Classic Audiobook Collection - The Mystery of the Ravenspurs by Fred M. White ~ Full Audiobook [mystery]

Starting point is 00:00:00 this recording is by roger maline chapter i the shadow of a fear a grand old castle looks out across the north sea and fishermen toiling on the deep catch the red flash from ravenspur point as their forefathers have done for many generations the ravenspurs and their great granite fortress have made history between them every quadrangle and watchtower and turret has its legend of brave deeds and bloody deeds of fights for the king and the glory of the flag and for five hundred years there has been no ravenspur who has not acquitted himself like a man theirs is a record to be proud of time has dealt lightly with the home of the raven spurs it is probably the most perfect medieval castle in the country the moat and the drawbridge are still intact the portcullis might be worked by a child and landwards the castle looks over a fair domain of broad acres where the orchards bloom and flourish and the red beaves wax fat in the pastures a quiet family a handsome family a family passing rich in the world's goods they are strong and brave a glorious chronicle behind a house them and no carking cares ahead surely then the ravenspurs should be happy and contented beyond most men accepting the beat of the wings of the angel of death that come to all sooner or later surely no sorrow dwelt there that the hand of time could fail to soothe and yet over them hung the shadow of a fear no raven spur had ever slunk away from any danger

Starting point is 00:01:58 however great, so long as it was tangible. But there was something here that turned the stoutest heart to water and caused strong men to start at their own shadows. For five years now, the curse had lain heavy on the house of Ravenspur. It had come down upon them without warning, at first in the guise of a series of accidents and misfortunes, until gradually it became evident that some cunning and reaffirmed, remorseless enemy was bent upon exterminating the ravenspers root and branch.

Starting point is 00:02:35 There had been no warning given, but, one by one, the ravenspurs died mysteriously, horribly, until at last no more than seven of the family remained. The North Country shuddered in speaking of the ill-starred family. The story had found its way into print. Scotland Yard had taken the case in hand. But still, the hapless ravenspurs died, mysteriously murdered, and even some of those who survived had tales to unfold of marvelous escapes from destruction. The fear grew on them like a hunting madness.

Starting point is 00:03:16 From first to last, not one single clue however small had the murderers left behind. Family archives were ransacked and personal histories explored with a view to finding some forgotten enemy who had originated this vengeance. But the Ravenspurs had ever been generous and kind, honorable to men and true to women, and none could lay a finger on the block. In the whole history of crime, no such weird story had ever been told before. Why should this blow fall after the lapse of all these years? What could the mysterious foe hope for?

Starting point is 00:03:58 to gain by this merciless slaughter, and to struggle against the unseen enemy was in vain. As the maddening terror deepened, the most extraordinary precautions were taken to baffle the assassin. Eighteen months ago, the word had gone out for the gathering of the family at the castle. They had come without followers or retainers of any kind. Every servant had been housed outside the castle at night. nightfall, and the grim old fortress had been placed in a state of siege. They waited upon themselves. They superintended the cooking of their own food.

Starting point is 00:04:39 No strange feat crossed the drawbridge. When the portcullis was raised, the most ingenious burglar would have failed to find entrance. At last the foe was baffled. At last the family was safe. There were no secret passages, No means of entry, and here salvation lay. Alas for fond hopes! Within the last year and a half,

Starting point is 00:05:08 three of the family had perished in the same strange and horrible fashion. There was Richard Ravenspur, a younger son of Rupert, the head of the house, with his wife and boy. Richard Ravenspur had been found dead in his bed, poisoned by some lemonade. His wife had walked into the moat in the darkness. The boy had fallen from one of the towers into a stone quadrangle and been instantly killed. The thing was dreadful, inexplicable to a degree. The enemy who was doing this thing was in the midst of them,

Starting point is 00:05:46 and yet no stranger passed those iron gates. None but raven spurs dwelt within the walls. i looked into eye and fell again ashamed that the others should know the suspicions racking each poor distracted brain and there were only seven of them now seven pallid hollow-cheeked wretches almost longing for the death they dreaded there was rupert ravenspur the head of the family a fine handsome white-headed man who had distinguished himself in the crimea and the indian mutiny there was his son gordon who some day might succeed him there was gordon's wife and his daughter vera then there was geoffrey ravensper the orphan son of one jasper ravenspur who had fallen under the scourge two years before And also there was Marion Ravenspur, the orphan daughter of Charles Ravenspur, another son who had died in India five years before of cholera. Mrs. Charles was there, the child of an Indian prince, and from her, Marion had inherited the dark beauty and soft, glorious eyes that made her be loved of the whole family. A strange tale, surely, a hideous nightmare, and yet so painfully realistic.

Starting point is 00:07:18 One by one they were being cut off by the malignant destroyer, and ere long the family would be extinct. It seemed impossible to fight against the desolation that always struck in the darkness and never struck in vain. Rupert Ravenspur looked out from the Leeds above the castle to the open sea, and from thence to the trim lawns and flower beds away to the park where the deer stood knee-deep in the bracken. It was a fair and perfect picture of a noble English homestead, far enough removed apparently from crime and violence, and yet.

Starting point is 00:08:01 A deep sigh burst from the old man's bruce. breast, his lips quivered. The shadow of that awful fear was in his eyes. Not that he feared for himself, for the snows of seventy years lay upon his head, and his life's work was done. It was others he was thinking of. The bright bars of the setting sun shone on a young and graceful couple below, coming towards the moat. A tender light filled old Ravensburg. A tender light filled old Ravensburg, eyes. Then he started as a gay laugh reached his ears. The sound caught him almost like a blow. Where had he heard a laugh like that before? It seemed strangely out of place. And yet those two were young, and they loved one another. Under happier auspices, Jeffrey Ravenspurb would

Starting point is 00:08:59 someday come into the wide acres and noble revenues and take his cousin vera to wife may god spare them ravenspur cried aloud surely the curse must burn itself out some time or the truth must come to light if i could only live to know that they were happy the words were a fervent prayer the dying sun that turned the towers and turrets of the castle to a golden glory fell on his white quivering face. It lit up the agony of the strong man with despair upon him. He turned as a hand lay light as thistle down on his arm. Amen, with all my heart, dear grandfather, a gentle voice murmured. I could not help hearing what you said. Raven Spurs smiled mournfully.

Starting point is 00:09:58 He looked down into a little voice murmured. pure young face gentle and placid like that of a madonna and yet full of strength the dark brown eyes were so clear that the white soul seemed to gleam behind them there was hindoo blood in marian ravenspers veins but she bore no trace of the fact and out of the seven surviving members of that ill-fated race marian was the most beloved all relied upon her all trusted her in the blackest hour her courage never faltered she never bowed before the unseen terror ravenspur turned upon her almost fiercely we must say vera and geoffrey he said they must be preserved the rest of us are as nothing by comparison the whole future of our race lies with those two young people people watch over them marian shield vera from every harm i know that she loves you swear that you will protect her from every evil there is no occasion to swear anything marion said in her clear sweet voice dear don't you know that i am devoted heart and soul to your interests when my parents died and i elected to come here in preference to return to my mother's people, you received me with open arms.

Starting point is 00:11:33 Do you suppose that I could ever forget the love and affection that have been poured upon me? If I can save Vera, she is already saved. But why do you speak like this today? Ravensburg gave a quick glance around him. Because my time has come, he whispered hoarsely. Keep this to yourself, Marion, for I have told nobody but you. The black assassin is upon me. I wake at nights with fearful pains at my heart.

