The Brazilian Cat

The Brazilian Cat

A young man, burdened by aristocratic expectations and financial ruin, visits his wealthy cousin, Everard King, who has returned from Brazil. The protagonist hopes to secure financial assistance to avoid bankruptcy. Upon arrival at Greylands Court, he is welcomed warmly by Everard but receives a cold reception from Everard's wife, who harbors a deep jealousy towards him. During his stay, the protagonist learns about Everard's exotic collection of animals, including a Brazilian cat, a large and dangerous creature. Everard's fascination with the cat is evident, and he shows it off with pride. However, the protagonist begins to sense a sinister undertone in Everard's behavior, especially as he receives numerous telegrams hinting at urgent business matters. As the visit progresses, the protagonist confides in Everard about his financial troubles, hoping for help. Everard promises to assist but seems distracted and uninterested. Tensions rise, particularly due to the wife's hostility, which culminates in a confrontation at breakfast. Everard defends his cousin, but the protagonist feels increasingly unwelcome. On the final night of his visit, Everard invites the protagonist to see the Brazilian cat. In a shocking turn, Everard locks the protagonist in the cat's den, revealing his true intentions. The protagonist realizes he is to be sacrificed to the beast. In a desperate struggle, he manages to escape but suffers severe injuries from the cat's attack. After being rescued, the protagonist learns that Everard has been killed by the cat, and he himself has inherited the title of Lord Southerton due to the death of the previous lord. The protagonist reflects on the treachery of his cousin and the near-fatal encounter, realizing the depths of human malice masked by hospitality. The story concludes with the protagonist's recovery and the unsettling knowledge of his cousin's machinations.

By Sir Arthur Conan Doyle · First published 1924 · Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Adventure · 11,040 words

First lines

It is hard luck on a young fellow to have expensive tastes, great expectations, aristocratic connections, but no actual money in his pocket, and no profession by which he may earn any. The fact was that my father, a good, sanguine, easy-going man, had such confidence in the wealth and benevolence of his bachelor elder brother, Lord Southerton, that he took it for granted that I, his only son, would never be called upon to earn a living for myself. He imagined that if there were not a vacancy for me on the great Southerton Estates, at least there would be found some post in that diplomatic service which still remains the special preserve of our privileged classes. He died too early to realize how false his calculations had been. Neither my uncle nor the State took the slightest notice of me, or showed any interest in my career. An occasional brace of pheasants, or basket of hares, was all that ever reached me to remind me that I was heir to Otwell House and one of the richest estates in the country. In the meantime, I found myself a bachelor and man about town, living in a suite of apartments in Grosvenor Mansions, with no occupation save that of pigeon-shooting and polo-playing at Hurlingham. Month by month I realized that it was more and more difficult to get the brokers to renew my bills, or to cash any further post-obits upon an unentailed property. Ruin lay right across my path, and every day I saw it clearer, nearer, and more absolutely unavoidable.

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The Brazilian Cat is listed on Textopian as a short story by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, dated 1924 CE.

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mystery · adventure · detective · suspense · crime · short story · fiction · thriller · animals · exotic · South America · narrative

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