Telling yesterday's news

I see that look again, as plain as the nose on your face. And it does you credit; my tale, after all, strains credulity.

And yet, although you must by now be wondering if I am unhinged - perhaps even dangerous - your curiosity bids you stay and listen. Bravo, sir! Of such a spirit of adventure the best of the human race is truly made!

But here - if you will hear me out, then please sit and share this bench with me. Let me just move this newspaper and you will be better placed to listen in comfort. There.

Oh, but I must say that these smaller-sized newspapers have not been conceived of with a man such as myself in mind! I fancy they must be easier to read, granted - but on a cold winter's night, a man misses the fine protection offered by a copy or two of The Thunderer in its mightier form of yore.

Changed times, eh? Or perhaps I should rather say changed Times! Ho ho! Changed Times? No? Oh well, no matter. Where was I?

Ah yes. The young master Dickens. Well, on that night I first met him, we had occasion to talk in a manner almost identical to that in which you and I find ourselves talking this very morning.



Story begins here