Raffles

I am still uncertain which surprised me more, the telegram calling my attention to the advertisement, or the advertise-ment 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 end, which completed the surprise.