my hand to examine it, I heard a dreadful cry. “Put it down! Down at once, Watson,” he said, “I hate to have my things touched. Sit down man, and let me have my rest!” Then I sat in silent dejection until the stipulated time had passed.
“Now Watson,” he said, “Have you any change?” “Yes,” I replied. “How many half-crowns ? Put them in your watch – pocket. And all the rest in your trouser pocket.
You will light the gas lamp, but it must be half on. You will have the kindness to place some letters and 10th - - paper on the table within my reach. Now place the ivory box on the table within my reach. Slide the lid a bit with tongs .
Put the tongs on the table. Good! Now you can go and fetch Mr. Culverton Smith, of Lower Burke Street’’.
I was hesitant to leave him now. He was delirious . “I have never heard of the name,’’ I said. “Well, he is the man who has the knowledge of this disease but he is not a medical man.
He is a planter. He lives in Sumatra, now visiting London. I didn’t want you to go before six, because you wouldn’t have found him in his study. I hope you will be able to persuade him to come.
You will tell him exactly how you have left me.” He said, “You must tell him that I’m dying – plead with him, Watson.” “I’ll bring him in a cab,’’ I said. “No. You will persuade him to come and return before him. Make any excuse.
Remember this, Watson.” I saw Mrs. Hudson was waiting outside, trembling and crying. Below, as I waited for the cab, I met Inspector Morton of the Scotland Yard. He was not in his uniform.
“How is he?” asked Inspector Morton. “He is very ill,” I answered. I reached Mr. Culverton Smith’s house.
The butler appeared at the doorway. Through the half-open door I heard a man’s voice telling the butler, “I am not at