The Jackal (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1905 edition. Excerpt: ... chapter ii the man with A grin he day after the disappearance of Lady Southborne, I was sitting at breakfast in the little cottage on the borders of Epping Forest, whither it was my custom to betake myself when I had a piece of work on hand, and wished to be absolutely alone. It so happened that on the previous evening I had gone to St. Pancras Station to see a friend off, and so had been present when the events already recorded took place. Hence on this particular morning I opened my newspapers with some interest. The first item to catch my eye was headed--"accident on the midland railway. "narrow escape of the manchester mail. "What might have been a very serious accident took place last evening on the Midland Railway at St. Albans," ran the report. "Just as the Manchester Mail from St. Pancras was entering the station, a large trolley at the far end of the platform--set in motion, it is believed, by some lads who were returning from a football match--was seen to be moving, and, before it could be reached, had precipitated itself over the edge of the platform in front of the advancing engine. But for the fact that the train had slowed down preparatory to stopping at the station, the result might have been lamentable. The passengers, who were naturally much alarmed, at once left the carriages, and swarming along the line made their way to the platform. It was reported in London last night that several passengers had been killed, but we are glad to say that though a number of people were severely bruised a