This book contains the following story:
"Lot No. 249" is a short story written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, first published in Harper's Magazine in 1892. This tale is often regarded as one of the earliest examples of the mummy genre in horror fiction. Here's a summary of the story:
The story is set in London and revolves around the character of Abercrombie Smith, a medical student who becomes suspicious of his fellow student, Edward Bellingham. Bellingham is a brilliant but eccentric student who dabbles in archaeology and ancient Egyptian artifacts. Smith discovers that Bellingham has acquired a mummy, lot number 249, from an auction. This mummy, however, is not an ordinary one; it contains the preserved body of an ancient Egyptian sorcerer.
As Smith investigates further, he realizes that Bellingham has been using the mummy to carry out vengeful acts against his enemies. Bellingham reanimates the mummy through an ancient Egyptian ritual, forcing it to do his bidding. The mummy becomes a tool of terror, exacting revenge on those who have wronged Bellingham.
Smith becomes entangled in the dark plot when he tries to intervene and stop the mummy's deadly activities. The story culminates in a suspenseful confrontation between Smith, Bellingham, and the vengeful mummy.
"Lot No. 249" is a classic tale of supernatural horror, showcasing Conan Doyle's talent for creating atmospheric and chilling narratives. It explores themes of revenge, the misuse of ancient knowledge, and the consequences of tampering with forces beyond human understanding.
