It was in 1895, a year after what I called " The dead killer". I remember, I was in our living room, sitting between my books and having a cup of coffee in my hand: I had an exam two weeks later. I was really getting crazy.. I couldn't work. I had a headache and I don't know what... all what may happen to you if you don't stop studying for more than a month.. even for one day!
I was staring at nothing, when my friend came in, holding his book and an envelope. I stared at him very stupidly.
-"what?" He asked, very simply.
-"how can you be so calm... 15 days before the exams!"
-"oh .. that's okay. It wasn't so hard for me so.."
-"so what?"
-"I wanted to help someone .. I mean it's a case"
-"a case?"
-"yeah..look"
He handed the envelope to me. It was written "To Mr. John Ralph but nothing else.
-"you can open it" he said.
There was a sheet of exelent paper, with a very beautiful handwriting. I read:
"Mr. Ralph,
I heard too much about you, so I really want you to help me. It's very complicated. I hope it won't be annoying for you and your friend if I visit you suddenly this afternoon.
Respectfully"
-"what do you think?"
-"uh.. I don't know .. he may be.."
-"may be..?"
-"a writer.. or something like that. Look at his handwriting.. it's very beautiful"
-"something which has relation with writing"
-"and?"
-"well, he's left handed"
-"how did you know?"
-"see. The ink is retired to the right side"
'"Yeah...very logical. What will you do now?"
-"I'll just wait for our visitor. He'll give us all the information about his case"
-"yes" said I.
I looked at my books hoplessly. I knew that he wanted me to join him in this case. I think it would make me better because I really wanted something interesting to do.
*******
A few minuts later, someone came in. He was a man like all the other men: small dark eyes, curly moustach and a very pale face. Wearing a long black wat and a black hat.
-"I'm so sorry, sir" he apologized "I know it's so annoying and..."
-"never mind. This is my work. Sit down, please. Near to the stove, yes. A cup of tea? No? Well, tell me..about your case"
-"I-I..I don't know from where to start. I think all started when I went to my work spot as usual, two months ago. I'm aletter writer, I mean. I was browsing in my archives when someone entered my office room. He looked very sophisticated even what he said later wasn't really restful"
-"wait a minute.. why will someone sophisticated go to a letter writer?"
-"I don't know. That was weird for me, too"