Starting point is 00:12:09 I cannot breathe. I have to fight for my life, as my brother Charles fought for his two years ago. Tomorrow morning I may be found dead in my bed, as Charles was. Then there will be an inquest, and the doctors will be puzzled as they were before. Grandfather, you are not afraid. Afraid? I am glad. Glad, I tell you. I am old and careworn, and the suspense is gradually sapping my senses.

Starting point is 00:12:46 Better death, swift and terrible, than that. But not a word of this to the rest, as you love me. End of chapter one. Chapter 2 of The Mystery of the Ravenspers by Fred M. White. This Libervox recording is in the public domain. Chapter 2. The Wanderer Returns. The hour was growing late, and the family were dining in the Great Hall. Rupert Ravonspur sat at the head of the table, with Gordon's wife opposite him.

Starting point is 00:13:31 The lovers sat smiling and happy side by side. across the table marian beamed gently upon the company nothing ever seemed to eclipse her quiet gaiety she was the life and soul of the party there was something angelic about the girl as she sat there clad in soft diaphanous white lamps gleamed on the fair damask on the feathery daintiness of flowers and on the lush purple and gold and russet of grapes and peaches from the walls long lines of bygone ravenspurs looked down fair women in hoops and farthingale men in armor there was a flash of color from the painted roof presently the soft-footed servants would quit the castle for the night for under the new order of things nobody slept in the castle excepting the family also it was the solemn duty of each servitor to taste every dish as it came to table a strange precaution but necessary in the circumstances for the moment the haunting terror was forgotten wines red and white gleamed and sparkled in crystal glasses rupert ravenspur's worn white face relaxed they were a doomed race and they knew it yet laughter was there a little saddened but eyes brightened as they looked from one to another by and by the servants began to withdraw

Starting point is 00:15:10 the cloth was drawn in the old-fashioned way a long row of decanters stood before the head of the house and was reflected in the shining brown pool of mahogany big log fires danced and glowed from the deep ingle nooks from outside came the sense of the silence. An aged butler stood before Ravenspur with a key on a salver. "'I fancy that is all, sir,' he said. Ravenspur rose and made his way along the corridor to the outer doorway. Here he counted the whole of the domestic staff, carefully past the drawbridge, and then the Port Cullis was raised. Ravenspur Castle and its inhabitants were cut off from the outer world. Nobody could molest them till morning. And yet the curl of a bitter smile was on Raven Spur's face as he returned to the dining hall. Even in the face of these precautions, two of the garrison had gone down before the unseen hand of the assassin. There was some comfort in the

Starting point is 00:16:22 reflection that the outer world was barred off, but it was futile, childish, in vain. the young people with mrs charles had risen from the table and had gathered on the pile of skins and cushions in one of the ingle nooks gordon raven spur was sipping his claret and holding a cigar with a hand that trembled hardy man as he was the shadow lay upon him also indeed it lay upon them all if the black death failed to strike then madness would come creeping in its track. Thus it was that evening generally found the family altogether. There was something soothing in the presence of numbers. They were talking quietly, almost in whispers. Occasionally a laugh would break from Vera, only to be suppressed with a smile of apology.

Starting point is 00:17:22 Ravenspur looked fondly into the blue eyes of the dainty little beauty, whom they all loved so dearly. i hope i didn't offend you grandfather she said in that big hall voices sounded strained and loud ravenspur smiled nothing you could do would offend me he said it may be possible that a kindly providence will permit me to hear the old roof ringing with laughter again it may be perhaps that this is reserved for strangers when we are all gone only seven left gordon murmured eight father vera suggested she looked up from the lounge on the floor with the flicker of the wood fire in her violet eyes do you know i had a strange dream last night i dreamt that uncle ralph came home again he had a great black bundle in his arms and when the bundle burst open it filled the hall with a gleam light, and in the center of that light was the clue to the mystery. Ravenspur's face clouded.

Starting point is 00:18:38 Nobody but Vera would have dared to allude to his son Ralph in his presence, for over Ralph Ravenspur hung the shadow of disgrace. A disgrace he had tried to shift onto the shoulders of his dead brother, Charles, Marion's father. Of that dark business, none knew the truth but the head of the family. family. For twenty years he had never mentioned his erring son's name. It is to be hoped that Ralph is dead, he said harshly. A somber light gleamed in his eyes. Vera glanced at him half timidly, but she knew how deeply her grandfather loved her, and this gave her courage to proceed.

Starting point is 00:19:25 I don't like to hear you talk like that, she said. it is no time to be harsh or hard on anybody i don't know what he did but i have always been sorry for uncle ralph and something tells me he is coming home again grandfather you would not turn him away if he were ill if he were dying if he suffered from some grave physical affliction perhaps not otherwise raven spur ceased to talk the brooding look was still in his eyes his white head was bent low on his breast marian's white fingers touched his hand caressingly the deepest bond of sympathy existed between these two and at the smile in marion's eyes ravenspur's face cleared you would do all that is good and kind marion said you cannot deceive me oh i know you too well for that and if uncle ralph came now marion paused and the whole group looked one to the other with startled eyes with nerves strung tightly like theirs the slightest deviation from the established order of things was followed by a feeling of dread and alarm and now on the heavy silence of the night the great bell gave clamorous and brazen tongue. Ravenspur started to his feet.

Starting point is 00:21:02 Strange that anyone should come at this time of night, he said. No, Gordon, I will go. There can be no danger, for this is tangible. He passed along the halls and passages till he came to the outer oak. He let down the port Cullis. Come into the light, he cried, and let me see who you are. a halting shuffling step advanced and presently the gleam of the hall lantern shone down upon the face of a man whose features were strangely seamed and scarred it seemed as if the whole of his visage had been squared and carved in criss-cross lines until not one inch of uncontaminated flesh remained his eyes were closed he came forward with fumbling outstretched hands as if searching for some familiar object the features were expressionless but this might have been the result of those cruel scars

Starting point is 00:22:08 but the whole aspect of the man spoke of dogged almost pathetic determination you look strange and yet familiar to me said ravensburgh who are you and whence do you come i know you the stranger replied in a strangled whisper i could recognize your voice anywhere you are my father and you are ralph ralph come back again there was horror indignation surprise in the cry the words rang loud and clear so loud and clear that they reached the dining-hall and brought the rest of the party hurrying out in the cry and the words rang loud and clear so loud and clear that they reached the dining hall and brought the rest of the party hurrying out in to the hall. Vera came forward with swift elastic stride. With a glance of shuddering pity at the scarred face, she laid a hand on Ravenspur's arm. "'My dream!' she whispered. "'It may be the hand of God. Oh, let him stay!' "'There is no place here for Ralph Ravenspur,' the old man cried. the outcast still fumbled his way forward a sudden light of intelligence flashed over gordon as he looked curiously at his brother

Starting point is 00:23:36 i think sir he said that my brother is suffering from some great affliction ralph what is it why do you feel for things in that way i must the wanderer replied i know every inch of the castle i could find my way in the darkest night over every nook and corner father i have come back to you i was only to come back to you if i were in sore need or if i was deeply afflicted look at me does my face tell you nothing your face is-is dreadful and as for your eyes i cannot see them you cannot see them ralph said in that dreadful thrilling strangled with you cannot see them ralph said in that dreadful thrilling strangled whisper, because I have no sight, because I am blind. Without a word, Ravenspur caught his unhappy son by the hand, and led him to the dining hall, the family following in awed silence. End of Chapter 2. Chapter 3 of the Mystery of the Ravenspers by Fred M. White.

