It was towards the end of the second volume, and the day was the 23d of October in the year 1752.

A glance at the numbering of the pages revealed the fact that three leaves had been entirely removed, and that the pages numbered 349 to 354 were not to be found.

Again I ran through the diaries to see whether there were any leaves removed in other places, but found no other single page missing.

All was complete except at this one place, the manuscript beautifully written, with scarcely an error or erasure throughout.

A closer examination showed that these leaves had been cut out close to the back, and the cut edges of the paper appeared too fresh to admit of this being done a century ago.