INTRODUCES THE WRITER AND OTHERS My story begins on the morning of December 18, 18--, while sitting at breakfast.

Let it be understood before we go further that I was a bachelor living in lodgings.

I had been left an orphan just before I came of age, and was thus cast upon the world at a time when it is extremely dangerous for young men to be alone.

Especially was it so in my case, owing to the fact that at twenty-one I inherited a considerable fortune.

One thing saved me from ruin, viz.