The story follows an author and press writer who also dabbles as an amateur detective. Burdened with a large family and financial pressures, he is tasked with writing a section on "The Origin of Dreams" for a cyclopedia. However, his chaotic home life makes it impossible to work. An opportunity arises when Captain Rivers seeks his help to find Julian Cockleboat, a young man who has run away after falling in love with an unsuitable woman. The protagonist sees this as a chance to work on his writing in peace and agrees to travel to Norwich. In Norwich, he finds lodging in a quiet, old house, perfect for his needs. However, he soon discovers the house is haunted by mysterious noises at night, including footsteps, groans, and voices. Intrigued rather than frightened, he decides to investigate the supernatural occurrences, seeing it as an opportunity to explore his interest in spiritualism. He enlists the help of his landlords, Mr. and Mrs. Bizzey, to hold a séance and communicate with the spirits. During the séance, they are interrupted by a figure, whom Mrs. Bizzey believes to be her deceased sister. However, it turns out to be Julian Cockleboat, who has been secretly lodging in the house under the alias Mr. Montmorency. Julian had been using the upper rooms for night rehearsals, causing the disturbances. The protagonist reveals his true purpose for being in Norwich and successfully convinces Julian to return to his guardian, Lord Seaborne. The trip proves fruitful, as he completes his writing task and earns a reputation as a clever amateur detective.
By Florence Marryat · First published 1871 · Genre: Mystery/Detective Fiction, Supernatural Fiction, Gothic Fiction