title: The Victorian Criminal (Shire Library)
author:  Neil R. Storey 
description: Neil Storey is a social historian and lecturer specializing in military and crime history themes. His crime books include: 'London Crime', 'Death and Debauchery, East End Murders', 'Jack the Ripper's London' and 'Victorian Prisons and Prisoners'. He has written 'The Home Guard' and (with Molly Housego) 'Women in the First World War' for Shire.
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  The Tractate Middoth  
    
  
  This page copyright © 2001 Blackmask Online.
  
  
  http://www.blackmask.com
  
  
  # The Tractate Middoth
  
  
  ### M. R. James
  
  
  This page copyright © 2001 Blackmask Online.
  
  
  http://www.blackmask.com  
    
  
  
  TOWARDS the end of an autumn afternoon an elderly with a thin face and grey
  Piccadilly weepers pushed open the swing-door leading into the vestibule of a
  certain famous libra ry, and addressing himself to an attendant, stated that
  he believed he was entitled to use the library, and inquired if he might tak a
  book out. Yes, if he were on the list of those to whom that privilege was
  given. He produced his card - Mr John Eldred - and, the register being
  consulted, a favourable nswer was given. 'Now, another point,' said he. 'It is
  a long time since I was here, and I do not know my way
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  about your building; besides, it is near closing-time, and it is bad for me to
  hurry up and down stairs. I have here the title of the book I wa