Starting point is 00:24:57 This Librevox recording is in the public domain. Chapter 3 The cry in the night The close clutch of the silence lay over the castle Like the restless horror that it was The caressing drowsiness of healthy slumber Was never for the hapless ravenspurs now

Starting point is 00:25:20 They clung round the ingle nook Till the last moment They parted with a sigh and a shudder Knowing that the morrow might find one face missing One voice silenced forever Marion alone was really cheerful. Her smiling face, her gentle courage, were as the cool breath of the north wind to the others.

Starting point is 00:25:45 But for her, they would have gone mad with the haunting horror long since. She was one of the last to go. She still sat pensive in the ingle, her hands clasped behind her head, her eyes gazing with fascinated astonishment at Ralph Ravensper. In some strange, half-defined fashion, it seemed to her that she had seen a face scarred and barred like that before,

Starting point is 00:26:15 and in the same vague way the face reminded her of her native India. It was a strong face, despite the blight that suffering had laid upon it. The lips were firm and straight. The sightless eyes seemed to be seeking for something, hunting as a blind. wolf might have done the long slim damp fingers twitched convulsively feeling upwards and around as if in search of something marion shuddered as she imagined those hooks of steel pressed about her throat choking the life out of her where are you going to sleep ravenspur asked abruptly in my old room ralph replied nobody need trouble about me. I can find my way about the castle as well as if I had my eyes. After all, I have endured. A blanket on the floor will be a couch of down. You are not afraid of the family terror?

Starting point is 00:27:22 Ralph laughed. He laughed hard down in his throat, chuckling horribly. I am afraid of nothing, he said. If you only knew what I know, you would not wish to live i tell you i would sit and see my right arm burnt off with a slow fire if i could wipe out the things i have seen in the last five years i heard of the family fetish at bombay and that was why i came home i prefer a slumbering hell to a roaring one he spoke as if half to himself his words were enigmas to the interested listeners yet wild as they seemed they were cool and collected. "'Some day you shall tell us your adventures,' Raven Spur said, not unkindly. How you lost your sight, and whence came those strange disfigurements.'

Starting point is 00:28:20 "'That you will never know,' Ralph replied. "'Ah, there are more things in heaven and earth than are dreamt of in our narrow and specious philosophy. There are some things it is impossible to. speak of, and my trouble is one of them. Only to one man could I mention it, and whether he is alive or dead, I do not know. Marion rose. The strangely uttered words made her feel slightly hysterical. She bent over Ravenspur and kissed him fondly. Moved by a strong impulse of pity, she would have done the same by her uncle Ralph, but that he seemed to divine her presence and her intention.

Starting point is 00:29:07 The long, slim hands went up. You must not kiss me, my child, he said. I am not fit to be touched by pure lips like yours. Good night. Marion turned away, chilled and disappointed. She wondered why Ralph spoke like that, why he shuddered at her approach, as if she had been an unclean thing. but in that house of singular happenings one strange matter more or less was nothing the light of my eyes ravenspur murmured

Starting point is 00:29:45 after vera the creature i love best on earth what should we do without her what indeed ralph said quietly i cannot see but i can feel what she is to all of you good-night father and thank you and thank you. Raven Spur strode off with a not unkindly nod. As a matter of fact, he was more moved by the return of the wanderer and his evident sufferings and misfortunes than he cared to confess. He brooded over these strange things till at length he lapsed into troubled and uneasy slumber. The intense gripping silence deepened. Ralph Raven Spur still sat in the ingle with his face bent upon the glowing logs as if he could see,

Starting point is 00:30:40 and as if he was seeking for some inspiration in the sparkling crocus flame. Then, without making the slightest noise, he crept across the hall, feeling his way along with his fingertips to the landing above. He had made no idle boast. He knew every inch of the castle. Like a cat he crept to his own room, and there, merely discarding his coat and boots, he took a blanket from the bed.

Starting point is 00:31:12 Into the corridor he stepped, and then, lying down under the hangings of Cordova leather, wrapped himself up crookoon fashion in his blanket and dropped into a sound sleep. The mournful silence brooded. The rats scratched behind the oaken-panelled walls. then out of the throat of the darkness came a stifled cry it was the fighting rattle made by the strong man suddenly deprived of the power to breathe again it came and this time more loudly with a ring of despair in it in the dead silence it seemed to fill the whole house but the walls were thick and beyond the corridor there was no cognizance of anything being in the least wrong

Starting point is 00:32:02 but the man in the blanket against the arras heard it and struggled to his feet a long period of vivid personal danger had sharpened his senses his knowledge of woodcraft enabled him to locate the cry to a yard my father he whispered i am only just in time he felt his way rapidly yet noiselessly along the few feet between his resting-place and his own way rapidly and his resting-place and his own. Ravenspur's room. Imminent as the peril was, he yet paused to push his blanket out of sight. As he came to the door of Ravenspur's room, the cry rose higher. He stooped, and then his fingers touched something warm. "'Marion,' he said, "'I can catch the subtle fragrance of your hair.' The girl swallowed a scream. She was trembling. from head to foot with fear and excitement.

Starting point is 00:33:05 It was dark. The cry from within was despairing. The intense horror of it was dreadful. Yes, yes, she whispered hoarsely. I was lying awake and I heard it. And that good old man told me today that his time was coming. I was going to razz the house. The door is locked.

Starting point is 00:33:30 Do nothing of the sort, stand aside. The voice was low, but commanding. Marion obeyed mechanically. With great strength and determination, Ralph flung himself against the door. At the second assault, the rusty iron bolt gave, and the door flew open. Inside Ravenspur lay on his bed. By his bedside, a nightlight. cast a feeble pallid ray. There was nobody in the room besides Ravenspur himself.

Starting point is 00:34:08 He lay back absolutely rigid, a yellow hue was over his face like a painted mask. His eyes were wide open, his lips twitched convulsively. Evidently he was in some kind of cataleptic fit, and his senses had not deserted him. He was powerless to move, and made no attempt to do so. The man was choking to death, and yet his limbs were rigid. A sickly sweet odor filled the room and caused Ralph to double up and gasp for breath.

Starting point is 00:34:45 It was as if the whole atmosphere was drenched with a fine spray of chloroform. Marion stood in the doorway like a fascinated white statue of fear and despair. What is it? she whispered, What is that choking smell? Ralph made no reply.

Starting point is 00:35:07 He was holding his breath hard. There was a queer, grinning smile on his face as he turned toward the window. The fumbling, clutching long hands rested for a moment on Ravenspur's forehead, and the next moment there was a sound of smashing glass, as with his naked fists, Ralph beat in the lozen-shaped windows.

Starting point is 00:35:32 A quick, cool draft of air rushed through the room, and the figure on the bed ceased to struggle. Come in, said Ralph. There is no danger now. Marion entered. She was trembling from head to foot. Her face was like death. What is it?

Starting point is 00:35:54 What is it? She cried. Uncle Ralph, do you know? know what it is? That is a mystery, Ralph replied. There is some fiend at work here. I only guessed that the sickly odor was the cause of the mischief. You are better, sir?

Starting point is 00:36:14 Ravenspur was sitting up in bed. The color had come back to his lips. He no longer struggled to breathe. I am all right, he said. His eyes beamed affectionately on men. Marian. Ever ready and ever quick, child, you saved my life from that nameless horror. It was Uncle Ralph, said Marion.

