The Firebird Mystery Read Online Free PDF

found a long dark-green coat in his drawers and threw it on. It seemed to have a multitude of pockets. He put the compass and picture of his parents into one. There was a knock at the door.
    â€˜Come in.’
    Mr Doyle entered with a small box in his hand. ‘I just remembered something I needed to give you.’
    â€˜What is it?’
    â€˜Have a look inside.’
    The box contained a piece of string, a curious rubber object, a lump of something that looked like wax, and a metal device with a series of springs and cogs measuring about three inches. It had a trigger on it the same as a gun.
    â€˜Every detective must own a piece of string,’ Mr Doyle explained. ‘String has a thousand uses and I know you will find it invaluable.’ The detective picked up the metal object. ‘This is a lock pick. A very handy device on occasion.’
    Jack took it from him carefully.
    â€˜A rubber nose,’ Mr Doyle said, showing him the next item. ‘I shall explain later how it is applied.’
    Jack looked into the box at the last item—the odd-shaped piece of wax.
    â€˜My apologies,’ Mr Doyle popped it into his mouth. ‘I was wondering where that cheese went.’
    Jack tried to remember when he had last received a gift and realised it was that final Christmas with his parents. His mother had given him the compass. She showed him how to use it to find the right direction.
    You’re still with me , he thought. Showing me the way.
    â€˜Thank you, Mr Doyle,’ Jack said.
    â€˜You’re most welcome, my boy. Oh, and I’ll give you a few of these too.’ He withdrew some wrapped squares from his pocket. ‘Beef jerky. Hardly a meal, but sufficient in an emergency.’ Jack pushed them into one of the many coat pockets as Mr Doyle pointed at his chest of drawers. ‘And don’t forget your goggles. They can be used as a magnifying glass or as binoculars. I’ll see you on the balcony.’
    Mr Doyle exited and Jack picked up the goggles.
    These are cracking good , he thought. Very stylish.
    Looking through them experimentally, he manipulated the small sliding switch on the side that made it possible to magnify things. He also tested them at a distance. The far wall zoomed into focus. He returned the goggles to their normal setting and placed them in another pocket.
    Catching a glimpse of himself in the mirror, Jack thought he looked rather spiffy. Glancing about his room one more time, his eye was caught by something sticking out from under his pillow. Frowning, he went over to it and dragged out—a fork.
    Shaking his head, he sat it on his bedside table. Mr Doyle had said he would be testing his powers of observation. He went to the balcony where he found Scarlet Bell leaning on the railing, looking out at the city.
    â€˜It’s a beautiful view from here,’ Jack said, desperate to make conversation. He had never spoken to a girl as beautiful as Scarlet. In fact, he had never envisioned a girl as beautiful as Scarlet could even exist. She made the girls back at the orphanage resemble hedgehogs and walruses.
    â€˜It is, indeed,’ Scarlet said. ‘Have you been Mr Doyle’s assistant for long?’
    â€˜Er, no, not very long,’ Jack stammered. ‘Lovely day out here. Might be some rain later.’
    â€˜And what exactly do you do for Mr Doyle?’
    â€˜Just assist him, you know,’ he said airily. ‘General, like.’
    â€˜I see.’
    Mr Doyle appeared. ‘Just this way, thank you.’
    He started climbing up an iron ladder that led to the roof. Jack had not noticed it before. Scarlet went next, so Jack was the last to reach the top. His mouth fell open in astonishment.
    An airship.
    Bazookas , he thought. He has his own airship.
    Even Scarlet looked impressed.
    â€˜She’s called the Lion’s Mane . A gift from a grateful client,’ Mr Doyle said. ‘It was a case involving a broken watch,