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Prologue

To: George Stoughton, the Earl of Bonkinbone

October 20th

Dear Sir,

Cease your attempts to send me money. I do not want it, nor do I want double it, nor triple the amount. As I have told you several times already, you cannot repay your debt with money. I bought your debt because I want one thing from you:

Tell me where I can find your brother, William.

You know as well as I that he left the country at the end of the summer, and I require an address to reach him.

Give me that address, and I will erase your debt.

Impatiently awaiting your response,

Demon Hayle

Baron Endymion

* * *

To: George Stoughton, the Earl of Bonkinbone

November 2nd

My lord,

You will find enclosed your cheque. Also, a card I had on hand for a physician in London. I cannot personally recommend him, because I have never visited him—I believe he’s one of my mother’s friends, which is why I had his card in my desk drawer.

Clearly, you are having some trouble comprehending the written word. Perhaps your vision needs to be checked, or there is some disruption between your eyes and your processing capabilities in your brain. A doctor will hopefully be able to help you.

Yet again, you have deliberately misunderstood my requirements to erase your not unsubstantial debt. Money will not do.

Baron Endymion

* * *

To: George Stoughton, the Earl of Bonkinbone

November 13th

You complete muffin,

Cease, I tell you, cease! You know my demands, clackdish. Your brother’s address, a way to contact him abroad, and I will tear up the vouchers I purchased.

Endymion

* * *

To: George Stoughton, the Earl of Bonkinbone

November 24th

Bonkinbone—

Wait, wait, let’s not be hasty. Call back this ‘representative’ of yours. I have no need for some pasty, glib-tongued solicitor to traipse up to Scotland. You and I can conduct our business perfectly fine via post.