Now we'll see what I can accomplish in the way of being a great rascal." He knelt before a small steamer trunk, battered and plentifully labeled, and unscrewed the lock.

From a cleverly concealed pocket he brought forth a packet of papers.

These he placed on the table and unfolded with almost reverent care.

Sometimes he shrugged, as one does who is confronted by huge obstacles, sometimes he laughed harshly, sometimes his jaws hardened and his fingers writhed.

When he had done--and many and many a time he had repeated this performance, studied the faded ink, the great seal, the watermarks--he hid them away in the trunk again.
He now approached the open window and leaned out.