’Mr。Goodchildwillkeepmecompanytillyoucomehome。Don’thurry。Excusemycallingyouback。’
’Itisnot，’saidtheAssistant，withhisformersmile，’thefirsttimeyouhavecalledmeback，dearDoctor。’Withthosewordshewentaway。
’Mr。Goodchild，’saidDoctorSpeddie，inalowvoice，andwithhisformertroubledexpressionofface，’Ihaveseenthatyourattentionhasbeenconcentratedonmyfriend。’
’Hefascinatesme。Imustapologisetoyou，buthehasquitebewilderedandmasteredme。’
’Ifindthatalonelyexistenceandalongsecret，’saidtheDoctor，drawinghischairalittlenearertoMr。Goodchild’s，’becomeinthecourseoftimeveryheavy。Iwilltellyousomething。Youmaymakewhatuseyouwillofit，underfictitiousnames。IknowImaytrustyou。Iamthemoreinclinedtoconfidenceto-night，throughhavingbeenunexpectedlyledback，bythecurrentofourconversationattheInn，toscenesinmyearlylife。Willyoupleasetodrawalittlenearer？’
Mr。Goodchilddrewalittlenearer，andtheDoctorwentonthus：
speaking，forthemostpart，insocautiousavoice，thatthewind，thoughitwasfarfromhigh，occasionallygotthebetterofhim。
Whenthispresentnineteenthcenturywasyoungerbyagoodmanyyearsthanitisnow，acertainfriendofmine，namedArthurHolliday，happenedtoarriveinthetownofDoncaster，exactlyinthemiddleofarace-week，or，inotherwords，inthemiddleofthemonthofSeptember。Hewasoneofthosereckless，rattle-pated，open-hearted，andopen-mouthedyounggentlemen，whopossessthegiftoffamiliarityinitshighestperfection，andwhoscramblecarelesslyalongthejourneyoflifemakingfriends，asthephraseis，wherevertheygo。Hisfatherwasarichmanufacturer，andhadboughtlandedpropertyenoughinoneofthemidlandcountiestomakeallthebornsquiresinhisneighbourhoodthoroughlyenviousofhim。Arthurwashisonlyson，possessorinprospectofthegreatestateandthegreatbusinessafterhisfather’sdeath;wellsuppliedwithmoney，andnottoorigidlylookedafter，duringhisfather’slifetime。Report，orscandal，whicheveryouplease，saidthattheoldgentlemanhadbeenratherwildinhisyouthfuldays，andthat，unlikemostparents，hewasnotdisposedtobeviolentlyindignantwhenhefoundthathissontookafterhim。Thismaybetrueornot。ImyselfonlyknewtheelderMr。Hollidaywhenhewasgettingoninyears;andthenhewasasquietandasrespectableagentlemanaseverImetwith。
Well，oneSeptember，asItoldyou，youngArthurcomestoDoncaster，havingdecidedallofasudden，inhisharebrainedway，thathewouldgototheraces。Hedidnotreachthetowntilltowardsthecloseoftheevening，andhewentatoncetoseeabouthisdinnerandbedattheprincipalhotel。Dinnertheywerereadyenoughtogivehim;butasforabed，theylaughedwhenhementionedit。Intherace-weekatDoncaster，itisnouncommonthingforvisitorswhohavenotbespokenapartments，topassthenightintheircarriagesattheinndoors。Asforthelowersortofstrangers，Imyselfhaveoftenseenthem，atthatfulltime，sleepingoutonthedoorstepsforwantofacoveredplacetocreepunder。Richashewas，Arthur’schanceofgettinganight’slodging（seeingthathehadnotwrittenbeforehandtosecureone）
wasmorethandoubtful。Hetriedthesecondhotel，andthethirdhotel，andtwooftheinferiorinnsafterthat;andwasmeteverywherebythesameformofanswer。Noaccommodationforthenightofanysortwasleft。AllthebrightgoldensovereignsinhispocketwouldnotbuyhimabedatDoncasterintherace-week。
ToayoungfellowofArthur’stemperament，thenoveltyofbeingturnedawayintothestreet，likeapennilessvagabond，ateveryhousewhereheaskedforalodging，presenteditselfinthelightofanewandhighlyamusingpieceofexperience。Hewenton，withhiscarpet-baginhishand，applyingforabedateveryplaceofentertainmentfortravellersthathecouldfindinDoncaster，untilhewanderedintotheoutskirtsofthetown。Bythistime，thelastglimmeroftwilighthadfadedout，themoonwasrisingdimlyinamist，thewindwasgettingcold，thecloudsweregatheringheavily，andtherewaseveryprospectthatitwassoongoingtorain。
ThelookofthenighthadratheraloweringeffectonyoungHolliday’sgoodspirits。Hebegantocontemplatethehouselesssituationinwhichhewasplaced，fromtheseriousratherthanthehumorouspointofview;andhelookedabouthim，foranotherpublic-housetoinquireat，withsomethingverylikedownrightanxietyinhismindonthesubjectofalodgingforthenight。Thesuburbanpartofthetowntowardswhichhehadnowstrayedwashardlylightedatall，andhecouldseenothingofthehousesashepassedthem，exceptthattheygotprogressivelysmalleranddirtier，thefartherhewent。Downthewindingroadbeforehimshonethedullgleamofanoillamp，theonefaint，lonelylightthatstruggledineffectuallywiththefoggydarknessallroundhim。
Heresolvedtogoonasfarasthislamp，andthen，ifitshowedhimnothingintheshapeofanInn，toreturntothecentralpartofthetownandtotryifhecouldnotatleastsecureachairtositdownon，throughthenight，atoneoftheprincipalHotels。
Ashegotnearthelamp，heheardvoices;and，walkingcloseunderit，foundthatitlightedtheentrancetoanarrowcourt，onthewallofwhichwaspaintedalonghandinfadedflesh-colour，pointingwithaleanforefinger，tothisinscription：-
THETWOROBINS。
Arthurturnedintothecourtwithouthesitation，toseewhatTheTwoRobinscoulddoforhim。Fourorfivemenwerestandingtogetherroundthedoorofthehousewhichwasatthebottomofthecourt，facingtheentrancefromthestreet。Themenwerealllisteningtooneotherman，betterdressedthantherest，whowastellinghisaudiencesomething，inalowvoice，inwhichtheywereapparentlyverymuchinterested。
Onenteringthepassage，Arthurwaspassedbyastrangerwithaknapsackinhishand，whowasevidentlyleavingthehouse。
’No，’saidthetravellerwiththeknapsack，turningroundandaddressinghimselfcheerfullytoafat，sly-looking，bald-headedman，withadirtywhiteapronon，whohadfollowedhimdownthepassage。’No，Mr。landlord，Iamnoteasilyscaredbytrifles;
but，Idon’tmindconfessingthatIcan’tquitestandTHAT。’
