Hunted Down is a short story, not a collection of detective stories. The story centers around events that are recounted by Mr. Sampson, a manager of a life insurance firm. It all begins with his encounter with the odd Mr. Slinkton, noted for the parting of his hair.
The Cause of it All（一切因由） 立即阅读
CHARACTERSAKULÍNA. An old woman of seventy, brisk, dignified, old-fashioned.MICHAEL. Her son, thirty-five years old, passionate, self-satisfied,vain and strong.MARTHA. Her daughter-in-law, a grumbler, speaks much and rapidly.PARÁSHKA. Ten years old, daughter of Martha and Michael.TARÁS. The village elder's assistant, speaks slowly and gives himselfairs.A TRAMP. Forty years old, restless, thin, speaks impressively; whendrunk is particularly free and easy.IGNÁT. Forty years old, a buffoon, merry and stupid.
The Seven Poor Travellers（七个可怜的旅行者） 立即阅读
Strictly speaking, there were only six Poor Travellers; but, being a Traveller myself, though an idle one, and being withal as poor as I hope to be, I brought the number up to seven. This word of explanation is due at once, for what says the inscription over the quaint old door? RICHARD WATTS, Esq. by his Will, dated 22 Aug. 1579, founded this Charity for Six poor Travellers, who not being ROGUES, or PROCTORS, May receive gratis for one Night, Lodging, Entertainment, and Fourpence each. It was in the ancient little city of Rochester in Kent, of all the good days in the year upon a Christmas-eve, that I stood reading this inscription over the quaint old door in question.
芥川竜之介の短編小説。大正8年（1919）、雑誌「新小説」に発表。ヨーロッパ中世の聖人伝「黄金伝説」に着想を得た作品とされる。キリスト教の聖人伝説集『レゲンダ・アウレア』（黄金伝説）に登場する聖人クリストフォロスの生涯を翻案した小説。キリシタン版の『天草本伊曾保物語』（1594年刊）で使用されている、戦国時代の京阪地方における話し言葉を引用した文体に特徴がある。芥川の小説におけるジャンル「切支丹物」の傑作とされる。
