The Man with the Cough.
A German engineer, who has spent significant time in both Germany and England, recounts a critical business trip to London. He is tasked with delivering important patent documents to a reputable English firm, with strict instructions to ensure their security. On the train journey, he encounters a peculiar man with a distinctive cough, which unnerves him. After a brief interaction, the man exits the train, allowing the engineer to relax. However, he soon falls asleep and wakes up in a deserted station, realizing he has missed his intended stop. The man with the cough reappears, and the engineer feels increasingly uneasy. He finds himself in a dimly lit refreshment room, where he again encounters the coughing man, who seems to be watching him. Despite his anxiety, he falls asleep again, only to wake up and discover that his important bag is missing. In a panic, he searches for his belongings and finds the bag returned to him by the coughing man, who remains an enigmatic figure. The engineer rushes back to the station, catching a train that he believes will take him to his destination. However, he is bewildered to learn from fellow passengers that he has already passed his intended stop and is now on an express train. Upon arriving in London, he checks his documents and finds them intact, despite the strange events of the night. He proceeds to the office of the firm he is to meet, only to discover that the documents he was supposed to deliver by post have not arrived. The representatives of the firm seem to know about him and his mission, raising his suspicions. As he navigates the meeting, he becomes increasingly wary of the two men, especially after hearing the familiar cough again. Trusting his instincts, he refuses to leave his documents with them and decides to investigate further. He later learns that the men were impostors, having been tipped off about the patent by a traitor within his own company. The engineer successfully completes the negotiation, but the experience leaves him questioning the reality of the events he endured. He wonders if the man with the cough was a figment of his imagination or a sinister force that manipulated his journey. The story concludes with the engineer reflecting on the bizarre night, uncertain of its true nature and the implications of his encounter.
By Mary Louisa Molesworth · First published 1891 · Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Adventure · 7,329 words
First lines
I am a German by birth and descent. My name is Schmidt. But by education I am quite as much an Englishman as a "Deutscher," and by affection much more the former. My life has been spent pretty equally between the two countries, and I flatter myself I speak both languages without any foreign accent.
I count England my headquarters now: it is "home" to me. But a few years ago I was resident in Germany, only going over to London now and then on business. I will not mention the town where I lived. It is unnecessary to do so, and in the peculiar experience I am about to relate I think real names of people and places are just as well, or better, avoided.
What this Textopian page supports
The Man with the Cough. is listed on Textopian as a short story by Mary Louisa Molesworth, dated 1891 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Mary Louisa Molesworth
- Date: 1891 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Mystery, Thriller, Adventure, Psychological Fiction, Literary Fiction
- Length: 7,329 words
- Structure: 1 section, 117 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Man with the Cough. by Mary Louisa Molesworth
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Man with the Cough.?
- How does this short story by Mary Louisa Molesworth fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Mystery first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Mystery — The plot revolves around a suspenseful journey and the protagonist's encounter with a suspicious character, creating an atmosphere of intrigue.
- Thriller — The narrative includes elements of tension and danger, particularly concerning the protagonist's important mission and the potential threats he faces.
- Adventure — The story features a journey across countries and the protagonist's experiences during travel, highlighting themes of exploration and unexpected challenges.
- Psychological Fiction — The protagonist's mental state and perceptions play a crucial role, particularly regarding his experiences of sleep and confusion.
Tags
Children's Literature · Fantasy · Adventure · Mystery · Coming-of-Age · Friendship · Growing Up · Imagination · Magic Realism · Nostalgia · Orphaned Protagonist · Pursuit