ItoccurredtoyoungHolliday，themomentheheardthesewords，thatthestrangerhadbeenaskedanexorbitantpriceforabedatTheTwoRobins;andthathewasunableorunwillingtopayit。Themomenthisbackwasturned，Arthur，comfortablyconsciousofhisownwell-filledpockets，addressedhimselfinagreathurry，forfearanyotherbenightedtravellershouldslipinandforestallhim，tothesly-lookinglandlordwiththedirtyapronandthebaldhead。
’Ifyouhavegotabedtolet，’hesaid，’andifthatgentlemanwhohasjustgoneoutwon’tpayyourpriceforit，Iwill。’
TheslylandlordlookedhardatArthur。
’Willyou，sir？’heasked，inameditative，doubtfulway。
’Nameyourprice，’saidyoungHolliday，thinkingthatthelandlord’shesitationsprangfromsomeboorishdistrustofhim。
’Nameyourprice，andI’llgiveyouthemoneyatonceifyoulike？’
’Areyougameforfiveshillings？’inquiredthelandlord，rubbinghisstubblydoublechin，andlookingupthoughtfullyattheceilingabovehim。
Arthurnearlylaughedintheman’sface;butthinkingitprudenttocontrolhimself，offeredthefiveshillingsasseriouslyashecould。Theslylandlordheldouthishand，thensuddenlydrewitbackagain。
’You’reactingallfairandabove-boardbyme，’hesaid：’and，beforeItakeyourmoney，I’lldothesamebyyou。Lookhere，thisishowitstands。Youcanhaveabedalltoyourselfforfiveshillings;butyoucan’thavemorethanahalf-shareoftheroomitstandsin。DoyouseewhatImean，younggentleman？’
’OfcourseIdo，’returnedArthur，alittleirritably。’Youmeanthatitisadouble-beddedroom，andthatoneofthebedsisoccupied？’
Thelandlordnoddedhishead，andrubbedhisdoublechinharderthanever。Arthurhesitated，andmechanicallymovedbackasteportwotowardsthedoor。Theideaofsleepinginthesameroomwithatotalstranger，didnotpresentanattractiveprospecttohim。Hefeltmorethanhalfinclinedtodrophisfiveshillingsintohispocket，andtogooutintothestreetoncemore。
’Isityes，orno？’askedthelandlord。’Settleitasquickasyoucan，becausethere’slotsofpeoplewantingabedatDoncasterto-
night，besidesyou。’
Arthurlookedtowardsthecourt，andheardtherainfallingheavilyinthestreetoutside。HethoughthewouldaskaquestionortwobeforeherashlydecidedonleavingtheshelterofTheTwoRobins。
’Whatsortofamanisitwhohasgottheotherbed？’heinquired。
’Isheagentleman？Imean，isheaquiet，well-behavedperson？’
’ThequietestmanIevercameacross，’saidthelandlord，rubbinghisfathandsstealthilyoneovertheother。’Assoberasajudge，andasregularasclock-workinhishabits。Ithasn’tstrucknine，nottenminutesago，andhe’sinhisbedalready。Idon’tknowwhetherthatcomesuptoyournotionofaquietman：itgoesalongwayaheadofmine，Icantellyou。’
’Isheasleep，doyouthink？’askedArthur。
’Iknowhe’sasleep，’returnedthelandlord。’Andwhat’smore，he’sgoneoffsofast，thatI’llwarrantyoudon’twakehim。Thisway，sir，’saidthelandlord，speakingoveryoungHolliday’sshoulder，asifhewasaddressingsomenewguestwhowasapproachingthehouse。
’Hereyouare，’saidArthur，determinedtobebeforehandwiththestranger，whoeverhemightbe。’I’lltakethebed。’Andhehandedthefiveshillingstothelandlord，whonodded，droppedthemoneycarelesslyintohiswaistcoat-pocket，andlightedthecandle。
’Comeupandseetheroom，’saidthehostofTheTwoRobins，leadingthewaytothestaircasequitebriskly，consideringhowfathewas。
Theymountedtothesecond-floorofthehouse。Thelandlordhalfopenedadoor，frontingthelanding，thenstopped，andturnedroundtoArthur。
’It’safairbargain，mind，onmysideaswellasonyours，’hesaid。’Yougivemefiveshillings，Igiveyouinreturnaclean，comfortablebed;andIwarrant，beforehand，thatyouwon’tbeinterferedwith，orannoyedinanyway，bythemanwhosleepsinthesameroomasyou。’Sayingthosewords，helookedhard，foramoment，inyoungHolliday’sface，andthenledthewayintotheroom。
ItwaslargerandcleanerthanArthurhadexpecteditwouldbe。
Thetwobedsstoodparallelwitheachother-aspaceofaboutsixfeetinterveningbetweenthem。Theywerebothofthesamemediumsize，andbothhadthesameplainwhitecurtains，madetodraw，ifnecessary，allroundthem。Theoccupiedbedwasthebednearestthewindow。Thecurtainswerealldrawnroundthis，exceptthehalfcurtainatthebottom，onthesideofthebedfarthestfromthewindow。Arthursawthefeetofthesleepingmanraisingthescantyclothesintoasharplittleeminence，asifhewaslyingflatonhisback。Hetookthecandle，andadvancedsoftlytodrawthecurtain-stoppedhalf-way，andlistenedforamoment-thenturnedtothelandlord。
’He’saveryquietsleeper，’saidArthur。
’Yes，’saidthelandlord，’veryquiet。’
YoungHollidayadvancedwiththecandle，andlookedinatthemancautiously。
’Howpaleheis！’saidArthur。
’Yes，’returnedthelandlord，’paleenough，isn’the？’
Arthurlookedcloserattheman。Thebedclothesweredrawnuptohischin，andtheylayperfectlystillovertheregionofhischest。Surprisedandvaguelystartled，ashenoticedthis，Arthurstoopeddowncloseroverthestranger;lookedathisashy，partedlips;listenedbreathlesslyforaninstant;lookedagainatthestrangelystillface，andthemotionlesslipsandchest;andturnedroundsuddenlyonthelandlord，withhisowncheeksaspaleforthemomentasthehollowcheeksofthemanonthebed。
’Comehere，’hewhispered，underhisbreath。’Comehere，forGod’ssake！Theman’snotasleep-heisdead！’
’YouhavefoundthatoutsoonerthanIthoughtyouwould，’saidthelandlord，composedly。’Yes，he’sdead，sureenough。Hediedatfiveo’clockto-day。’
’Howdidhedie？Whoishe？’askedArthur，staggered，foramoment，bytheaudaciouscoolnessoftheanswer。
’Astowhoishe，’rejoinedthelandlord，’Iknownomoreabouthimthanyoudo。Therearehisbooksandlettersandthings，allsealedupinthatbrown-paperparcel，fortheCoroner’sinquesttoopento-morrowornextday。He’sbeenhereaweek，payinghiswayfairlyenough，andstoppingin-doors，forthemostpart，asifhewasailing。Mygirlbroughthimuphisteaatfiveto-day;andashewaspouringofitout，hefelldowninafaint，orafit，oracompoundofboth，foranythingIknow。Wecouldnotbringhimto-
andIsaidhewasdead。Andthedoctorcouldn’tbringhimto-andthedoctorsaidhewasdead。Andthereheis。AndtheCoroner’sinquest’scomingassoonasitcan。Andthat’sasmuchasIknowaboutit。’
