THE MAN WITH THE BROKEN EAR

Table Of Contents

• DEDICATION OF THE FIRST EDITION.
• CHAPTER I.1
• CHAPTER II.11
• CHAPTER III.17
• CHAPTER IV.25
• CHAPTER V.34
• CHAPTER VI.44
• CHAPTER VII.50
• CHAPTER VIII.65
• CHAPTER IX.72
• CHAPTER X.83
• CHAPTER XI.94
• CHAPTER XII.106
• CHAPTER XIII.118
• CHAPTER XIV.126
• CHAPTER XV.155
• CHAPTER XVI.172
• CHAPTER XVII.181
• CHAPTER XVIII.204
• CHAPTER XIX.224
• CHAPTER XX.236
• Translators Notes253

DEDICATION OF THE FIRST EDITION.[A]

Dear Leypoldt:

You have not forgotten that nearly two years ago, before our business connection was thought of, this identical translation was 'respectfully declined' by you with that same courtesy, the exercise of which in frequent similar cases, each one of us now tries so hard to shove on the other's shoulders. I hope that your surprise on reading this note of dedication will not interfere with your forgiving the pertinacity with which, through it, I still strive to make the book yours.

H. H.

451 Broome Street, May 16, 1867.

The Translator has placed a few explanatory Notes at the end of the volume. They are referred to by numbers in the text.

CHAPTER I.

WHEREIN THEY KILL THE FATTED CALF TO CELEBRATE THE RETURN OF A FRUGAL SON.

On the 18th of May, 1859, M. Renault, formerly professor of physics and chemistry, now a landed proprietor at Fontainebleau, and member of the Municipal Council of that charming little city, himself carried to the post-office the following letter:—

"To Monsieur Leon Renault, Civil Engineer, Berlin, Prussia.

(To be kept at the Post-Office till called for.)

"My dear child:

"The good news you sent us from St. Petersburg caused us the greatest joy. Your poor mother had been ailing since winter, but I had not spoken to you about it from fear of making you uneasy while so far from home. As for myself, I had not been very well; and there was yet a third person (guess the name if you can!) who was languishing from not seeing you. But content yourself, my dear Leon: we have been recuperating more and more since the time of your return is almost fixed. We begin to believe that the mines of the Ural will not swallow up that which is dearer to us than all the world. Thank God! that fortune which you have so honorably and so quickly made will not have cost your life, nor even your health, since you tell us you have been growing fat off