Starting point is 00:36:40 I heard your cry, but Uncle Ralph was here as soon as I was, and it was a happy idea of his to break the window. It was that overpowering drug, said Ravenspur. What it is and where it came from must always remain a man. mystery. This is a new horror to haunt me, and yet there were others who died in their beds mysteriously. I awoke to find myself choking. I was stifled by that sweet-smelling stuff. I could feel that my heart was growing weaker. But go, my child, you will catch your death of cold. Go to bed. With an unsteady smile, Marion disappeared. As she closed the door behind her, Ravenspur turned and grasped his son's wrist

Starting point is 00:37:34 fiercely. Do you know anything of this? he demanded. You are blind, helpless, yet you were on the spot instantly. Do you know anything of this, I say? Ralph shook his head. It was good luck, he said and how should i know anything ah a blind man is but a poor detective yet as ralph passed to his strange quarters there was a queer look in his face the long lean claws were crooked as if they were fastened about the neck of some enemy some foe to the death the hem of the mystery he muttered patience and prudence and the day shall come when I shall have it by the throat, and such a lovely throat, too. End of Chapter 3. Chapter 4 of The Mystery of the Ravenspers by Fred M. White. This Librevox recording is in the public domain.

Starting point is 00:38:47 Chapter 4. 101 Brant Street. There was nothing about the house to distinguish it from its stolid and respectable neighbors. It had a dingy face. woodwork painted a dark red with the traditional brass knockers and bell-pull. The windows were hung with curtains of the ordinary type. The Venetian blinds were half down, which in itself is a sign of middle-class respectability. In the center of the red door was a small brass plate bearing the name of Dr. Sergius Chigorsky. Not that Dr. Chigorsky was a medical,

Starting point is 00:39:31 practitioner in the ordinary sense of the word. No neatly appointed pillbox ever stood before 101. No patient ever passed the threshold. Chigorsky was a savant and a traveler to boot, a man who dealt in strange out-of-the-way things, and the interior of his house would have been a revelation to the top-hatted frock-coated doctors and lawyers and citymen who elected to make their home in Brant Street, W. The house was crammed with curiosities and souvenirs of travel, from basement to Garrett. A large skylighted billiard room at the back of the house had been turned into a librarian laboratory combined. And here, when not traveling, Chigorsky spent all his time, seeing strange visitors from time to time, Mongolians, Hindus, natives of Tibet,

Starting point is 00:40:30 bet. For Chigorsky was one of the three men who had penetrated to the holy city of Lhasa and returned to tell the tale. The doctor came into his study from his breakfast and stood ruminating, rubbing his hands before the fire. In ordinary circumstances, he would have been a fine man of over six feet in height. But a cruel misfortune had curved his spine, while his left. left leg dragged almost helplessly behind him. His hands were drawn up as if the muscles had been cut and then knotted up again. Chigorsky had entered Lhasa five years ago as a god who walks upright. When he reached the frontier six months later, he was the wreck he still remained. And of those privations and sufferings, Chigorsky said nothing.

Starting point is 00:41:30 But there were times when his eyes gleamed and his breath came short, and he pined for the vengeance yet to be his. As to his face it was singularly strong and intellectual, yet it was disfigured with deep seams checkered like a chessboard. We have seen something like it before, for the marks were identical with those that disfigured Ralph Ravenspur and made his face a horror. to look upon. A young man rose from the table where he was making some kind of an experiment.

Starting point is 00:42:09 He was a fresh-colored Englishman, George Abel, by name, and he esteemed it a privilege to call himself Chigorsky's secretary. Always early and always busy, Chigorsky said. Is there anything in the morning papers that is likely to interest me, Abel? I fancy so, Abel replied thoughtfully. You are interested in the Raven Spur case? A lurid light leapt into their Russian's eyes. He seemed to be strangely moved.

Starting point is 00:42:46 He paced up and down the room, dragging his maimed limb after him. Never more interested in anything in my life, he said. You know as much of my past as any man, but there are matters, experiences unspeakable. My face, my ruined frame. Whence come these cruel misfortunes? That secret will go down with me to the grave. Of that I could speak to one man alone,

Starting point is 00:43:18 and I know not whether that man is alive or dead. Tegorsky's words trailed off into a rambling, incoherent murmur. he was far away with his own gloomy and painful thoughts then he came back to earth with a start he stood with his back to the fireplace contemplating abel i am deeply interested in the ravenspur case as you know he said a malignant fiend is at work yonder a fiend with knowledge absolutely supernatural you smile i myself have seen the power of darkness doing the bidding of mortal man all the detectives in Europe will never lay hands upon the destroyer of the raven spurs and yet in certain circumstances i could then in that case sir why don't you do it i said in certain circumstances i have part of a devilish puzzle the other part is in the hands of a man who may be dead i hold half of the bank-note somebody else has the other moiety until we can come together we are both paupers if i can find that other man and he has the nerve and the pluck he used to possess the curse of the ravenspurs will cease but then i shall never see my friend again but you might solve the problem alone impossible that man and myself made a most hazardous expedition in search of dreadful knowledge

Starting point is 00:45:08 that formula we found for the purposes of safety we divided it and then we were discovered of what followed i dare not speak i dare not even think. I escaped from my dire peril, but I cannot hope that my comrade was so fortunate. He must be dead, and, without him, I am as powerless as if I knew nothing. I have no proof, yet I know quite well who was responsible for those murders at Ravenspur. Abel stared at his chief in astonishment. He knew Chigorsky too well. He knew Chigorsky too well, to doubt the evidence of his simple word. The Russian was too strong a man to boast. You cannot understand, he said. It is impossible to understand without the inner knowledge that I possess, and even my knowledge is not perfect. Were I to tell the part I know, I should be hailed from one end of

Starting point is 00:46:15 England to the other as a madman. I should be imprisoned for malignant slant, slant, But if the other man turned up, if only the other man should turn up. Chigorsky broke into a rambling reverie again. When he emerged to mundane matters once more, he ordered Abel to read the paragraph relating to the latest phase of the tragedy of the lost Ravenspur. It runs, said Abel. Another strange affair at Ravensburg.

Starting point is 00:46:51 Castle. The mystery of this remarkable case still thickens. Late on Wednesday night, Mr. Rupert Ravenspur, the head of the family, was awakened by a choking sensation and a total loss of breath. On attempting to leave his bed, the unfortunate gentleman found himself unable to move. He states that the room appeared to be filled with a fine spray of some sickly sweet drug or liquid that seemed to act upon him as chloroform does on a subject with a weak heart. Mr. Ravensper managed to cry out, but the vapor held him down and was slowly stifling him. Ah, Chigorsky cried. Ah, I thought so. Go on. His eyes were gleaming. his whole face glistened with excitement.

Starting point is 00:47:53 Providentially, the cry reached the ears of another of the raven spurs. This gentleman burst open his father's door, and noticing the peculiar pungent odor, had the good sense to break a window and admit air into the room. This prompt action was the means of saving the life of the victim, and it is all the more remarkable because it was carried out by a Mr. Ralph, even spur, a blind gentleman who had just returned from foreign parts. A cry, a scream broke from Chigorsky's lips. He danced about the room like a madman.

