THE SECRET AGENT
A SIMPLE TALE


First Published . . . September 1907

Second Edition . . . October 1907

TO
H. G. WELLS

THE CHRONICLER OF MR LEWISHAM'S LOVE
THE BIOGRAPHER OF KIPPS AND THE
HISTORIAN OF THE AGES TO COME

THIS SIMPLE TALE OF THE XIX CENTURY
IS AFFECTIONATELY OFFERED




CHAPTER I


Mr Verloc, going out in the morning, left his shop nominally in charge of
his brother-in-law. It could be done, because there was very little
business at any time, and practically none at all before the evening. Mr
Verloc cared but little about his ostensible business. And, moreover,
his wife was in charge of his brother-in-law.