Read A Matter of Temperance (The Adventures of Ichabod Temperance Book 1) for Free Online Page A

head.”
    “Charming.”
    - - -
    “Gee whiz, I didn’t hardly sleep a wink last night at ‘Uncle Bob’s Bug Free Bunks’, I was so excited about meeting Miss Plumtartt. Do I look all right? You don’t think I am too early, do you?”
    “One can only imagine what Miss Plumtartt will think at the sight of you, sir. I suggest writing a note to Miss Plumtartt. I will send it to her and she may decide whether or not to receive you.”

Chapter 14 – The Morning Periodicals.
    Persephone
    I awaken somewhat recovered from the prior evening's traumatic events. Not wanting to see the damage done to the lovely Hotel, or face the saddened staff, I take my breakfast and papers in my rooms.
    There is an account of the strange occurrences in:
    The Morning Calamity
    HARRIED HORSES HEAP HEAVY HAVOC ON HAPLESS HEADS
    “For unknown reasons, scores of horses on Birdcage Walk went completely berserk, wrecking dozens of carriages. Many of our finer citizens were quite put out. Most witnesses were at a loss as to a cause for the frightened animals. There were a few who suspected that they had seen the mysterious ‘Ghost’ that is leaving gruesome corpses across the countryside. These witnesses and others describe the ‘Ghost’ as a just barely visible, flickering shadow. There were even a couple of young boys who insisted that they were witness to a flying man and a horrible monster.”
    The Gadfly Gazette
    QUEEN’S HOTEL IS SCENE OF ELDERLY TERROR
    “Beloved doorman of the Queen’s Hotel suffered a severe fit while on duty at the exquisite lodgings. During his departure from this World, the kind, gentle, dear old fellow managed to throw several colleagues about the premises in his compulsively violent death throes. ‘Ol’ Tom’ then proceeded to wreak havoc on the lobby, and to cause thousands of pounds in damage to the crystal enhanced dining room before expiring.”
    ‘He will be missed.’
    Ominously, there are accounts from around the country of horribly dessicated corpses and terrified citizens.
    Amazingly, there is one story that brings me a smile. It almost makes me laugh.
    NATIONAL HERO THE VICTIM OF COWARDLY ASSAULT
    “In an outrageous display, a crazed brute has assaulted famous explorer and reporter, Sir Henry Stanley. The noble countenance of this worthy gentleman may be forever altered. The scoundrel responsible is thought to be from the United States. Citizens are urged to keep watch for this ‘Mad American’.”
    There is a knock at the door. A bellboy has a note:
    Dear Miss Plumtartt,
    I hope I was not presumptuous, interfering with your activities at St. James Park.
    May we meet?
    Respectfully yours,
    Ichabod Temperance.
    Good Heavens! Is this the marksman that came to my aid? Could that foolhardy soul have actually survived his encounter with the foul demon?
    I cannot recall an image of the brave man, for I was in such a shocked and beaten state that I had not the capacity to observe my hero. He must be a great and fearsome beast of a man. Only a man with a stout heart and valiant soul would or could have faced the challenge of that unnatural fiend. I am suddenly thrilled at the prospect of meeting this no doubt, robust and dynamic example of English Manhood.
    - - -
    “Eh hem, you are quite sure that is the man that sent the note?”
    “Yes, Madame.”
    What a disappointment. The fellow in question is a rather pitiful little creature. He stands staring at me from across the room with his mouth agape. Far from the muscular champion that I was expecting, he is just a thin chap, no taller than I. An abundance of pomade holds his hair rigidly in place. His jaw and face have an unfortunate slackness to them and his general expression is all agog. Dressed in plain, workman's clothing, his appearance is notable for large buckled boots and derby hat, yet otherwise, he remains nondescript.
    “Mr. Temperance?”
    “Uhb.”
    My word, the vacant expression on the young man’s face is such that I fear  he is under