THE

CHESTERMARKE

INSTINCT

THE MYSTERY STORIES OF

J. S. FLETCHER

"We always feel as though we were really spreading happiness when we can announce a genuinely satisfactory mystery story, such as J. B. Fletcher's new one."—N. P. D. in the New York Globe.

THE MIDDLE TEMPLE MURDER [1918]

"Unquestionably, the detective story of the season and, therefore, one which no lover of detective fiction should miss."—The Broadside.

THE TALLEYRAND MAXIM [1920]

"A crackerjack mystery tale; the story of Linford Pratt, who earnestly desired to get on in life, by hook or by crook—with no objection whatever to crookedness, so long as it could be performed in safety and secrecy."—Knickerbocker Press.

THE PARADISE MYSTERY [1920]

"As a weaver of detective tales Mr. Fletcher is entitled to a seat among the elect. His numerous followers will find his latest book fully as absorbing as anything from his pen that has previously appeared."—New York Times.

DEAD MEN'S MONEY [1920]

"The story is one that holds the reader with more than the mere interest of sensational events: Mr. Fletcher writes in a notable style, and he has a knack for sketching character rapidly. Reminds one of Stevenson—and Mr. Fletcher sustains the comparison well."—Newark Evening News.

THE ORANGE-YELLOW DIAMOND [1921]

"... A rattling good yarn.... The excellence of The Orange yellow Diamond does not depend, however, entirely upon its plot. It is an uncommonly well written tale."—New York Times.

To be published July 1st, 1921:

THE BOROUGH TREASURER

Blackmail, murder and the secret of an ancient quarry go to make a very exciting yarn.

$2.00 net each at all booksellers or from the Publisher

ALFRED A. KNOPF, New York.

THE

CHESTERMARKE

INSTINCT

BY

J.  S. FLETCHER

NEW YORK

ALFRED A KNOPF

MCMXXI

COPYRIGHT, 1921, BY

ALFRED A. KNOPF, Inc.

PRINTED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

CONTENTS