14 The Last Night

CHAPTER 14 The Last Night Mr. Utterson was haunted by what he had seen in the window, yet felt powerless to do anything to help. He did his best to put the terrible image out of his mind. One night, however, as he was sitting by his fireside after dinner, he was surprised to receive a visit from Poole. "My goodness, Poole, what brings you

here?" Utterson cried. "Is Dr. Jekyll ill?" "Mr. Utterson," the butler said. He was out of breath. Utterson wondered if the butler ran all the way over. "There is something terribly wrong." The butler was very nervous. Mr. Utterson offered Poole a seat. "Please take your time," the lawyer said. "You know the doctor's ways, sir," replied Poole. "You know how he shuts himself away. Well, he has locked himself in the office above the laboratory and I'm very worried. It's much worse this time. Mr. Utterson, I am afraid for my master's health. I think he may be in great danger." "Now, my good man," Utterson said. "What exactly are you afraid of?" "I've been afraid for about a week now," Poole said. "And I can bear it no more." The butler shook his head in frustration. He could not look the lawyer in the eyes. He sat with

his hands on his knees to keep them from shaking. "I can bear it no more," he repeated. "Poole," the lawyer said. "You must tell me what has happened. Why are you so frightened for Dr. Jekyll?" "I think there has been some foul play," said Poole, hoarsely. "Foul play!" cried the lawyer. He jumped from his chair. Utterson's heart pounded in his chest. "What do you mean?" "I can't say, sir," Poole said. "But will you come with me and see for yourself?" Mr. Utterson answered by grabbing his coat and hat. He noticed the look of relief on Poole's face. The lawyer put his hand on the butler's shoulder. "We'll get to the bottom of this," Utterson said. The two men left the house. It was a wild, unseasonably cold night. The men held their hats on against the wind. Dust and grit swirled through the air. Thin

trees in the garden lashed themselves against the railing. Few people would brave such awful weather, so the streets were almost bare. Utterson thought the streets had never looked so lonely. He also felt a great sense of doom. He knew that this evening would bring something terrible. He feared the worst for Dr. Jekyll. As they approached Jekyll's house, Poole took his hat off, despite the cold, to wipe his sweaty brow. Poole had been rushing the whole way, but now he paused. When he spoke, his voice was harsh and broken. "Well, sir," he said. "Here we are. I pray that all is well inside." "Amen, Poole," the lawyer said. Poole knocked on the front door with a code: three quick raps then two slow ones. The door opened only a few inches and a face peered out. "Is that you, Poole?" a woman's voice said.

"It's all right," Poole said. "Open the door." Utterson and Poole entered the front room. It was brightly lit by a roaring fire. All the household servants were huddled together like a flock of sheep. At the sight of Mr. Utterson, one of the maids began to cry. The cook said, "It's Mr. Utterson!" She ran to him and threw her arms around his neck. "Why are you all here?" the lawyer asked. He sounded irritated. The servants should not be gathered by the fire in the front room. "They're all afraid," Poole said. The room remained quiet. Only the sobs of the maid could be heard above the roaring fire. "Jeremy," Poole said to a young man. "Hand me some candles. We should deal with this at once." Poole's voice was sharp. His nerves were clearly rattled. "Mr. Utterson," Poole said. He took two

lit candles from Jeremy and passed one to the lawyer. "Would you please follow me?" The butler then led the way through the house and into the courtyard.