Starting point is 00:48:34 For the time being, it was impossible for the astonished secretary to determine whether this was joy or anguish. You are upset about something, sir, he said. Chigorsky recovered himself by a violent effort that left him trembling like a reed swept in the wind. He gasped for breath. It was the madness of an overwhelming joy, he cried. I would cheerfully have given ten years of my life for this information. Abel, you will have to go to Ravenspur for me today. Abel said nothing.

Starting point is 00:49:17 He was used to these swift surprises. You are to see this Ralph Ravenspur, Abel, continued Jigorsky. You are not to call at the castle. You are to hang about till you get a chance of delivering my message unseen. The mere fact that Ralph Ravenspur is blind will suffice for a clue to his identity. Look up the timetable. Abel did so. He found a train to land him at Biston Junction, some ten miles from his destination.

Starting point is 00:49:55 Half an hour later, he was ready to start. From an iron safe, Chigorsky took a small object and laid it in Abel's hand. Give him that, he said. You are simply to say, Chigorsky, danger, and come away, unless Ralph Ravenspur desired. speech with you. Now go. And as you value your life, do not lose that casket. It was a small brass box, no larger than a cigarette case, rusty and tarnished, and covered with strange characters, evidently culled from some long-forgotten tongue. End of Chapter 4. Chapter 5 of The Mystery of the Ravenspers by Fred M. White.

Starting point is 00:50:54 This Libravox recording is in the public domain. Chapter 5 A ray of light A sense of expectation, an uneasy feeling of momentous events about to happen, hung over the doomed raven spurs. For once, Marion appeared to feel the strain. Her face was pale, and though she strove hard to regain the old gentle gaiety, her eyes were red and swollen with weeping all through breakfast she watched ravenspur in strange fascination

Starting point is 00:51:34 he seemed to have obtained some kind of hold over her yet nothing could be more patient dull and stolid than the way in which he proceeded with the meal he appeared to dwell in an unseen world of his own the stirring events of the previous night had left no impression on him whatever. For the most part, they were a sad and silent party. The terror that walked by night and day was stealing closer to them. It was coming in a new and still more dreadful form. Accident or the intervention of Providence had averted a dire tragedy, but it would come again. Ravenspur made light of the matter. He spoke of the danger. He spoke of the danger as something passed, yet it was impossible wholly to conceal the agitation that filled him. He saw Marion's pale sympathetic face. He saw the heavy tears in Vera's eyes, and a dreadful sense of his absolute impotence came upon him.

Starting point is 00:52:44 "'Let us forget it,' he said, almost cheerfully. "'Let us think no more of the matter. No doubt science can explain this. new mystery. The speaker's sightless eyes were turned upwards. He seemed to be thinking aloud rather than addressing the company generally. Marion turned as if something had stung her. Uncle Ralph knows something that he conceals from us, she cried. Ralph smiled, yet he had the air of one who was displeased with himself. I know many things that are mercifully concealed from pure natures like yours, he said. But as to what happened last night, I am as much in the dark as any of you.

Starting point is 00:53:35 Ah, if I were not blind! A strange silence followed. One by one the company rose until the room was deserted, save for Ralph Ravensper and his nephew, Jeffrey. the handsome lad's face was pale his lips quivered i am dreadfully disappointed uncle he observed meaning from your tone that you were disappointed with me jeff why because you spoke at first as if you understood things and then you professed to be as ignorant as the rest of us oh it is awful i-i would not care so much so much i would not care so much if I were less fond of Vera than I am. I love her. I love her with my whole heart and soul. If you could only see the beauty of her face, you would understand. And yet, when she kisses me

Starting point is 00:54:37 good night, I am never sure that it is not for the last time. I feel that I must wake up presently to find that all is an evil dream, and we can do nothing, nothing, nothing but wait, and tremble and die. Ralph had no reply. Indeed, there was no reply to this passionate outburst. The blind man rose from the table and groped his way to the door, with those long hands that seemed to be always feeling for something, like the tentacles of an octopus.

Starting point is 00:55:13 Come with me to your grandfather's room, he said. I want you to lend me your eyes for a time. geoffrey followed willingly the bedroom was exactly as ravenspur had quitted it for as yet the housemate had not been there now look around you carefully said ralph look for something out of the common it may be a piece of rag a scrap of paper a spot of grease or a dab of some foreign substance on the carpet is there a fire laid here no geoffrey replied the grate is a large open one i will see what i can find the young fellow searched minutely for some time no reward awaited his pains then his eyes fell upon the hearthstone i can only see one little thing he said in a business like this there are no such matters as little things ralph replied a clue that might stand on a pin's point often leads to great results tell me what it is that attracts your attention a bronze stain on the hearthstone it is about the size of the palm of one's hand it looks very like a piece of glue dab down take a knife and scrape it up said ralph

Starting point is 00:56:49 he spoke slowly and evidently under excitement well repressed wrap it in your handkerchief and give it to me has the stuff any particular smell yes said geoffrey it has a sickly sweet odor i am sure that i never smelt anything like it before probably not there i have no further need of your services and i know that i know that i never smelt anything like it before probably not there i have no further need of your services and i know that i know that Vera is waiting for you. One word before you go. You are not to say a single word to a soul about this matter. Not a single soul, mind. And now I do not propose to detain you any longer. Jeffrey retired with a puzzled air.

Starting point is 00:57:40 When the echo of his footsteps had died away, Ralph rose and crept out upon the leads. He was shivering with excitement. There was a look of eager expectation, almost of triumph on his face. He felt his way along the leads until he came to a group of chimneys, about the center one of which he fumbled with his hands for some time. Then the look of triumph on his face grew more marked and stronger. Assurance doubly sure, he whispered. His voice croaked hoarsely with excitement.

Starting point is 00:58:19 If I had only somebody here whom I could trust, if I told anybody here whom I suspected, they would rise like one person and hurl me into the moat, and I can do no more than suspect. Patience, patience, and yet patience. From the terrace came the sound of fresh young voices. They were those of Vera and Jeffrey talking almost gaily as they turned their steps toward the granite cliffs. For the nerves of youth are elastic, and they throw off the strain easily. They walked along side by side until they came to the cliffs.

Starting point is 00:59:06 Here the rugged ramparts rose high with jagged indentations and rough hollows. There were deep cups and fissures, in the rocks where a regiment of soldiers might lie securely hidden for miles the gorse was flushed with its golden glory let us sit down and forget our troubles said geoffrey how restful the time if we could sail away in a ship vera away to the ends of the earth where we could hide ourselves from this cruel vendetta and be at peace what use is the ravenspur property to us when we are doomed to die vera shuddered slightly and the exquisite face grew pale they might spare us she said plaintively we are young and we have done no harm to anybody and yet i have not lost all faith i feel certain that heaven above us will not permit this hideous slaughter to continue she laid her trembling fingers in geoffrey's hand and he drew her close to him and kissed her it seems hard to look into your face and doubt it dearest he said

Starting point is 01:00:26 even the fiend who pursues us would hesitate to destroy you but i dare not i must not think of that if you are taken away i do not want to live nor i either jeff oh my feelings are similar to yours the dark violet eyes filled with tears the fresh breeze from the sea ruffled vera's fair hair and carried her sailor hat away up the cliff it rested perched upon a gorse bush overhanging one of the ravines or cups in the rock as geoffrey ran to fetch the hat he looked over a strange sight met his astonished gaze the hollow might have been a small stone quarry at some time now it was lined with grass and moss and in the centre of the cup which had no fisher or passage of any kind two men were seated bending down over a small shell or gourd placed on a fire of sticks. In ordinary circumstances there would have been nothing strange in this, for the sight of peripatetic hawkers and tinkers along the cliffs was not unusual. But these men did not belong to that class.