Arthurheldthecandleclosetotheman’slips。Theflamestillburntstraightup，assteadilyasbefore。Therewasamomentofsilence;andtherainpattereddrearilythroughitagainstthepanesofthewindow。
’Ifyouhaven’tgotnothingmoretosaytome，’continuedthelandlord，’IsupposeImaygo。Youdon’texpectyourfiveshillingsback，doyou？There’sthebedIpromisedyou，cleanandcomfortable。There’sthemanIwarrantednottodisturbyou，quietinthisworldforever。Ifyou’refrightenedtostopalonewithhim，that’snotmylookout。I’vekeptmypartofthebargain，andImeantokeepthemoney。I’mnotYorkshire，myself，younggentleman;butI’velivedlongenoughinthesepartstohavemywitssharpened;andIshouldn’twonderifyoufoundoutthewaytobrightenupyours，nexttimeyoucomeamongstus。’Withthesewords，thelandlordturnedtowardsthedoor，andlaughedtohimselfsoftly，inhighsatisfactionathisownsharpness。
Startledandshockedashewas，Arthurhadbythistimesufficientlyrecoveredhimselftofeelindignantatthetrickthathadbeenplayedonhim，andattheinsolentmannerinwhichthelandlordexultedinit。
’Don’tlaugh，’hesaidsharply，’tillyouarequitesureyouhavegotthelaughagainstme。Youshan’thavethefiveshillingsfornothing，myman。I’llkeepthebed。’
’Willyou？’saidthelandlord。’ThenIwishyouagoodnight’srest。’Withthatbrieffarewell，hewentout，andshutthedoorafterhim。
Agoodnight’srest！Thewordshadhardlybeenspoken，thedoorhadhardlybeenclosed，beforeArthurhalf-repentedthehastywordsthathadjustescapedhim。Thoughnotnaturallyover-sensitive，andnotwantingincourageofthemoralaswellasthephysicalsort，thepresenceofthedeadmanhadaninstantaneouslychillingeffectonhismindwhenhefoundhimselfaloneintheroom-alone，andboundbyhisownrashwordstostaytheretillthenextmorning。Anoldermanwouldhavethoughtnothingofthosewords，andwouldhaveacted，withoutreferencetothem，ashiscalmersensesuggested。ButArthurwastooyoungtotreattheridicule，evenofhisinferiors，withcontempt-tooyoungnottofearthemomentaryhumiliationoffalsifyinghisownfoolishboast，morethanhefearedthetrialofwatchingoutthelongnightinthesamechamberwiththedead。
’Itisbutafewhours，’hethoughttohimself，’andIcangetawaythefirstthinginthemorning。’
Hewaslookingtowardstheoccupiedbedasthatideapassedthroughhismind，andthesharp，angulareminencemadeintheclothesbythedeadman’supturnedfeetagaincaughthiseye。Headvancedanddrewthecurtains，purposelyabstaining，ashedidso，fromlookingatthefaceofthecorpse，lesthemightunnervehimselfattheoutsetbyfasteningsomeghastlyimpressionofitonhismind。Hedrewthecurtainverygently，andsighedinvoluntarilyasheclosedit。’Poorfellow，’hesaid，almostassadlyasifhehadknowntheman。’Ah，poorfellow！’
Hewentnexttothewindow。Thenightwasblack，andhecouldseenothingfromit。Therainstillpatteredheavilyagainsttheglass。Heinferred，fromhearingit，thatthewindowwasatthebackofthehouse;rememberingthatthefrontwasshelteredfromtheweatherbythecourtandthebuildingsoverit。
Whilehewasstillstandingatthewindow-foreventhedrearyrainwasarelief，becauseofthesounditmade;arelief，also，becauseitmoved，andhadsomefaintsuggestion，inconsequence，oflifeandcompanionshipinit-whilehewasstandingatthewindow，andlookingvacantlyintotheblackdarknessoutside，heheardadistantchurch-clockstriketen。Onlyten！Howwashetopassthetimetillthehousewasastirthenextmorning？
Underanyothercircumstances，hewouldhavegonedowntothepublic-houseparlour，wouldhavecalledforhisgrog，andwouldhavelaughedandtalkedwiththecompanyassembledasfamiliarlyasifhehadknownthemallhislife。Buttheverythoughtofwhilingawaythetimeinthismannerwasdistastefultohim。Thenewsituationinwhichhewasplacedseemedtohavealteredhimtohimselfalready。Thusfar，hislifehadbeenthecommon，trifling，prosaic，surface-lifeofaprosperousyoungman，withnotroublestoconquer，andnotrialstoface。Hehadlostnorelationwhomheloved，nofriendwhomhetreasured。Tillthisnight，whatsharehehadoftheimmortalinheritancethatisdividedamongstusall，hadlaiddormantwithinhim。Tillthisnight，Deathandhehadnotoncemet，eveninthought。
Hetookafewturnsupanddowntheroom-thenstopped。Thenoisemadebyhisbootsonthepoorlycarpetedfloor，jarredonhisear。
Hehesitatedalittle，andendedbytakingthebootsoff，andwalkingbackwardsandforwardsnoiselessly。Alldesiretosleeportoresthadlefthim。Thebarethoughtoflyingdownontheunoccupiedbedinstantlydrewthepictureonhismindofadreadfulmimicryofthepositionofthedeadman。Whowashe？Whatwasthestoryofhispastlife？Poorhemusthavebeen，orhewouldnothavestoppedatsuchaplaceasTheTwoRobinsInn-andweakened，probably，bylongillness，orhecouldhardlyhavediedinthemannerinwhichthelandlordhaddescribed。Poor，ill，lonely，-
deadinastrangeplace;dead，withnobodybutastrangertopityhim。Asadstory：truly，onthemerefaceofit，averysadstory。
Whilethesethoughtswerepassingthroughhismind，hehadstoppedinsensiblyatthewindow，closetowhichstoodthefootofthebedwiththeclosedcurtains。Atfirsthelookedatitabsently;thenhebecameconsciousthathiseyeswerefixedonit;andthen，aperversedesiretookpossessionofhimtodotheverythingwhichhehadresolvednottodo，uptothistime-tolookatthedeadman。
Hestretchedouthishandtowardsthecurtains;butcheckedhimselfintheveryactofundrawingthem，turnedhisbacksharplyonthebed，andwalkedtowardsthechimney-piece，toseewhatthingswereplacedonit，andtotryifhecouldkeepthedeadmanoutofhismindinthatway。
Therewasapewterinkstandonthechimney-piece，withsomemildewedremainsofinkinthebottle。Thereweretwocoarsechinaornamentsofthecommonestkind;andtherewasasquareofembossedcard，dirtyandfly-blown，withacollectionofwretchedriddlesprintedonit，inallsortsofzig-zagdirections，andinvariouslycolouredinks。Hetookthecard，andwentaway，toreadit，tothetableonwhichthecandlewasplaced;sittingdown，withhisbackresolutelyturnedtothecurtainedbed。
