9 The Incident of the Letter

CHAPTER 9 The Incident of the Letter Later that afternoon, Mr. Utterson went to find Dr. Jekyll. Poole let him in and led the lawyer to the laboratory across the courtyard. "Dr. Jekyll is not feeling very well today," Poole said. "He prefers the quiet of the lab." "Are you sure he's up for visitors?" Utterson asked. Jekyll was so rarely available these days. The lawyer was surprised that he

would see him when sick. "The doctor said that if you stopped by, I should let you in straight away," Poole said. "Everyone else should be turned away." Dr. Jekyll did not rise to meet his visitor. He remained by the fire, looking deathly sick. "You have heard the news," Utterson said as soon as Poole had left them. The doctor shuddered. "I heard it first thing this morning. They are talking about it all over London." Jekyll closed his eyes for a moment. "The police were here this morning asking what I knew about Hyde." "I am asking you this question as your lawyer and your friend," Utterson said. "You have not been mad enough to hide this man, have you?" "Utterson, I swear to God," he cried. "I swear to God that I will never set eyes on Hyde again. It is all at an end. And to be honest, he doesn't want my help. You do not

know him as I do, Utterson. Mark my words. He will never be heard from again." "You seem quite sure," the lawyer said. "I hope you are right. I should warn you that if there is a trial, your name may be mentioned." Dr. Jekyll lowered his head. There were tears in his eyes. "I am quite sure that he is gone. I have received a letter. I don't know if I should take it to the police. I'd rather leave it with you and let you decide what to do. I trust you completely." "Are you worried that the letter may reveal Hyde's whereabouts?" Utterson asked. He did not know why Jekyll was thinking about hiding the evidence. Was he still protecting Hyde? "No. I have no concern about Hyde's fate, now," Jekyll said. "I am quite through with him." His friend's behavior disturbed Utterson.

He seemed quite upset. Jekyll was taking Sir Danvers' murder very badly. He must feel guilty for bringing Hyde into the neighborhood. "Perhaps you should let me see the letter," Utterson said. It was written in odd, upright letters. It was stiff and awkward handwriting. It stated simply and clearly that Dr. Jekyll, his kind benefactor, should not worry, as he had means of escape. He was gone from the city and would not return. This message pleased Utterson very much. It was a great relief to know that Hyde was gone. "May I see the envelope?" Utterson said. "I burned it," Jekyll said. "I wasn't thinking clearly. It doesn't matter, though. There was no postmark. The police wouldn't be able to trace it. The note was hand- delivered this morning." "Shall I keep this letter and think about what to do?" Utterson asked.

"I leave it entirely in your hands. I have lost faith in my own judgment." Dr. Jekyll held his head in his hands. "Tell me something, Jekyll," Utterson said. "The odd terms in your will, making Hyde your heir in case of death or disappearance, were all his idea, weren't they?" Jekyll nodded his head slowly. "I knew it!" Utterson exclaimed. "He meant to murder you." Once again, Jekyll shook his head. "It was nothing like that, Utterson. I could never explain it to you. It was something between Hyde and me that no one else could share. And no one else will ever learn. But I have learned a lesson! Oh, what a lesson I have learned." He put his head back in his hands and wept. "One more thing, Jekyll." Utterson spoke in a soft voice. He did not want to upset his

friend more. "Do you have any idea why Hyde did it? Was it a robbery or did he have other reasons?" Jekyll did not lift his head from his hands. "No," he said. His voice was muffled. "I have no idea." On his way out, the lawyer stopped to speak to Poole. "There was a letter delivered today," Utterson said. "What did the messenger look like? I would like to find the person who sent it." "I'm sorry, sir," Poole said. "We've had no mail today." This news surprised Utterson. The letter must have come by the laboratory door, the one Hyde used to use. It seemed strange that Jekyll would answer a door himself considering his state of mind. The doctor said that he received the letter after the visit from the police. Perhaps the note had been written in the study. If so, that meant that Hyde was