The Secret Passage »

Fergus Hume was born Fergusson Wright Hume July 8 1859 in England. At the age of 3 his family immigrated to New Zealand where he grew up and was educated, being admitted to the bar in 1885. He moved to Melbourne Australia where he tried unsuccessfully to be a playwright. Switching to mystery novels he wrote The Mystery of the Hansom Cab which became the best selling mystery novel of the 19th Century. Returning to England in 1888 he wrote more than 100 short stories and novels including The Silent House, The Secret Passage and Red Money. He continued writing into the 30's dying on July 12. 1932.

"Humph! Never heard of them," said Jennings, lighting his cigarette, "but it is strange you should talk of coining. I and several other fellows are looking for a set of coiners now. There are a lot of false coins circulating, and they are marvellously made. If I can only lay my hands on the coiners and their factory, there will be a sensation."