Pagina 437 van 657

I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the

table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a

soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of

his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all

over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than

five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but

he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who

was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his

strength of mind to control.

"I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I

have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by

train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I

might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me

here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon

the side-table."