"is taken up by an Encyclopaedia in fourteen volumes. Useful, but a little dull, as is also Caprimulge’s ‘Dictionary of the Finnish Language’. The Biographical Dictionary looks more promising. Biography of Men who were Born Great, Biography of Men who Achieved Greatness, Biography of Men who had Greatness Thrust upon Them, and Biography of Men who were Never Great at All. Then there are ten volumes of Thom’s Works and Wanderings, while the Wild Goose Chase, a Novel, by an anonymous author, fills no less than six. But what’s this, what’s this?" Mr. Scogan stood on tiptoe and peered up. "Seven volumes of the ‘Tales of Knockespotch’. The Tales of Knockespotch,” he repeated. "Ah, my dear Henry,” he said, turning round, "these are your best books. I would willingly give all the rest of your library for them."
The happy possessor of a multitude of first editions, Mr. Wimbush could afford to smile indulgently.
"Is it possible," Mr. Scogan went on, "that they possess nothing more than a back and a title?" He opened the cupboard door and peeped inside, as though
