RAFFLES

FURTHER ADVENTURES OF THE AMATEUR CRACKSMAN

BY E. W. HORNUNG




RAFFLES

NO SINECURE



I

I am still uncertain which surprised me more, the telegram
calling my attention to the advertisement, or the advertisement
itself. The telegram is before me as I write. It would appear
to have been handed in at Vere Street at eight o'clock in the
morning of May 11, 1897, and received before half-past at
Holloway B.O. And in that drab region it duly found me, unwashen
but at work before the day grew hot and my attic insupportable.

"See Mr. Maturin's advertisement Daily Mail might suit you
earnestly beg try will speak if necessary ---- ----"

I transcribe the thing as I see it before me, all in one
breath that took away mine; but I leave out the initials at the