" continued the curate, "am a recluse, a student, a creature of
ink-bottles and patristic folios. A recent event has brought my folly
vividly before my eyes, and I desire to instruct myself in life. By
life," he added, "I do not mean Thackeray's novels; but the crimes and
secret possibilities of our society, and the principles of wise conduct
among exceptional events. I am a patient reader; can the thing be learnt
in books?"

"You put me in a difficulty," said the stranger. "I confess I have no
great notion of the use of books, except to amuse a railway journey;
although, I believe, there are some very exact treatises on astronomy,
the use of the globes, agriculture, and the art of making paper-flowers.
Upon the less apparent provinces of life I fear you will find nothing
truthful. Yet stay," he added, "have you read Gaboriau?"

Mr. Rolles admitted that he had never even heard the name.

"You may gather some notions from Gaboriau," resumed the stranger. "He
is at least suggestive; and as he is an author much studied by Prince
Bismarck, you will, at the worst, lose your time in good society."

"Sir," said the curate, "I am infinitely obliged by your politeness."

"You have already more than repaid me," returned the other.

"How?" inquired Simon.

"By the novelty of your request," replied the gentleman; and with a
polite gesture, as though to ask permission, he resumed the study of the
_Fortnightly Review_.

On his way home Mr. Rolles purchased a work on precious stones and
several of Gaboriau's novels. These last he eagerly skimmed until an
advanced hour in the morning; but although they introduced him to many
new ideas, he could nowhere discover what to do with a stolen diamond.
He was annoyed, moreover, to find the information scattered amongst
romantic story-telling, instead of soberly set forth after the manner of
a manual; and he concluded that, even if the writer had thought much
upon these subjects, he was totally lacking in educational method. For
the character and attainments of Lecoq, however, he was unable to
contain his admiration.

"He was truly a great creature," ruminated Mr. Rolles. "He knew the
world as I know Paley's Evidences. There was nothing that he could not
carry to a termination with his own hand, and against the largest odds.
Heavens!" he broke out suddenly, "is not this the lesson? Must I not
learn to cut diamonds for myself?"

It seemed to him as if he had sailed at once out of his