, my dear. Didn't think you'd be interested. Ladies aren't very as a rule.'
    'I can't say I am normally. But your collection is world famous, and I would like at least a glimpse of it.'
    'Splendid. Any more for the Skylark? Hugh?'
    'I don't like guns,' Hugh said shortly.
    'Oh, as you wish, my boy. Paul - you saw it last time you were here.'
    'Yes, but I didn't do it justice. I'd love to have another look.'
    Hugh glowered at him, 'On the other hand,' he said loudly, 'I understand the craftsmanship on some of these old pistols is very fine. I'd like to see them from that point of view.'
    Lord Burford looked pleased. 'That's everybody, then. He glanced round the table, counting on his fingers. 'No, that's wrong. Who did I leave out?'
    'Me, I think, Lord Burford.' It was the quiet Maude Fry who spoke.
    'Oh, I'm sorry, Miss Fry. You're very welcome, of course.'
    'Thank you. Like Mrs Everard, I should be interested in at least a glimpse.'
    It was therefore a party of eight which, half an hour later, Lord Burford led up to the first floor. At the top of the stairs he turned right. Halfway along the eastern corridor he opened a pair of double doors on the right and led the way through a long gallery, which ran most of the outer side of the wing. It was lined with painted portraits and was unfurnished, except for a number of sofas and upright chairs against the walls.
    The Earl crossed the gallery to another door opposite. This was the entrance to the top floor of the eastern extension, the ballroom being beneath it. Lord Burford unlocked it with a key attached to his watch chain, saying as he did so, 'Live ammunition in here as well as the guns, so I always keep it locked.'
    Immediately beyond the door was another one. The Earl unlocked this one also, then stood back and ushered his guests through.
    They found themselves at the end of a long, delightfully proportioned room, with French doors leading onto a balustraded balcony at the end, beyond which the lake could be seen.
    But the visitors noticed practically nothing except the hundreds of guns with which, apart from a clear path down the centre, the room was filled. Pistols were in display cases, rifles slung around the walls, while at the far end a number of cannon and other large guns were standing. One section of the room was partitioned off to form a firing range, and there was a large cupboard where Lord Burford kept ammunition and various accessories.
    Except for Paul, the visitors each gave a little gasp as they entered. Then they just stood, staring round in amazed disbelief.
    The years had given Lord Burford a great deal of experience in showing his collection. He knew well what interested people and had a fund of anecdotes concerning his exhibits, which - to their own surprise - kept even Sebastian, Hugh and the two women attentive. Two hours in fact passed quickly for everybody, and it was past four when they all trooped out, the Earl carefully locking up again.
    They were making their way along the corridor when Cecily said, 'Oh, by the way, George, don't I remember something about a secret passage here?'
    'Yes, I'll show you.'
    He turned into the main corridor and opened the second door on the right. This was a room used for linen storage. As the others crowded in after him, Lord Burford crossed to the far wall, put his hands against one of the wooden panels, and pushed to the right. The panel slid sideways, revealing a large black square.
    'There you are,' Lord Burford said. 'Comes out in the breakfast room downstairs. Anybody feel like going down through it? No takers?'
    'Well, you know,' Cecily said, 'I really wouldn't mind. I used to love stories about secret passages when I was a girl. Sebastian - shall