Tales of Terror and Mystery

The Leather Funnel

           "

           "Ascienceofcharlatans!"

           "Thecharlatanisalwaysthepioneer.Fromtheastrologercametheastronomer,fromthealchemistthechemist,fromthemesmeristtheexperimentalpsychologist.Thequackofyesterdayistheprofessoroftomorrow.Evensuchsubtleandelusivethingsasdreamswillintimebereducedtosystemandorder.Whenthattimecomestheresearchesofourfriendsonthebookshelfyonderwillnolongerbetheamusementofthemystic,butthefoundationsofascience."

           "Supposingthatisso,whathasthescienceofdreamstodowithalarge,black,brass-rimmedfunnel?"

           "Iwilltellyou.YouknowthatIhaveanagentwhoisalwaysonthelook-outforraritiesandcuriositiesformycollection.SomedaysagoheheardofadealerupononeoftheQuaiswhohadacquiredsomeoldrubbishfoundinacupboardinanancienthouseatthebackoftheRueMathurin,intheQuartierLatin.Thedining-roomofthisoldhouseisdecoratedwithacoatofarms,chevrons,andbarsrougeuponafieldargent,whichprove,uponinquiry,tobetheshieldofNicholasdelaReynie,ahighofficialofKingLouisXIV.Therecanbenodoubtthattheotherarticlesinthecupboarddatebacktotheearlydaysofthatking.Theinferenceis,therefore,thattheywereallthepropertyofthisNicholasdelaReynie,whowas,asIunderstand,thegentlemanspeciallyconcernedwiththemaintenanceandexecutionoftheDraconiclawsofthatepoch."

           "Whatthen?"

           "Iwouldaskyounowtotakethefunnelintoyourhandsoncemoreandtoexaminetheupperbrassrim.

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Roboto Lora
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