Hocking, Joseph: Weapons of Mystery. V1. 16 June 2010
 

Joseph Hocking (7 November 1860 – 4 March 1937) was an English novelist and Methodist minister. He was born at St Stephen-in-Brannel, Cornwall, to James Hocking, part owner of a tin mine, and his wife Elizabeth.

Excerpt
My story begins on the morning of December 18, 18—, while sitting at breakfast. Let it be understood before we go further that I was a bachelor living in lodgings. I had been left an orphan just before I came of age, and was thus cast upon the world at a time when it is extremely dangerous for young men to be alone.