Starting point is 01:01:53 They were tall and spare. They were clad in dingy robes. on their heads were turbans of the same sad color they were dark of feature with thin faces and ragged beards in appearance they were singularly alike indeed they might have been twin brothers some time past the prime of life from the shell on the ground a thick vapour was rising the smell of it floated on the air to geoffrey's nostrils he reeled back almost sick and faint with the perfume and the discovery he had made for that infernal stuff had exactly the same smell as the pungent drug which had come so near to destroying the life of rupert ravensper only a few hours before here was something to set the blood tingling in the veins and the pulses leaping with the mad excitement from over the top of the gorse geoffrey watched with all his eyes he saw the smoke gradually die away he saw a small mass taken from the gourd and carefully stowed away in a metal box then the fire was kicked out and all traces of it were obliterated geoffrey crept back again to vera trembling from head to foot he had made up his mind what to do he would say nothing of this strange discovery to vera

Starting point is 01:03:32 he would keep it for ralph ravenspur's ears alone ralph had been in foreign parts and might understand the enigma meanwhile it became necessary to get out of the asiatic's way it was not prudent for them to know that a raven spur was so close vera looked into geoffrey's face wondering how pale you are she said and how long you have been come and let us walk said geoffrey i-i twisted my ankle on a stone and it gave me a twinge or two it's all right now shall we see if we can get as far as sprawl point and back before luncheon vera rose to the challenge she rather prided herself on her powers as a walker the exercise caused her to glow and tingle and all the way it never occurred to her how silent and abstract geoffrey had become end of chapter five chapter six of the mystery of the ravenspurs by fred m white this librivox recording is in the public domain chapter six abel carries out his errand when ralph ravenspur reached the basement his whole aspect had changed for the next day or two he brooded about the house mainly with his own thoughts for company he was ubiquitous his silent cat-like tread carried him noiselessly everywhere he seemed to be looking for something with those sightless eyes of his those long fingers were crooked as if about the throat of the great mystery

Starting point is 01:05:36 he came into the library where rupert ravenspur and marion were talking earnestly he dropped in upon them as if he had fallen from the clouds marian started and laughed i declare you frighten me she said you are like a shadow the shadow of one's conscience there can be no shadow on yours ralph replied you are too pure and good for that never never will you have cause to fear me all the same i wish you were less like a cat raven spur exclaimed as Marion walked smilingly away. Anybody would imagine that you were part of the family mystery, Ralph. Do you know anything? I am blind, Ralph replied doggedly. Of what use is a blind man?

Starting point is 01:06:36 I don't know. They say that when one sense is lost, the others are sharpened. And you came home so mysteriously. You arrived at a critical. moment for me. You were at my door at the time when help was sorely needed. Again, when you burst my door open, you did the only thing that could have saved me. Common sense, sir, you were stifling and I gave you air. Ravenspur shook his head. He was by no means satisfied. It was the common sense that is based upon practical experience. And you prowl about in dark corners. You wander about the house in the

Starting point is 01:07:22 dead of the night. You hint at a strange past, but as to that past you are dumb. For heaven's sake, if you know anything, tell me. The suspense is maddening. I know nothing, and I am blind, Ralph repeated. As to my past, that is between me and my maker. i dare not speak of it let me go my own way and do not interfere with me and whatever you do or say tell nobody nobody mind that you suspect me of knowledge of the family trouble ralph turned away abruptly and refused to say more he passed from the castle across the park slowly but with the confidence of a man who is assured of every step the recollection of his boyhood's days stood him in good stead he could not see but he knew where he was and even the grim cliffs held no terrors for him he came at length to a certain spot where he paused it was here years ago that he had scaled the cliffs at the peril of his neck and found the raven's nest he caught the perfume of the heather and the crushed fragrance of the wild thyme but their scents were as nothing to his nostrils for he had caught another scent that had brought him up all standing with his head in the air

Starting point is 01:08:55 the odor was almost exhausted there was merely a faint suspicion of it but at the same time it spoke to ralph as plainly as words he was standing near the hollow where geoffrey had been two days ago in his mind's eye ralph could see into this hollow years before he had been used to lie there winter evenings when the brent and ducks were coming in from the sea he scrambled down shore-footed as a goat then he proceeded to grope upon the grass with those long restless fingers he picked up a charred stick or two smelt it and shook his head presently his hand closed upon the burnt fragments of a gourd as ralph raised this to his nostrils his eyes gleamed i was certain of it he muttered two of the bonseys have been here and they have been making the pie if i could only see as yet he had not heard of geoffrey's singular discovery there had been no favorable opportunity of disclosing the secret ralph retraced his steps moodily for the present he was helpless he had come across the clue to the enigma but only he knew of the tremendous difficulties and dangers to be encountered before the heart of the mystery could be revealed he felt cast down and discouraged there was bitterness in his heart for those who had deprived him of his precious sight oh if i could only see he cried

Starting point is 01:10:45 a week or month to look from one eye into another to strip off the mask and lay the black soul bare and yet if the one only guessed what i know my life would not be worth an hour's purchase and if those people at the castle only knew that the powers of hell living raging hell were arrayed against them but they would not believe an impotent sigh escaped the speaker just for the moment his resolution had failed him it was some time before he became conscious of the fact that some one was dogging his footsteps do you want to see me he demanded there was no reply for a moment abel came up cautiously he looked around him but so far as he could see he and ravenspur were alone as he caught sight of the latter's face he had no ground for further doubt i did want to see you and see you alone sir abel replied i believe i have the pleasure of speaking to mr ralph ravenspur the same sir ralph said coldly you are a stranger to me a stranger who brings a message from a friend i was to see you alone and for two days i have been waiting for this opportunity my employer asks me to deliver this box into your hands at the same time abel passed the little brass case into ralph's hand as his fingers closed upon it a great light swept over his face a hoarse shout came from his lips that turned from red to blue and then to white and red again

Starting point is 01:12:46 so chigorski had behaved when he discovered that this man still lived who gave you this and what is your message raven spur panted the message said abel was merely this i was to give you the box and say chigorski danger and walk away unless you detained me then my friend chigorski is alive yes sir it is my privilege to be his private secretary a wonderful man ralph cried perhaps the most wonderful man in Europe and to think that he is alive if an angel had come down from heaven and asked me to crave a boon i should have asked to have chigorski in the flesh before me you have given me new heart of grace you are like water in a dry land this is the happiest day i have known since the speaker paused and mumbled something incoherent but the stolid expression had gone from his scarred face and a strange triumphant happiness reigned in its stead he seemed years younger his step had grown more elastic there was a fresh broad ring in his voice chigorsky will desire to see me he said indeed it is absolutely essential that we should meet and that without delay a time of danger lies before us danger that the mere mortal does not dream of take this to chigorsky and be careful of it he drew from a chain inside his vest a small case almost identical to the one that abel had just handed to

Starting point is 01:14:46 him, save that it was silver, while the other was brass. On it were the same queer signs and symbols. That will convince my friend that the puzzle is intact, he continued. We hold the key to the enigma. Nay, the key to the past and future. But all this is so much Greek to you? I will come and see my friend on Friday, but not in the guise of Ralph Ravenspur.

Starting point is 01:15:19 What am I to understand by that, sir? Abel asked. It matters nothing what you understand, Ralph cried. Chigorsky will know. Tell him 7.15 at Houston on Friday, not in the guise of Ravenspur or Chigorsky. He will read between the lines, Go and be seen with me no more.