Hereadthefirstriddle，thesecond，thethird，allinonecornerofthecard-thenturneditroundimpatientlytolookatanother。
Beforehecouldbeginreadingtheriddlesprintedhere，thesoundofthechurch-clockstoppedhim。Eleven。Hehadgotthroughanhourofthetime，intheroomwiththedeadman。
Oncemorehelookedatthecard。Itwasnoteasytomakeoutthelettersprintedonit，inconsequenceofthedimnessofthelightwhichthelandlordhadlefthim-acommontallowcandle，furnishedwithapairofheavyold-fashionedsteelsnuffers。Uptothistime，hismindhadbeentoomuchoccupiedtothinkofthelight。
Hehadleftthewickofthecandleunsnuffed，tillithadrisenhigherthantheflame，andhadburntintoanoddpent-houseshapeatthetop，fromwhichmorselsofthecharredcottonfelloff，fromtimetotime，inlittleflakes。Hetookupthesnuffersnow，andtrimmedthewick。Thelightbrighteneddirectly，andtheroombecamelessdismal。
Againheturnedtotheriddles;readingthemdoggedlyandresolutely，nowinonecornerofthecard，nowinanother。Allhisefforts，however，couldnotfixhisattentiononthem。Hepursuedhisoccupationmechanically，derivingnosortofimpressionfromwhathewasreading。Itwasasifashadowfromthecurtainedbedhadgotbetweenhismindandthegailyprintedletters-ashadowthatnothingcoulddispel。Atlast，hegaveupthestruggle，andthrewthecardfromhimimpatiently，andtooktowalkingsoftlyupanddowntheroomagain。
Thedeadman，thedeadman，theHIDDENdeadmanonthebed！Therewastheonepersistentideastillhauntinghim。Hidden？Wasitonlythebodybeingthere，orwasitthebodybeingthere，concealed，thatwaspreyingonhismind？Hestoppedatthewindow，withthatdoubtinhim;oncemorelisteningtothepatteringrain，oncemorelookingoutintotheblackdarkness。
Stillthedeadman！Thedarknessforcedhismindbackuponitself，andsethismemoryatwork，reviving，withapainfully-vividdistinctnessthemomentaryimpressionithadreceivedfromthefirstsightofthecorpse。Beforelongthefaceseemedtobehoveringoutinthemiddleofthedarkness，confrontinghimthroughthewindow，withthepalenesswhiter，withthedreadfuldulllineoflightbetweentheimperfectly-closedeyelidsbroaderthanhehadseenit-withthepartedlipsslowlydroppingfartherandfartherawayfromeachother-withthefeaturesgrowinglargerandmovingcloser，tilltheyseemedtofillthewindowandtosilencetherain，andtoshutoutthenight。
Thesoundofavoice，shoutingbelow-stairs，wokehimsuddenlyfromthedreamofhisowndistemperedfancy。Herecogniseditasthevoiceofthelandlord。’Shutupattwelve，Ben，’hehearditsay。
’I’mofftobed。’
Hewipedawaythedampthathadgatheredonhisforehead，reasonedwithhimselfforalittlewhile，andresolvedtoshakehismindfreeoftheghastlycounterfeitwhichstillclungtoit，byforcinghimselftoconfront，ifitwasonlyforamoment，thesolemnreality。Withoutallowinghimselfaninstanttohesitate，hepartedthecurtainsatthefootofthebed，andlookedthrough。
Therewasasad，peaceful，whiteface，withtheawfulmysteryofstillnessonit，laidbackuponthepillow。Nostir，nochangethere！Heonlylookedatitforamomentbeforeheclosedthecurtainsagain-butthatmomentsteadiedhim，calmedhim，restoredhim-mindandbody-tohimself。
Hereturnedtohisoldoccupationofwalkingupanddowntheroom;
perseveringinit，thistime，tilltheclockstruckagain。Twelve。
Asthesoundoftheclock-belldiedaway，itwassucceededbytheconfusednoise，down-stairs，ofthedrinkersinthetap-roomleavingthehouse。Thenextsound，afteranintervalofsilence，wascausedbythebarringofthedoor，andtheclosingoftheshutters，atthebackoftheInn。Thenthesilencefollowedagain，andwasdisturbednomore。
Hewasalonenow-absolutely，utterly，alonewiththedeadman，tillthenextmorning。
Thewickofthecandlewantedtrimmingagain。Hetookupthesnuffers-butpausedsuddenlyontheverypointofusingthem，andlookedattentivelyatthecandle-thenback，overhisshoulder，atthecurtainedbed-thenagainatthecandle。Ithadbeenlighted，forthefirsttime，toshowhimthewayup-stairs，andthreepartsofit，atleast，werealreadyconsumed。Inanotherhouritwouldbeburntout。Inanotherhour-unlesshecalledatoncetothemanwhohadshutuptheInn，forafreshcandle-hewouldbeleftinthedark。
Stronglyashismindhadbeenaffectedsincehehadenteredhisroom，hisunreasonabledreadofencounteringridicule，andofexposinghiscouragetosuspicion，hadnotaltogetherlostitsinfluenceoverhim，evenyet。Helingeredirresolutelybythetable，waitingtillhecouldprevailonhimselftoopenthedoor，andcall，fromthelanding，tothemanwhohadshutuptheInn。Inhispresenthesitatingframeofmind，itwasakindofrelieftogainafewmomentsonlybyengaginginthetriflingoccupationofsnuffingthecandle。Hishandtrembledalittle，andthesnufferswereheavyandawkwardtouse。Whenheclosedthemonthewick，heclosedthemahair’sbreadthtoolow。Inaninstantthecandlewasout，andtheroomwasplungedinpitchdarkness。
Theoneimpressionwhichtheabsenceoflightimmediatelyproducedonhismind，wasdistrustofthecurtainedbed-distrustwhichshapeditselfintonodistinctidea，butwhichwaspowerfulenoughinitsveryvagueness，tobindhimdowntohischair，tomakehisheartbeatfast，andtosethimlisteningintently。Nosoundstirredintheroombutthefamiliarsoundoftherainagainstthewindow，louderandsharpernowthanhehadheardityet。
Stillthevaguedistrust，theinexpressibledreadpossessedhim，andkepthimtohischair。Hehadputhiscarpet-bagonthetable，whenhefirstenteredtheroom;andhenowtookthekeyfromhispocket，reachedouthishandsoftly，openedthebag，andgropedinitforhistravellingwriting-case，inwhichheknewthattherewasasmallstoreofmatches。Whenhehadgotoneofthematches，hewaitedbeforehestruckitonthecoarsewoodentable，andlistenedintentlyagain，withoutknowingwhy。Stilltherewasnosoundintheroombutthesteady，ceaseless，rattlingsoundoftherain。
Helightedthecandleagain，withoutanothermomentofdelayand，ontheinstantofitsburningup，thefirstobjectintheroomthathiseyessoughtforwasthecurtainedbed。
