The Black Doctor

The Black Doctor

In a small village near Liverpool during the early 1870s, a doctor named Aloysius Lana, of ambiguous origins and dark complexion, establishes a successful medical practice. Initially ridiculed as "The Black Doctor," he gains respect through his skills and charm, eventually becoming engaged to Frances Morton, a local heiress. However, their engagement abruptly ends after Lana receives a mysterious letter from abroad, leading to speculation about his past and personal life. On June 21, a violent incident occurs in Lana's study, resulting in his death. The discovery of his body reveals signs of struggle and strangulation, with no apparent motive for robbery. Arthur Morton, Frances's brother, becomes the prime suspect due to his known animosity towards Lana following the engagement's dissolution. Circumstantial evidence, including his presence near the doctor's home and his violent threats, leads to his arrest. As the trial unfolds, Frances Morton unexpectedly testifies, claiming her brother's innocence and revealing that she has received a letter from Lana, dated after his supposed death. This shocking revelation raises questions about the identity of the deceased man found in Lana's study. The courtroom is abuzz with speculation, and the prosecution argues that Frances's testimony is a desperate attempt to save her brother. The defense presents a new witness: Dr. Aloysius Lana himself, who explains that the man found dead was his twin brother, Ernest, who had come to confront him. Ernest's violent behavior led to his own death from a heart condition, prompting Lana to assume his identity to escape his troubled past. This dramatic twist clears Arthur Morton of wrongdoing and leads to a reconciliation between him and Lana. Ultimately, Lana returns to Bishop's Crossing, where he marries Frances Morton, resolving the tensions that had arisen from the tragic events. The story concludes with a sense of restored order and the triumph of love over adversity.

By Sir Arthur Conan Doyle · First published 1892 · Genre: Mystery, Drama, Thriller · 9,696 words

First lines

Bishop's Crossing is a small village lying ten miles in a south-westerly direction from Liverpool. Here in the early seventies there settled a doctor named Aloysius Lana. Nothing was known locally either of his antecedents or of the reasons which had prompted him to come to this Lancashire hamlet. Two facts only were certain about him; the one that he had gained his medical qualification with some distinction at Glasgow; the other that he came undoubtedly of a tropical race, and was so dark that he might almost have had a strain of the Indian in his composition. His predominant features were, however, European, and he possessed a stately courtesy and carriage which suggested a Spanish extraction. A swarthy skin, raven-black hair, and dark, sparkling eyes under a pair of heavily-tufted brows made a strange contrast to the flaxen or chestnut rustics of England, and the newcomer was soon known as "The Black Doctor of Bishop's Crossing. " At first it was a term of ridicule and reproach; as the years went on it became a title of honour which was familiar to the whole countryside, and extended far beyond the narrow confines of the village.

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The Black Doctor is listed on Textopian as a short story by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, dated 1892 CE.

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mystery · detective · crime · suspense · adventure · historical · medical · ethics · race · society · London · 19th century

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