Starting point is 01:15:47 Ralph strode off with his head in the air. His blood was singing in his ears. His pulse was leaping with a new life. At last, he murmured. After all these years from myself and my kin, at last. End of Chapter 6. Chapter 7 of The Mystery of the Raven Spurs by Fred M. White. This Libervox recording is in the public domain. chapter seven more light there was a curious eager flush on ralph ravenspur's face he rose from his seat and paced the room restlessly those long fingers were incessantly clutching at something vague and unseen and at the same time he was following the story that geoffrey had to tell with the deepest attention what does it mean uncle the young man asked at length i cannot tell you ralph replied his tones were hard and cold there are certain things no mortal can understand unless but i must not go into that it may be that you have touched the fringe of the mystery i am certain that we are on the verge of a discovery geoffrey cried eagerly

Starting point is 01:17:24 I am sure that stuff those strangers were making was the same as the drug, or whatever it was, that came so near to making an end of my grandfather. If I knew what to do. Nothing, do nothing, as you hope for the future. The words came hissing from Ralph's lips. He felt his way across to Jeffrey and laid a grip on his arm that seemed to cut like a knife.

Starting point is 01:17:54 forget it he whispered fight down the recollection of the whole thing do nothing based upon your discovery i cannot say more but i am going to give you advice worth much gold promise me that you will forget this matter that you will not mention it to a soul promise geoffrey promised somewhat puzzled and dazed did ralph know everything or was he as ignorant as the rest i will do what you like said geoffrey but it is very hard can't you tell me a little more i am brave and strong courage and strength have nothing to do with it a nation could do nothing in this case i am going to london to-day you are going to london alone why not i came here from the other side of the world alone i have to see a doctor about my eyes no there is no hope that i can ever recover my sight again but it is possible to allay the pain they give me ralph departed a dog-cart deposited him at biston junction and then the servant saw him safely into the london train but presently ralph alighted and a porter guided him to a cab a little later and the blind man was knocking at the door of a cottage in the poorer portion of the town a short stocky man with a seafaring air opened the door is it you elphick ralph asked the short man with a resolute face and keen gray eyes exclaimed with pleasure

Starting point is 01:19:51 so you've got back at last sir come in sir i am alone here as you know i knew you'd want me before long ralph ravenspur felt his way to a chair james elphilph elphick stood watching him with something more than pleasure in his eyes. We have no time to spare, Ralph exclaimed. We must be in London tonight, James. I am going up to see Dr. Chigorsky. Dr. Chigorsky, Elphick exclaimed. Didn't I always say is how he'd get through? The man who'd get the best of him ain't born yet,

Starting point is 01:20:36 but it means danger, sir. nothing we ever carried out with the doctor was anything else danger you do not dream of ralph said impressively but i cannot discuss this with you james you are coming with me to london get the disguise out and let me see if your hand still retains its cunning apparently it had for an hour later there walked from the cottage toward the station an elderly stout man with white hair and beard and whiskers. His eyes were guarded by tinted glasses. The complexion of the face was singularly clear and ruddy. All trace of those cruel criss-crossed lines had gone. Wherever Elphick had learned his art, he had not failed to learn it thoroughly. It's perfect, though I say it as shouldn't, he remarked. it's no use sir you can't get on without me if i'd gone with you to lasse all that horrible torture business would never have happened

Starting point is 01:21:49 ralph ravenspur smiled cautiously the stiff dressing on his face made a smile difficult in any case at all events i shall want you now he said it was nearly seven when the express tram reached you ralph stood on the great bustling echoing platform as if waiting for something an exclamation from elphick attracted his attention there's the doctor as large as life he said chagorsky ralph cried surely not in his natural guise oh this is reckless folly does he court defeat at the outset of our enterprise chigorsky bustled up for some reason or other he chose to appear in his natural guise not till they were in the cab did ravenspur venture to expostulate much learning has made you mad he said bitterly not a bit of it the russian responded unfortunately for me the priests of lasse have discovered that i am deeply versed in their secret Not that they believe for a moment that Chigorsky and the Russian, who walked the valley of the red death, are one and the same. They deem me to be the recipient of that unhappy man's early discoveries. But your identity remains a secret.

Starting point is 01:23:27 The cleverest eyes in the worlds could never penetrate your disguise. It comforts me to hear that, Ralph replied. Everything depends upon my mind. identity being concealed. Once it is discovered, every ravenspur is doomed. But I cannot understand why you escape recognition at the hands of the foe." A bitter smile came over Chigorsky's face. "'Can you not?' he said. "'If you had your eyes, you would understand.

Starting point is 01:24:02 Man, I have been actually in the company of those who flung me into the valley of the red death and they have not known me after that I stood in the presence of my own mother and she asked who I was the marks on my face well there are plenty of explorers who have been victims to the wire helmet and have never dreamt of entering Lassa I am a broken decrepit wreck I who was once so proud of my inches the horrors of that one day have changed me beyond recognition. But you know. Ralph shuddered from head to foot. A cold moisture stood in his forehead. Don't, he whispered. Don't speak of it. When the recollection comes over me,

Starting point is 01:24:56 I have to hold on to my senses as a shipwrecked sailor clings to a plank. Never mind the past. The future has peril and danger enough. you know why i am here to save your house from the curse upon it to bring the east and west together and tell of the vilest conspiracy the world has ever seen do you know who the guilty creature is whose hand is actually striking a blow i think so in fact i am sure of it but who would believe my accusation who indeed but we shall be in a position to prove our case now that the secrets of the prison-house lie before us we have three to fear yes yes said ralph the two bonzies who have actually been seen near ravenspur and the princess zara could she recognize me ralph asked the question in almost passionate entreaty i am certain she could not chigorski replied come victory shall be ours yet here we are at my house at last by the way you must have a name you shall be my cousin nicholas chigorsky a clever savant who by reason of a deplorable accident has become both blind or

Starting point is 01:26:34 and dumb. Alon. End of chapter 7. Chapter 8 of The Mystery of the Raven Spurs by Fred M. White. This Librevox recording is in the public domain. Chapter 8. A Master of Fence Lady Malobloom's reception rooms were more than usually crowded,

Starting point is 01:27:07 and every other man or woman in the glittering salon was a celebrity. there was a strong sprinkling of the aristocracy to leaven the lump here and there the flash of red cloth and gold could be seen in his quiet masterly style chigorski pushed his way up the stairs ralph ravenspur followed his hand upon the russian's arm he could feel the swish of satin draperies go by him he caught the perfume on the warm air why do you drag me here he grumbled i can see nothing it only bewilders me i should have been far happier in your study you mope too much tigorsky said gaily to mingle with one's fellows is good at times i know so many people who are here to-night and i know nobody add to which circumstances compel me to be dumb place me in some secluded spot with my back to the wall and then enjoy yourself for an hour i dare say i shall manage to kill the time there were many celebrities in the brilliantly lighted room and chigorski indicated a few a popular lady novelist passed on the arm of a poet on her way to the buffet a wonderful woman the fair authoress was saying eastern and full of mystery you know did you notice the eyes of the princess who could fail to was the reply they say that she is quite five-and-forty and yet she would easily pass for eighteen but for her knowledge of the world

Starting point is 01:29:01 your eastern princess is one of the most fascinating women i have ever seen others passed and had the same theme ralph stirred to a faint curiosity who is the new marvel he asked i don't know chigorsky admitted the last new lion i suppose some pretty begham or the wife of some oriental whose dark eyes appear to have fired society. By the crowd of people coming this way, I presume the dusky beauty is among them. If so, she has an excellent knowledge of English. A clear sweet voice arose. At the first sound of it, Ralph jumped to his feet and clutched at his throat, as if something choked him. He shook with a great agitation. A nameless fear had him in a close grip. Do you recognize the voice?