Justbeforethelighthadbeenputout，hehadlookedinthatdirection，andhadseennochange，nodisarrangementofanysort，inthefoldsoftheclosely-drawncurtains。
Whenhelookedatthebed，now，hesaw，hangingoverthesideofit，alongwhitehand。
Itlayperfectlymotionless，midwayonthesideofthebed，wherethecurtainattheheadandthecurtainatthefootmet。Nothingmorewasvisible。Theclingingcurtainshideverythingbutthelongwhitehand。
Hestoodlookingatitunabletostir，unabletocallout;feelingnothing，knowingnothing，everyfacultyhepossessedgatheredupandlostintheoneseeingfaculty。Howlongthatfirstpanicheldhimhenevercouldtellafterwards。Itmighthavebeenonlyforamoment;itmighthavebeenformanyminutestogether。Howhegottothebed-whetherherantoitheadlong，orwhetherheapproacheditslowly-howhewroughthimselfuptounclosethecurtainsandlookin，heneverhasremembered，andneverwillremembertohisdyingday。Itisenoughthathedidgotothebed，andthathedidlookinsidethecurtains。
Themanhadmoved。Oneofhisarmswasoutsidetheclothes;hisfacewasturnedalittleonthepillow;hiseyelidswerewideopen。
Changedastoposition，andastooneofthefeatures，thefacewas，otherwise，fearfullyandwonderfullyunaltered。ThedeadpalenessandthedeadquietwereonitstillOneglanceshowedArthurthis-oneglance，beforeheflewbreathlesslytothedoor，andalarmedthehouse。
Themanwhomthelandlordcalled’Ben，’wasthefirsttoappearonthestairs。Inthreewords，Arthurtoldhimwhathadhappened，andsenthimforthenearestdoctor。
I，whotellyouthisstory，wasthenstayingwithamedicalfriendofmine，inpracticeatDoncaster，takingcareofhispatientsforhim，duringhisabsenceinLondon;andI，forthetimebeing，wasthenearestdoctor。TheyhadsentformefromtheInn，whenthestrangerwastakenillintheafternoon;butIwasnotathome，andmedicalassistancewassoughtforelsewhere。WhenthemanfromTheTwoRobinsrangthenight-bell，Iwasjustthinkingofgoingtobed。Naturallyenough，Ididnotbelieveawordofhisstoryabout’adeadmanwhohadcometolifeagain。’However，Iputonmyhat，armedmyselfwithoneortwobottlesofrestorativemedicine，andrantotheInn，expectingtofindnothingmoreremarkable，whenI
gotthere，thanapatientinafit。
Mysurpriseatfindingthatthemanhadspokentheliteraltruthwasalmost，ifnotquite，equalledbymyastonishmentatfindingmyselffacetofacewithArthurHollidayassoonasIenteredthebedroom。Itwasnotimethenforgivingorseekingexplanations。
Wejustshookhandsamazedly;andthenIorderedeverybodybutArthuroutoftheroom，andhurriedtothemanonthebed。
Thekitchenfirehadnotbeenlongout。Therewasplentyofhotwaterintheboiler，andplentyofflanneltobehad。Withthese，withmymedicines，andwithsuchhelpasArthurcouldrenderundermydirection，Idraggedtheman，literally，outofthejawsofdeath。InlessthananhourfromthetimewhenIhadbeencalledin，hewasaliveandtalkinginthebedonwhichhehadbeenlaidouttowaitfortheCoroner’sinquest。
Youwillnaturallyaskme，whathadbeenthematterwithhim;andI
mighttreatyou，inreply，toalongtheory，plentifullysprinkledwith，whatthechildrencall，hardwords。Iprefertellingyouthat，inthiscase，causeandeffectcouldnotbesatisfactorilyjoinedtogetherbyanytheorywhatever。Therearemysteriesinlife，andtheconditionofit，whichhumansciencehasnotfathomedyet;andIcandidlyconfesstoyou，that，inbringingthatmanbacktoexistence，Iwas，morallyspeaking，gropinghaphazardinthedark。Iknow（fromthetestimonyofthedoctorwhoattendedhimintheafternoon）thatthevitalmachinery，sofarasitsactionisappreciablebyoursenses，had，inthiscase，unquestionablystopped;andIamequallycertain（seeingthatIrecoveredhim）
thatthevitalprinciplewasnotextinct。WhenIadd，thathehadsufferedfromalongandcomplicatedillness，andthathiswholenervoussystemwasutterlyderanged，IhavetoldyouallIreallyknowofthephysicalconditionofmydead-alivepatientatTheTwoRobinsInn。
Whenhe’cameto，’asthephrasegoes，hewasastartlingobjecttolookat，withhiscolourlessface，hissunkencheeks，hiswildblackeyes，andhislongblackhair。Thefirstquestionheaskedmeabouthimself，whenhecouldspeak，mademesuspectthatIhadbeencalledintoamaninmyownprofession。Imentionedtohimmysurmise;andhetoldmethatIwasright。
HesaidhehadcomelastfromParis，wherehehadbeenattachedtoahospital。ThathehadlatelyreturnedtoEngland，onhiswaytoEdinburgh，tocontinuehisstudies;thathehadbeentakenillonthejourney;andthathehadstoppedtorestandrecoverhimselfatDoncaster。Hedidnotaddawordabouthisname，orwhohewas：
and，ofcourse，Ididnotquestionhimonthesubject。AllI
inquired，whenheceasedspeaking，waswhatbranchoftheprofessionheintendedtofollow。
’Anybranch，’hesaid，bitterly，’whichwillputbreadintothemouthofapoorman。’
Atthis，Arthur，whohadbeenhithertowatchinghiminsilentcuriosity，burstoutimpetuouslyinhisusualgood-humouredway：-
’Mydearfellow！’（everybodywas’mydearfellow’withArthur）’nowyouhavecometolifeagain，don’tbeginbybeingdown-heartedaboutyourprospects。I’llanswerforit，Icanhelpyoutosomecapitalthinginthemedicalline-or，ifIcan’t，Iknowmyfathercan。’
Themedicalstudentlookedathimsteadily。
’Thankyou，’hesaid，coldly。Thenadded，’MayIaskwhoyourfatheris？’
’He’swellenoughknownallaboutthispartofthecountry，’
repliedArthur。’Heisagreatmanufacturer，andhisnameisHolliday。’
Myhandwasontheman’swristduringthisbriefconversation。TheinstantthenameofHollidaywaspronouncedIfeltthepulseundermyfingersflutter，stop，goonsuddenlywithabound，andbeatafterwards，foraminuteortwo，atthefeverrate。
’Howdidyoucomehere？’askedthestranger，quickly，excitably，passionatelyalmost。
Arthurrelatedbrieflywhathadhappenedfromthetimeofhisfirsttakingthebedattheinn。
’IamindebtedtoMr。Holliday’ssonthenforthehelpthathassavedmylife，’saidthemedicalstudent，speakingtohimself，withasingularsarcasminhisvoice。’Comehere！’
Heheldout，ashespoke，hislong，white，bony，righthand。
’Withallmyheart，’saidArthur，takingthehand-cordially。’I
mayconfessitnow，’hecontinued，laughing。’Uponmyhonour，youalmostfrightenedmeoutofmywits。’
