The Golden Leg Read Online Free PDF

them.
    “Gentlemen,” she said, in a low, warm voice, “I have somehow found myself
     locked out of my own home. Would you be able to help me?”
    Without a moment’s hesitation, the two men offered their
     assistance, saying they would do whatever they could. The woman in black nodded,
     and beckoned them to follow her with one elegantly gloved hand. She set off
     through the darkened streets, the men keeping pace alongside her, her heels
     clicking on the cobblestones.
    The street ran down the hill toward the water, and as was typical for that part
     of the town, the houses were built side by side, adjoined in a row. Eventually
     the woman stopped in front of one door.
    “Number 16,” she said, pointing to the house.
    It was a grand old house, large and stately. It had a great wooden door,
     painted green, with a brass knocker that gleamed in the moonlight. At either
     side of the door were two great bay windows than ran from the ground up to the
     second storey. Heavy wooden shutters barred the windows on the main floor, so
     nothing could be seen inside, though looking up, the men could see lights
     shining in the rooms above.
    One of the sailors reached into his pocket, and took out a folding knife which
     he always carried with him. He undid the latch on one of the shutters, opening
     it up. His friend hoisted him up, then sliding the blade of the knife up between
     the sashes of the window, he was able to trip the latch, and slide the window
     open. The sailor climbed in through the window, pushing aside the rich velvet
     curtains, and found himself standing in a most remarkable room.
    The sailor’s jaw dropped, as he looked about him. Thelady, or
     her family, was obviously very well off indeed. The room was decorated with
     antique furniture, and the walls were covered with fine paintings. It was lit
     with candles which burned in ornate holders, and everywhere was the gleam of
     gold, silver, and crystal. He quickly made his way to the front door, finding it
     locked from the inside with a heavy iron key. He turned the key to the lock, and
     opened the door to admit the lady of the house and his shipmate.
    The woman thanked the two men most graciously, and asked if they would come in
     for a drink. Again, they did not hesitate, more than happy for the opportunity
     of a both a drink and the company of a young woman.
    Once inside, the woman stopped in the hallway where there was a hat stand and
     large mirror. Carefully, she removed the long pins from her hat, and lifted the
     hat and veil from her head. Looking into the mirror, she patted back her hair,
     and turned to face the two men.
    She was, quite simply, the most beautiful woman either of the men had ever
     seen, or even dreamed of seeing. Her skin was as pale as alabaster, her lips as
     red as blood, and her hair as long and black as a winter’s night without stars.
     She ushered the two men into the parlour, and bade them to be seated.
    The raven-haired beauty told them to make themselves comfortable while she
     prepared their refreshment, and left them alone for a moment. The two men looked
     at each other, hardly daring to speak. They looked around the room, taking in
     the richness of the furnishings and artwork. Around them,the
     flickering flames of the candles danced and were reflected back.
    Before long, the woman returned with a silver platter on which was a decanter
     of wine and two crystal goblets. She served the men, but did not take a drink
     herself. The three of them talked for some time, the woman asking many questions
     about their stay in the town.
    When they had finished the wine, which was the best they had ever tasted, one
     of the sailors asked if she minded if they smoked. She assured them she did not.
     He took out a silver cigarette case, offering the lady a cigarette first. She
     smiled, but declined the offer. He and his companion each took a cigarette, lit
     them and smoked, conversing for a while longer. When they were