John Huxford's Hiatus

Name: John Huxford's Hiatus
Author: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

In 1821, a seemingly trivial decision by Don Diego Salvador to establish a cork-cutting factory in England sets off a chain of events that profoundly impacts the lives of many, particularly in the small town of Brisport. The introduction of cheaper corks leads to the downfall of the Fairbairn Brothers, a long-established cork business, resulting in the loss of jobs and financial ruin for its workers. Among those affected is John Huxford, the foreman, who is set to marry Mary, his beloved. As the factory closes, Huxford receives an unexpected job offer in Canada, which he considers after discussing it with Mary and her grandmother. They support his decision, and he departs with hopes of a better future. Upon arriving in Quebec, Huxford finds himself in a dangerous situation. He unknowingly rents a room in a notorious boarding house, where he becomes the target of a robbery. After being attacked and left for dead, he is rescued and taken to a hospital, but suffers a severe head injury that erases his memory. He awakens without any recollection of his past, adopting the name John Hardy as he struggles to rebuild his life. Despite his amnesia, Hardy works diligently, rising through the ranks in a manufacturing company. He becomes a respected manager, yet he remains haunted by a vague sense of loss and longing for a past he cannot remember. Years pass, and while he achieves professional success, he feels an unfulfilled yearning. A chance encounter with sailors from Brisport rekindles memories of his former life. Overwhelmed by emotion, he rushes back to England, hoping to find Mary. Upon his return, he discovers that Mary has remained faithful, waiting for him despite the passage of time. She has become ill, believing he abandoned her. Their reunion is poignant, filled with joy and sorrow, as they embrace after decades apart. Mary's health improves after their reunion, and they marry, cherishing the love that has endured through hardship. They live happily, helping those in need in their community, embodying the values of faith and truth. Their story concludes with their peaceful passing, surrounded by those they have touched, illustrating the enduring power of love and loyalty.

By Sir Arthur Conan Doyle · First published 1923 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Historical Fiction, Romance · 12,005 words

First lines

Strange it is and wonderful to mark how upon this planet of ours the smallest and most insignificant of events set a train of consequences in motion which act and react until their final results are portentous and incalculable. Set a force rolling, however small; and who can say where it shall end, or what it may lead to! Trifles develop into tragedies, and the bagatelle of one day ripens into the catastrophe of the next. An oyster throws out a secretion to surround a grain of sand, and so a pearl comes into being; a pearl diver fishes it up, a merchant buys it and sells it to a jeweller, who disposes of it to a customer. The customer is robbed of it by two scoundrels who quarrel over the booty. One slays the other, and perishes himself upon the scaffold. Here is a direct chain of events with a sick mollusc for its first link, and a gallows for its last one. Had that grain of sand not chanced to wash in between the shells of the bivalve, two living breathing beings with all their potentialities for good and for evil would not have been blotted out from among their fellows. Who shall undertake to judge what is really small and what is great?

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John Huxford's Hiatus is listed on Textopian as a short story by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, dated 1923 CE.

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Work type: Short story
Author: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Date: 1923 CE
Language: English
Genres: Literary Fiction, Historical Fiction, Romance, Adventure, Drama
Length: 12,005 words
Structure: 1 section, 90 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Genres

Literary Fiction — The narrative explores deep themes of love, loss, and the human condition, focusing on character development and emotional depth.
Historical Fiction — Set in the early 19th century, the story reflects the socio-economic conditions of the time, particularly regarding labor and migration.
Romance — The central plot revolves around the romantic relationship between John Huxford and Mary, highlighting themes of fidelity and longing.
Adventure — John's journey from England to Canada and his subsequent struggles embody elements of adventure and personal discovery.