Thestrangerdidnotseemtolisten。HiswildblackeyeswerefixedwithalookofeagerinterestonArthur’sface，andhislongbonyfingerskepttightholdofArthur’shand。YoungHolliday，onhisside，returnedthegaze，amazedandpuzzledbythemedicalstudent’soddlanguageandmanners。Thetwofaceswereclosetogether;Ilookedatthem;and，tomyamazement，Iwassuddenlyimpressedbythesenseofalikenessbetweenthem-notinfeatures，orcomplexion，butsolelyinexpression。Itmusthavebeenastronglikeness，orIshouldcertainlynothavefounditout，forIamnaturallyslowatdetectingresemblancesbetweenfaces。
’Youhavesavedmylife，’saidthestrangeman，stilllookinghardinArthur’sface，stillholdingtightlybyhishand。’Ifyouhadbeenmyownbrother，youcouldnothavedonemoreformethanthat。’
Helaidasingularlystrongemphasisonthosethreewords’myownbrother，’andachangepassedoverhisfaceashepronouncedthem，-achangethatnolanguageofmineiscompetenttodescribe。
’IhopeIhavenotdonebeingofservicetoyouyet，’saidArthur。
’I’llspeaktomyfather，assoonasIgethome。’
’Youseemtobefondandproudofyourfather，’saidthemedicalstudent。’Isuppose，inreturn，heisfondandproudofyou？’
’Ofcourse，heis！’answeredArthur，laughing。’Isthereanythingwonderfulinthat？Isn’tYOURfatherfond-’
ThestrangersuddenlydroppedyoungHolliday’shand，andturnedhisfaceaway。
’Ibegyourpardon，’saidArthur。’IhopeIhavenotunintentionallypainedyou。Ihopeyouhavenotlostyourfather。’
’Ican’twelllosewhatIhaveneverhad，’retortedthemedicalstudent，withaharsh，mockinglaugh。
’Whatyouhaveneverhad！’
ThestrangemansuddenlycaughtArthur’shandagain，suddenlylookedoncemorehardinhisface。
’Yes，’hesaid，witharepetitionofthebitterlaugh。’Youhavebroughtapoordevilbackintotheworld，whohasnobusinessthere。DoIastonishyou？Well！Ihaveafancyofmyownfortellingyouwhatmeninmysituationgenerallykeepasecret。I
havenonameandnofather。ThemercifullawofSocietytellsmeI
amNobody’sSon！Askyourfatherifhewillbemyfathertoo，andhelpmeoninlifewiththefamilyname。’
Arthurlookedatme，morepuzzledthanever。Isignedtohimtosaynothing，andthenlaidmyfingersagainontheman’swrist。
No！Inspiteoftheextraordinaryspeechthathehadjustmade，hewasnot，asIhadbeendisposedtosuspect，beginningtogetlight-
headed。Hispulse，bythistime，hadfallenbacktoaquiet，slowbeat，andhisskinwasmoistandcool。Notasymptomoffeveroragitationabouthim。
Findingthatneitherofusansweredhim，heturnedtome，andbegantalkingoftheextraordinarynatureofhiscase，andaskingmyadviceaboutthefuturecourseofmedicaltreatmenttowhichheoughttosubjecthimself。Isaidthematterrequiredcarefulthinkingover，andsuggestedthatIshouldsubmitcertainprescriptionstohimthenextmorning。Hetoldmetowritethematonce，ashewould，mostlikely，beleavingDoncaster，inthemorning，beforeIwasup。Itwasquiteuselesstorepresenttohimthefollyanddangerofsuchaproceedingasthis。Heheardmepolitelyandpatiently，butheldtohisresolution，withoutofferinganyreasonsoranyexplanations，andrepeatedtome，thatifIwishedtogivehimachanceofseeingmyprescription，Imustwriteitatonce。Hearingthis，Arthurvolunteeredtheloanofatravellingwriting-case，which，hesaid，hehadwithhim;and，bringingittothebed，shookthenote-paperoutofthepocketofthecaseforthwithinhisusualcarelessway。Withthepaper，therefelloutonthecounterpaneofthebedasmallpacketofsticking-plaster，andalittlewater-colourdrawingofalandscape。
Themedicalstudenttookupthedrawingandlookedatit。Hiseyefellonsomeinitialsneatlywritten，incypher，inonecorner。Hestartedandtrembled;hispalefacegrewwhiterthanever;hiswildblackeyesturnedonArthur，andlookedthroughandthroughhim。
’Aprettydrawing，’hesaidinaremarkablyquiettoneofvoice。
’Ah！anddonebysuchaprettygirl，’saidArthur。’Oh，suchaprettygirl！Iwishitwasnotalandscape-Iwishitwasaportraitofher！’
’Youadmireherverymuch？’
Arthur，halfinjest，halfinearnest，kissedhishandforanswer。
’Loveatfirstsight！’hesaid，puttingthedrawingawayagain。
’Butthecourseofitdoesn’trunsmooth。It’stheoldstory。
She’smonopolisedasusual。Trammelledbyarashengagementtosomepoormanwhoisneverlikelytogetmoneyenoughtomarryher。
ItwasluckyIheardofitintime，orIshouldcertainlyhaveriskedadeclarationwhenshegavemethatdrawing。Here，doctor！
Hereispen，ink，andpaperallreadyforyou。’
’Whenshegaveyouthatdrawing？Gaveit。Gaveit。’Herepeatedthewordsslowlytohimself，andsuddenlyclosedhiseyes。A
momentarydistortionpassedacrosshisface，andIsawoneofhishandsclutchupthebedclothesandsqueezethemhard。Ithoughthewasgoingtobeillagain，andbeggedthattheremightbenomoretalking。HeopenedhiseyeswhenIspoke，fixedthemoncemoresearchinglyonArthur，andsaid，slowlyanddistinctly，’Youlikeher，andshelikesyou。Thepoormanmaydieoutofyourway。Whocantellthatshemaynotgiveyouherselfaswellasherdrawing，afterall？’
BeforeyoungHollidaycouldanswer，heturnedtome，andsaidinawhisper，’Nowfortheprescription。’Fromthattime，thoughhespoketoArthuragain，heneverlookedathimmore。
WhenIhadwrittentheprescription，heexaminedit，approvedofit，andthenastonishedusbothbyabruptlywishingusgoodnight。
Iofferedtositupwithhim，andheshookhishead。Arthurofferedtositupwithhim，andhesaid，shortly，withhisfaceturnedaway，’No。’Iinsistedonhavingsomebodylefttowatchhim。HegavewaywhenhefoundIwasdetermined，andsaidhewouldaccepttheservicesofthewaiterattheInn。
’Thankyou，both，’hesaid，aswerosetogo。’Ihaveonelastfavourtoask-notofyou，doctor，forIleaveyoutoexerciseyourprofessionaldiscretion-butofMr。Holliday。’Hiseyes，whilehespoke，stillrestedsteadilyonme，andneveronceturnedtowardsArthur。’IbegthatMr。Hollidaywillnotmentiontoanyone-leastofalltohisfather-theeventsthathaveoccurred，andthewordsthathavepassed，inthisroom。Ientreathimtoburymeinhismemory，as，butforhim，Imighthavebeenburiedinmygrave。Icannotgivemyreasonsformakingthisstrangerequest。Icanonlyimplorehimtograntit。’
