Curator’s note: these entries by Mr.
O’Flaherty have been, translated from crude code.
17 Jan 1871
Made trip home with Mrs. Frazer. Realized that Sir Cosmo’s town house invitation was Gentleman’s way of asking me to stay in country without asking if I had the means. Don’t understand it completely but have made mental note for when I am of higher station. Accompanying Mrs. Frazer reminded me of family at home. I do miss them.
Arms still hurt like the devil after fighting.
Can’t wait until bones knit and I can be done with these
splints, though I appreciate the care my friends put into them.
18 Jan 1871
Met with Sir Cosmo's my solicitor in
England. May be more competent than ones in America. Have understood
the words used by all, but this one strings them together in sentences
that actually mean something. Have concluded that English law,
for the most part, is written in English.
19 Jan 1871
A momentous occasion. I had a conversation
with a newspaper reporter, and he got most of what I said right.
Mental note for when I am of higher station. If you want newspaper
stories correct, buy your own newspaper. On the other hand, have
found out about another set of mockeries called “The Trump
of Doom”. My guess is that the company that employed that
one writer had their fill of the Rocket Kid but isn’t letting
go of me. Well, I have them now! Those da lawyers in America
had better sit up and finally put this nonsense to an end. Writing
a letter tonight.
Old pal Roy McThorne indeed!
23 Jan 1871
In shock. Deceased Gentleman left me an annuity. Twice what I used to earn here as a bodyguard. I must not let this success go to my head, but if I am to be a proper gentleman myself I shall need some place of my own here. Considering the palace that Mum and the rest have in Boston, I should be able to afford one of these grand manors Sir Cosmo and the rest have, but I think a cottage would be best until I have saved and accrued a little more.
Finally dawned on me that Sir Cosmo’s
offer of employment with contact with both him and Sir Anthony
might actually be in reference to the League, and not some servant
pretense for a hired strong back. Perhaps he knew beforehand what
was afoot, the gentry seem to conspire amongst themselves three
steps ahead of everyone else. Will write letter to Sir Anthony.
If I am to be part of the noble set, I should use my time for
good.
24 Jan 1871
Housing prices in Britain unbelievable! Land
agents rude! I may be better off than I’ve ever been, but
am nowhere near wealthy class here. Still sending letter to Sir
Anthony. At least it will be good to earn a farthing or two for
actual work. Plus I still enjoy the excitement when my friends
do the important things.
26 Jan 1871
Mrs. Ploppy made a wonderful stew this evening. Eldridge has decided to start to learn Violin. Currently sounds like cat being stepped on by horse. Have improved my ceiling drumming. Have currently considered learning a parlor instrument of my own, I think I remember a new American one called “Bango”.
I heard the Globe mentioned incident where
I got knocked on my back without mentioning results. Means people
will ask about it, though. Still working vigorously on how that
was done and if here are countermeasures. Wish I could train with
Salmalin.
3 February 1871
Heard that Salmalin was in Edenfield court
with the Copperthwaites, sent courier to contact him for possible
training in the area nearby rather than cooling heels here. Received
telegram from Lady Copperthwaite urging me to give Mr. Salmalin
some privacy “for the time being”. I wasn’t planning
on intruding upon the newlyweds, but I had just heard that Miss
Whithnell had journeyed there. What the blazes is going on?
9 February 1871
More silly autograph seekers today. Nearly
lost temper with one for comment about the sacrifice of my dear
friend McThorne. Nearly bit through my toungue. Had the smell
of some low tier reporter. Those Lawyers had better be doing something.
21 March 1871
Haven’t written in a while. Arms are free of splints and doing nicely. I received a letter and replied to Mrs. Gallant. Still don’t know what the two Les’s and the Rocket Boy are up to, but it must be urgent. Never could get any of the baddies to own up to the writer’s death despite their eagerness to reveal the rest. Doubt setting in about Wilson again, but he couldn’t have known about departing when he did, could he?
Have lots of time to train, and have been doing much more on healed arms. They still feel sore from lack of use, but the strength seems mostly there.
24 March 1871
Major breakthroughs today! Training has paid off in ways I never previously thought possible. I feel nearly invincible with my bare hands. I can move and think at a speed that blurs the world around me when I reach a particular state of focus. Amazing!
Also, I can almost pluck through the first
half of “Old Joe Clark”.
Proceed to Another reason to not sleep
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