Part 7
SMITH: AN EPISODE IN A LODGING-HOUSE
"When I was a medical student," began the doctor, half turning
towards his circle of listeners in the firelight, "I came across
one or two very curious human beings; but there was one fellow I
remember particularly, for he caused me the most vivid, and I think
the most uncomfortable, emotions I have ever known.
"For many months I knew Smith only by name as the occupant of
the floor above me. Obviously his name meant nothing to me.
Moreover I was busy with lectures, reading, cliniques and the like,
and had little leisure to devise plans for scraping acquaintance
with any of the other lodgers in the house. Then chance brought us
curiously together, and this fellow Smith left a deep impression
upon me as the result of our first meeting.
