? ? ? ? "All this occurred during the first month of the long vacation. I went up to my London rooms, where I spent seven weeks working out a few experiments in organic chemistry. One day, however, when the autumn was far advanced and the vacation drawing to a close, I received a telegram from my friend imploring me to return to Donnithorpe, and saying that he was in great need of my advice and assistance. Of course I dropped everything and set out for the North once more.
? ? ? ? "He met me with the dog-cart at the station, and I saw at a glance that the last two months had been very trying ones for him. He had grown thin and careworn, and had lost the loud, cheery manner for which he had been remarkable.
? ? ? ? " 'The governor is dying,' were the first words he said.
? ? ? ? " 'Impossible!' I cried. 'What is the matter?'
? ? ? ? " 'Apoplexy. Nervous shock. He's been on the verge all day. I doubt if we shall find him alive.'
? ? ? ? "I was, as you may think, Watson, horrified at this unexpected news.
Pages:
143
144
145
146
147
148
149
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
161
162
163
164
165
166
167