Hisvoicefalteredforthefirsttime，andhehidhisfaceonthepillow。Arthur，completelybewildered，gavetherequiredpledge。
ItookyoungHollidayawaywithme，immediatelyafterwards，tothehouseofmyfriend;determiningtogobacktotheInn，andtoseethemedicalstudentagainbeforehehadleftinthemorning。
IreturnedtotheInnateighto’clock，purposelyabstainingfromwakingArthur，whowassleepingoffthepastnight’sexcitementononeofmyfriend’ssofas。AsuspicionhadoccurredtomeassoonasIwasaloneinmybedroom，whichmademeresolvethatHollidayandthestrangerwhoselifehehadsavedshouldnotmeetagain，ifIcouldpreventit。Ihavealreadyalludedtocertainreports，orscandals，whichIknewof，relatingtotheearlylifeofArthur’sfather。WhileIwasthinking，inmybed，ofwhathadpassedattheInn-ofthechangeinthestudent’spulsewhenheheardthenameofHolliday;oftheresemblanceofexpressionthatIhaddiscoveredbetweenhisfaceandArthur’s;oftheemphasishehadlaidonthosethreewords，’myownbrother;’andofhisincomprehensibleacknowledgmentofhisownillegitimacy-whileIwasthinkingofthesethings，thereportsIhavementionedsuddenlyflewintomymind，andlinkedthemselvesfasttothechainofmypreviousreflections。Somethingwithinmewhispered，’Itisbestthatthosetwoyoungmenshouldnotmeetagain。’IfeltitbeforeIslept;I
feltitwhenIwoke;andIwent，asItoldyou，alonetotheInnthenextmorning。
Ihadmissedmyonlyopportunityofseeingmynamelesspatientagain。HehadbeengonenearlyanhourwhenIinquiredforhim。
IhavenowtoldyoueverythingthatIknowforcertain，inrelationtothemanwhomIbroughtbacktolifeinthedouble-beddedroomoftheInnatDoncaster。WhatIhavenexttoaddismatterforinferenceandsurmise，andisnot，strictlyspeaking，matteroffact。
Ihavetotellyou，first，thatthemedicalstudentturnedouttobestrangelyandunaccountablyrightinassumingitasmorethanprobablethatArthurHollidaywouldmarrytheyoungladywhohadgivenhimthewater-colourdrawingofthelandscape。ThatmarriagetookplacealittlemorethanayearaftertheeventsoccurredwhichIhavejustbeenrelating。TheyoungcouplecametoliveintheneighbourhoodinwhichIwasthenestablishedinpractice。I
waspresentatthewedding，andwasrathersurprisedtofindthatArthurwassingularlyreservedwithme，bothbeforeandafterhismarriage，onthesubjectoftheyounglady’spriorengagement。Heonlyreferredtoitonce，whenwewerealone，merelytellingme，onthatoccasion，thathiswifehaddoneallthathonouranddutyrequiredofherinthematter，andthattheengagementhadbeenbrokenoffwiththefullapprovalofherparents。Ineverheardmorefromhimthanthis。Forthreeyearsheandhiswifelivedtogetherhappily。Attheexpirationofthattime，thesymptomsofaseriousillnessfirstdeclaredthemselvesinMrs。ArthurHolliday。Itturnedouttobealong，lingering，hopelessmalady。
Iattendedherthroughout。Wehadbeengreatfriendswhenshewaswell，andwebecamemoreattachedtoeachotherthaneverwhenshewasill。Ihadmanylongandinterestingconversationswithherintheintervalswhenshesufferedleast。TheresultofoneoftheseconversationsImaybrieflyrelate，leavingyoutodrawanyinferencesfromitthatyouplease。
TheinterviewtowhichIrefer，occurredshortlybeforeherdeath。
Icalledoneevening，asusual，andfoundheralone，withalookinhereyeswhichtoldmethatshehadbeencrying。Sheonlyinformedmeatfirst，thatshehadbeendepressedinspirits;but，bylittleandlittle，shebecamemorecommunicative，andconfessedtomethatshehadbeenlookingoversomeoldletters，whichhadbeenaddressedtoher，beforeshehadseenArthur，byamantowhomshehadbeenengagedtobemarried。Iaskedherhowtheengagementcametobebrokenoff。Sherepliedthatithadnotbeenbrokenoff，butthatithaddiedoutinaverymysteriousway。Thepersontowhomshewasengaged-herfirstlove，shecalledhim-wasverypoor，andtherewasnoimmediateprospectoftheirbeingmarried。
Hefollowedmyprofession，andwentabroadtostudy。Theyhadcorrespondedregularly，untilthetimewhen，asshebelieved，hehadreturnedtoEngland。Fromthatperiodsheheardnomoreofhim。Hewasofafretful，sensitivetemperament;andshefearedthatshemighthaveinadvertentlydoneorsaidsomethingthatoffendedhim。Howeverthatmightbe，hehadneverwrittentoheragain;and，afterwaitingayear，shehadmarriedArthur。Iaskedwhenthefirstestrangementhadbegun，andfoundthatthetimeatwhichsheceasedtohearanythingofherfirstloverexactlycorrespondedwiththetimeatwhichIhadbeencalledintomymysteriouspatientatTheTwoRobinsInn。
Afortnightafterthatconversation，shedied。Incourseoftime，Arthurmarriedagain。Oflateyears，hehaslivedprincipallyinLondon，andIhaveseenlittleornothingofhim。
IhavemanyyearstopassoverbeforeIcanapproachtoanythinglikeaconclusionofthisfragmentarynarrative。Andevenwhenthatlaterperiodisreached，thelittlethatIhavetosaywillnotoccupyyourattentionformorethanafewminutes。Betweensixandsevenyearsago，thegentlemantowhomIintroducedyouinthisroom，cametome，withgoodprofessionalrecommendations，tofillthepositionofmyassistant。Wemet，notlikestrangers，butlikefriends-theonlydifferencebetweenusbeing，thatIwasverymuchsurprisedtoseehim，andthathedidnotappeartobeatallsurprisedtoseeme。Ifhewasmysonormybrother，Ibelievehecouldnotbefonderofmethanheis;buthehasnevervolunteeredanyconfidencessincehehasbeenhere，onthesubjectofhispastlife。Isawsomethingthatwasfamiliartomeinhisfacewhenwefirstmet;andyetitwasalsosomethingthatsuggestedtheideaofchange。IhadanotiononcethatmypatientattheInnmightbeanaturalsonofMr。Holliday’s;IhadanotherideathathemightalsohavebeenthemanwhowasengagedtoArthur’sfirstwife;andIhaveathirdidea，stillclingingtome，thatMr。LornistheonlymaninEnglandwhocouldreallyenlightenme，ifhechose，onboththosedoubtfulpoints。Hishairisnotblack，now，andhiseyesaredimmerthanthepiercingeyesthatIremember，but，forallthat，heisverylikethenamelessmedicalstudentofmyyoungdays-verylikehim。And，sometimes，whenIcomehomelateatnight，andfindhimasleep，andwakehim，helooks，incomingto，wonderfullylikethestrangeratDoncaster，asheraisedhimselfinthebedonthatmemorablenight！
