Paul Gosslett's Confessions in Love, Law, and The Civil Service

Paul Gosslett's Confessions in Love, Law, and the Civil Service by Charles Lever is about a young spy on a mission in Calabria. Excerpt: «I was walking very sadly across the Green Park one day, my hat pressed over my eyes, not looking to the right or left, but sauntering along, depressed and heavy-hearted, when I felt a friendly arm slip softly within my own, while a friendly voice said,—»I think I have got something to suit you, for a few months at least. Don't you know Italian?" «In a fashion, I may say I do. I can read the small poets, and chat a little. I'll not say much more about my knowledge.» «Quite enough for what I mean. Now tell me another thing. You're not a very timid fellow, I know. Have you any objection to going amongst the brigands in Calabria,—on a friendly mission, of course,—where it will be their interest to treat you well?» «Explain yourself a little more freely. What is it I should have to do?»