"The Kit-Bag" by Algernon Blackwood

5 months ago
11

Published in 1908

kit-bag: typically these would be carried by soldiers, being a long narrow bag for carrying of clothing and personal processions, but the term could be used more broadly to be a backpack, knapsack, haversack, rucksack, etc. That sort of thing.

KC = King's Counsel, a senior lawyer appointed by the monarch. They are barristers or solicitor advocates who have been recognized for excellence in advocacy and are consider among the best in the profession, frequently taking on the most complex or difficult of cases. Any Brits in the audience are likely used to hearing QC instead, but in 1908, it was King Edward VII, so KC it is for this story.

Bloomsbury: a district in the West End of London. At the time of this story, it would have been popular mostly with artists, and with the Inns of Court being nearby, also lawyers. Actually both Gray's Inn and Lincoln's Inn are right there.

puttee: a long strip of cloth wound spirally around the leg from ankle to knee for protection and support; a leg wrap

bibulous: excessively fond of alcohol

Another story I couldn't come up with a satisfactory picture for. Ugh. The notion here being the stairs up to his floor, where he first started to suffer his hallucinations.

To follow along: https://gutenberg.net.au/ebooks08/0801051.txt

A good tale for the Halloween season!

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