Detective and mystery stories; English fiction -- 19th century
"My name is Edward Morris. I am a clerk in the Will Office at Doctors'
Commons, and my duty is to assist those who wish to search wills
deposited in our office. On the 14th October, 1854, Baron R** came
to the office and searched in several wills. One was the will of a
Mr. Wilson, copy of which is herewith enclosed. I remember this will
particularly, because I had an altercation with the Baron respecting
his wish to copy parts of it. He wished to make extracts, and I told
him it was not allowed; only the date and the names of the executors.
He persisted, and I said I must report it. He then laughed and said
it did not matter, and he tapped his forehead and said he could make
a note of it there. He read parts of the will over two or three times
and gave it back to me. He then said, 'You shall see, my friend,' and
laughed again, and he made me follow him while he repeated several
pages of the will by rote. He laughed again when he had done, and
asked if he might copy it now. I said no; and he laughed again, and
wrote for some time in his note-book, looking up at me every now and
then and laughing. I was angry, partly because he laughed, and partly
because he kept me there when I wanted to get away. I had leave for a
week to go to the Isle of Wight and see my aunt. I wanted to get there
that night because the next day was my birthday. He made me miss the
train, and as the next day was Sunday, I did not get there till late.
That is how I remember the date. I am sure of the year because my aunt
only went to the Isle of Wight the November previously, and died in the
spring of 1855. I am quite sure it was the Baron. I should recognise
him anywhere. He is a short, stout man, with a rather florid complexion
and reddish hair, rather light. He has large fat hands, white and well
kept, and an immense head. He dresses all in black, and wears large
spectacles of light blue. I don't think it is because his eyes are
weak. I am sure it is not; for when he takes off his spectacles I never
saw such extraordinary eyes. I can't describe them, only that they are
very large and bright. I never could look at them long enough to make
out the colour, but they are very dark, I think black, and they put
one out to look at them, otherwise there is nothing very remarkable
about him. I recognised him that day from having seen him before at a
mesmeric lecture, when I asked his name."
6. _Memorandum by Mr. Henderson._
I enclose the will of which the following is an abstract:
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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