In the Fog
(R.H. Russell, 1901)
Richard Harding Davis is one of the great American story-tellers of the 20th century. Although during the '40's and '50's critics condemned him to obscurity, time has proven them all wrong. Not only have his books remained in print, but his stories-- even the most dated-- continue to be read with relish. If I had to give a reason for his popularity, I'd say it has to do most with his clean, clear style, and unpretentious manner of writing. These have been his saving graces. Whereas most of the highfalutin' authors of the period have been deservedly shelved and forgotten, men like Davis, Harold MacGrath, and Rex Beach still hold something in store for modern readers. Of course, the full fruition of their legacy lies in the future. But just let the young bloods choose for themselves, and events will show that progress doesn't always involve increasing complexity. Often the finest things in life-- not excluding art-- are the most elemental.
The present novel gives us a good example why Richard Harding Davis continues to hold his own. The book is set in London, at an elite club called "The Grill." While dining at the club, four gentlemen begin spinning cock-and-bull murder stories. Sir Andrew, a fifth member, has one dissipation-- reading crime novels. When he gets into a good crime story, he usually forgets what he's going and where he's going. Taking advantage of this, the storytellers ply their yarns to prevent Sir Andrew from speaking at the House of Commons, where he determines to push through the "Navy Increase Bill." One of the gentlemen, an American, starts off by relating how one night he got lost in a thick London fog. He stumbled upon a house where a double murder was just committed. The victims of the murder were a young nobleman and a Russian princess. He escaped from the house and reported the killings to Scotland Yard. But they were unable to find the location of the dwelling. All very strange..
The next speaker pretends to be a Queen's messenger. He relates that the murdered Princess -- Zichy by name-- was known to him personally. Once, while delivering a diamond necklace to the Czar of Russia, the princess entered his carriage compartment and tried to steal the necklace from him. He kept it concealed in a pigskin cigar case, but, as matters turned out, she got the wrong one. The last speaker pretends that he's a lawyer on good terms with the family of the murdered man. He tells how he was present when the man's younger brother was accused of the murder, and how eventually he (the lawyer) and a Scotland Yard investigator locate the sinister house and discover the identity of the real murderer. While these stories are being told, Sir Andrew keeps glancing at his watch and making preparations to leave. But the story holds him spellbound. The question is, will the four men succeed in making him miss his engagement at the House of Commons?
This sparkling jewel is actually a short novel in three chapters. It was published separately in 1901, but later was included in the volume Ranson's Folly (1902). It is told in Davis's usual masterful style, which is fresh and clean-cut as if written just yesterday. The tale has hardly aged at all. And, notwithstanding that the clubmen's ploy is know to the reader all along, it carries him forward in genuine suspense-- if only to gauge Lord Andrew's ultimate reaction to the trickery. It is a novel of the crime/ mystery genre. But it contains a spicing of sardonic humor as well. Above all, it showcases Davis's expertise in telling a good story and painting remarkable characters. Then, too, a real first-hand knowledge of London is apparent throughout every page. A journalist of international renown, Davis had a knack for imparting strong local color to his work. In the Fog is no exception. Whether you like the traditional sleuth tale or just a walloping out 'n' out murder story, this is one you may want to consider reading in the near future. It is one of the author's most remarkable works.
Copies of In the Fog should be easy to come by. As stated, the tale was anthologized in Ranson's Folly-- in itself a very accessible work-- so finding it should present no difficulty. There's also a free online edition available at Project Gutenberg. Kessinger Publishing offers a reprint at the somewhat high price of $23. But my suggestion is to obtain an early edition. Unfortunately, Davis-- like many of his American contemporaries-- still suffers from the plaints of literary nerds with overdeveloped nervous systems, who cry "that's not art!" Of course, elitism always has its adherents. But in literary circles the taint carries all the virulence of typhoid. Nevertheless, don't let any snooty-nosed connoisseur stop you from tapping the merits of Davis yourself. Surely he spun no chiffon and lace. But being a craftsman of durability, he recognized the fabrics of life, love, and adventure as the best materials for tale-weaving. And I think he had the right idea. Better stiff dungarees than threadbare dress clothes-- especially when the clothes go out of fashion.
--B.A.S.
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