Chapter ONE - Weebly

“I collect them,” Berson said needlessly, watching
Ethan as he scanned the shelves. There were volumes
here by Rabelais and Cervantes, Butler and Newton,
Hobbes and Locke.
“Most come from England,” the merchant went on.
“A few are from France, and some of the newer ones
were produced here in Boston, by Edes and Gill.
Though I must say that I don’t think much of the quality
of their volumes. Do you read, Mister Kaille?”
“Yes, sir, I do. There was a time when I read a lot.”
“You don’t anymore?”
“I have less time for leisurely pursuits now than I did
in my youth.” And less coin.
Berson nodded, staring at the volumes. He was a
portly man with a thick neck and a jowly face. His eyes
were heavy-lidded; his nose was round and red. A few
strands of coarse black hair stuck out from beneath a
powdered wig of white curls. He wore a black silk suit
and a white cravat.
“William told you why I require your services?” he
asked after some time, still avoiding Ethan’s gaze.
The silver-haired man. “Yes, he did, sir. You,