TheDoctorpaused。Mr。Goodchild，whohadbeenfollowingeverywordthatfellfromhislipsuptothistime，leanedforwardeagerlytoaskaquestion。Beforehecouldsayaword，thelatchofthedoorwasraised，withoutanywarningsoundoffootstepsinthepassageoutside。Along，white，bonyhandappearedthroughtheopening，gentlypushingthedoor，whichwaspreventedfromworkingfreelyonitshingesbyafoldinthecarpetunderit。
’Thathand！Lookatthathand，Doctor！’saidMr。Goodchild，touchinghim。
Atthesamemoment，theDoctorlookedatMr。Goodchild，andwhisperedtohim，significantly：
’Hush！hehascomeback。’
CHAPTERIII
TheCumberlandDoctor’smentionofDoncasterRaces，inspiredMr。
FrancisGoodchildwiththeideaofgoingdowntoDoncastertoseetheraces。Doncasterbeingagoodwayoff，andquiteoutofthewayoftheIdleApprentices（ifanythingcouldbeoutoftheirway，whohadnoway），itnecessarilyfollowedthatFrancisperceivedDoncasterintherace-weektobe，ofallpossibleidleness，theparticularidlenessthatwouldcompletelysatisfyhim。
Thomas，withanenforcedidlenessgraftedonthenaturalandvoluntarypowerofhisdisposition，wasnotofthismind;objectingthatamancompelledtolieonhisbackonafloor，asofa，atable，alineofchairs，oranythinghecouldgettolieupon，wasnotinracingcondition，andthathedesirednothingbetterthantoliewherehewas，enjoyinghimselfinlookingatthefliesontheceiling。But，FrancisGoodchild，whohadbeenwalkingroundhiscompanioninacircuitoftwelvemilesfortwodays，andhadbeguntodoubtwhetheritwasreservedforhimevertobeidleinhislife，notonlyoverpoweredthisobjection，butevenconvertedThomasIdletoaschemeheformed（anotheridleinspiration），ofconveyingthesaidThomastothesea-coast，andputtinghisinjuredlegunderastreamofsalt-water。
Plungingintothishappyconceptionheadforemost，Mr。Goodchildimmediatelyreferredtothecounty-map，andardentlydiscoveredthatthemostdeliciouspieceofsea-coasttobefoundwithinthelimitsofEngland，Ireland，Scotland，Wales，theIsleofMan，andtheChannelIslands，allsummeduptogether，wasAllonbyonthecoastofCumberland。TherewasthecoastofScotlandoppositetoAllonby，saidMr。Goodchildwithenthusiasm;therewasafineScottishmountainonthatScottishcoast;therewereScottishlightstobeseenshiningacrossthegloriousChannel，andatAllonbyitselftherewaseveryidleluxury（nodoubt）thatawatering-placecouldoffertotheheartofidleman。Moreover，saidMr。Goodchild，withhisfingeronthemap，thisexquisiteretreatwasapproachedbyacoach-road，fromarailway-stationcalledAspatria-aname，inamanner，suggestiveofthedepartedgloriesofGreece，associatedwithoneofthemostengagingandmostfamousofGreekwomen。Onthispoint，Mr。GoodchildcontinuedatintervalstobreatheaveinofclassicfancyandeloquenceexceedinglyirksometoMr。Idle，untilitappearedthatthehonestEnglishpronunciationofthatCumberlandcountryshortenedAspatriainto’Spatter。’Afterthissupplementarydiscovery，Mr。Goodchildsaidnomoreaboutit。
BywayofSpatter，thecrippledIdlewascarried，hoisted，pushed，poked，andpacked，intoandoutofcarriages，intoandoutofbeds，intoandoutoftavernresting-places，untilhewasbroughtatlengthwithinsniffofthesea。Andnow，beholdtheapprenticesgallantlyridingintoAllonbyinaone-horsefly，bentuponstayinginthatpeacefulmarinevalleyuntiltheturbulentDoncastertimeshallcomerounduponthewheel，initsturnamongwhatareinsportingregisterscalledthe’Fixtures’forthemonth。
’DoyouseeAllonby！’askedThomasIdle。
’Idon’tseeityet，’saidFrancis，lookingoutofwindow。
’Itmustbethere，’saidThomasIdle。
’Idon’tseeit，’returnedFrancis。
’Itmustbethere，’repeatedThomasIdle，fretfully。
’Lordblessme！’exclaimedFrancis，drawinginhishead，’Isupposethisisit！’
’Awatering-place，’retortedThomasIdle，withthepardonablesharpnessofaninvalid，’can’tbefivegentlemeninstrawhats，onaformononesideofadoor，andfourladiesinhatsandfalls，onaformonanothersideofadoor，andthreegeeseinadirtylittlebrookbeforethem，andaboy’slegshangingoverabridge（withaboy’sbodyIsupposeontheothersideoftheparapet），andadonkeyrunningaway。Whatareyoutalkingabout？’
’Allonby，gentlemen，’saidthemostcomfortableoflandladiesassheopenedonedoorofthecarriage;’Allonby，gentlemen，’saidthemostattentiveoflandlords，asheopenedtheother。
ThomasIdleyieldedhisarmtothereadyGoodchild，anddescendedfromthevehicle。Thomas，nowjustabletogropehiswayalong，inadoubled-upcondition，withtheaidoftwothicksticks，wasnobadembodimentofCommodoreTrunnion，orofoneofthosemanygallantAdmiralsofthestage，whohaveallamplefortunes，gout，thicksticks，tempers，wards，andnephews。Withthisdistinguishednavalappearanceuponhim，Thomasmadeacrab-likeprogressupacleanlittlebulk-headedstaircase，intoacleanlittlebulk-headedroom，whereheslowlydepositedhimselfonasofa，withastickoneitherhandofhim，lookingexceedinglygrim。
’Francis，’saidThomasIdle，’whatdoyouthinkofthisplace？’
’Ithink，’returnedMr。Goodchild，inaglowingway，’itiseverythingweexpected。’
’Hah！’saidThomasIdle。
’Thereisthesea，’criedMr。Goodchild，pointingoutofwindow;
’andhere，’pointingtothelunchonthetable，’areshrimps。Letus-’hereMr。Goodchildlookedoutofwindow，asifinsearchofsomething，andlookedinagain，-’letuseat’em。’
Theshrimpseatenandthedinnerordered，Mr。Goodchildwentouttosurveythewatering-place。AsChorusoftheDrama，withoutwhomThomascouldmakenothingofthescenery，heby-and-byreturned，tohavethefollowingreportscrewedoutofhim。
Inbrief，itwasthemostdelightfulplaceeverseen。
’But，’ThomasIdleasked，’whereisit？’
’It’swhatyoumaycallgenerallyupanddownthebeach，hereandthere，’saidMr。Goodchild，withatwistofhishand。
’Proceed，’saidThomasIdle。
Itwas，Mr。Goodchildwentontosay，incross-examination，whatyoumightcallaprimitiveplace。Large？No，itwasnotlarge。