Starting point is 01:30:04 Ralph gasped. The Russian was not unmoved, but his agitation was quickly suppressed. He forced Ralph down in his seat again. You will have to behave better than that if you were to be a trusty ally of mine, he said. Come, that is better.

Starting point is 01:30:25 Sit still. She is coming this way. i'm all right now ralph replied the shock of finding myself in the presence of princess zara was overpowering have no fear for me a tall woman magnificently dressed was making her way towards tigorsky her face was the hue of old ivory and as fine her great lustrous eyes gleamed brightly a mass of hair was piled hot on a daintily poised head. The woman might have been extremely young so far as the touch of time was concerned, but the easy self-possession told another tale.

Starting point is 01:31:13 The red lips tightened for an instant. A strange gleam came into the dark magnetic eyes as they fell upon Chigorsky. Then the Indian princess advanced with a smile and held out her hand to the Russian. so you are still here she said there was the suggestion of a challenge in her tones her eyes met those of chigorsky as the eyes of two swordsmen might meet there was a tigerish playfulness underlying the words a call note of significant warning i still take the liberty of existing said you are a brave man doctor your friend here is my cousin nicholas chigorski the poor fellow is blind and dumb as the result of a terrible accident best not to notice him

Starting point is 01:32:14 the princess shrugged her beautiful shoulders as she dropped gracefully into a seat i heard you were in london she said and something told me that we should meet sooner later. You are still interested in occult matters? Again, Ralph detected the note of warning in the speech. He could see nothing of the expression on that perfect face, but he could judge it fairly well. I am more interested in occult matters than ever, Chigorsky said gravely, especially in certain discoveries placed in my hands by a traveler in Tibet. Ah, that was your fellow countryman. He died, you know. He was murdered in the vilest manner,

Starting point is 01:33:07 but before the end, he managed to convey important information to me. Useless information, unless you had the key. There was one traveler who found the key, you remember. True, doctor. He also, I fancy, met with an accident that, unfortunately, resulted in his death. Ralph shuddered slightly.

Starting point is 01:33:35 Princess Zara's tone were hard as steel. If she had spoken openly and callously of this man being murdered, she could not have expressed the same thing more plainly. A beautiful woman, a fascinating one, but a woman with no heart and no feeling where her hatreds were concerned. It is just possible I have the key, said Cigorsky. The eyes of the princess blazed for a moment, then she smiled. Dare you use it? she asked.

Starting point is 01:34:11 If you dare, then all the secrets of heaven and hell are yours. For four thousand years, the priests of the temple at Lhasa and the heads of my family have solved the future. You know what we can do. We are all-powerful for evil. We can strike down our foes by means unknown to your boasted Western science. They are all the same to us, proud, potentate ex-meddling doctor. There was a menace in the last words. Chigorsky smiled.

Starting point is 01:34:50 The meddling doctor has already had personal experience, he said. I carry the marks of my suffering to the grave. I remember how your peasants treated me, and this does not tend to relax my efforts. And yet you might die at any moment. If you persist in your studies, you will have to die. The eyes of Western men must not look upon the secrets of the priests of Lassa and live. Be warned, Dr. Tjigorsky, be warned in time.

Starting point is 01:35:26 you are brave and clever and as such command respect if you know everything and proclaim it to the world civilization will come as one man and no stone in lasa shall stand on another your priests will be butchered like wild beasts an infernal plague-spot will be wiped off the face of the outraged earth the princess caught her breath swiftly just for one moment there was murder in her eyes she held her fan as if it were a dagger ready for the russian's heart why should you do this thing she asked because your knowledge is diabolical chigorsky replied in the first place all who are in the secret can commit murder with impunity as the anglo-saxon pushes on to the four corners of the earth that knowledge must become public property. I am going to stop that if I can. And if you die in the meantime? You are bold to rashness, and yet there are many things that you do not know. The longer I live, the more glaring my ignorance becomes. I do not know whence you derive your perfect mastery of the English tongue, but I do know that I am.

Starting point is 01:36:55 am going to see this business through. Man proposes, but the arm of the priests is long. Ah, I understand. I may die tonight. I should not mind. Still, let us argue the matter out. Say that I have already solved the problem. I write a detailed account of the whole weird business.

Starting point is 01:37:21 I write twenty detailed statements. I enclose the key in each. These statements I addressed to a score of the leading savants in Europe. Then I place them in, say, a safe deposit until my death. I write to each of those wise men a letter with an enclosure not to be opened till I die. That enclosure contains a key to my safe, and presently in that safe all those savants find a letter. packet addressed to themselves in a week all Europe would ring with my wonderful discoveries think of the outcry the wrath the indignation

Starting point is 01:38:06 the princess smiled she could appreciate a stratagem like this with dull stolid and averted face ralph ravenspur listened and wondered he heard the laugh that came from the lips of the princess he detected the vexation underlying it chigorsky was a foeman worthy of her steel that you proposed to do she asked a question you will pardon me for not answering said chigorsky you have made your move and i have made mine whether i am going to do the thing or whether i have done so remains to be seen whether you dare risk my death now is a matter for you to decide check to your king again the princess smiled she looked searchingly into chagorsky's face as if she would fain read his very soul but she saw nothing there but the dull eyes of a man who keeps his feelings behind a mask then with a flirt of her fan and a more or less mocking curtsy she turned to go you are a fine antagonist she said but i do not admit yet that you are a check to my king i shall find a way good night she turned and plunged into the glittering crowd and was seen no more a strange fit of trembling came over ravenspur as chigorski led him out that woman stifles me he said if she had only guessed who had been seated so near to her chigorski you played your cards well

Starting point is 01:40:04 chigorski smiled i was glad of that opportunity he said she meant to have me murdered but she will hesitate for a time we have one great advantage we know what we have to face and she does not the men are on the board the cards are on the table it is you and i against princess zara and the two priests of the temple of lasa and we play and we play for the lives of a good and innocent family we do ralph said grimly but why why does this fascinating asiatic come all those miles to destroy one by one a race that she can scarcely have heard of why does she do it chigorsky you have not guessed who the princess is then chigorsky bent down and whispered three words in ralph's ear and not until brant street was reached had ralph come back from his amazement to the land of speech end of chapter eight chapter nine of the mystery of the ravenspurs by fred m white this lubrovoc's recording is in the public domain chapter nine april days the terror of the terror never lifted now from the old house. There were days and weeks when nothing happened, but the garrison did not permit itself to believe that the unseen enemy had abandoned the

Starting point is 01:41:51 unequal contest. The old people were prepared for the end which they believed to be inevitable. A settled melancholy was upon them, and it was only when they were together that anything like a sense of security prevailed. For the moment they were safe. There was always safety in numbers. But when they parted for the night, they parted as comrades on the eve of a bloody battle. They might meet again, but the chances were strong against it.

Starting point is 01:42:24 For themselves they cared nothing. For the younger people, everything. It was fortunate that the fine constitutions and strong nerves of Jeffrey and Vera and Marion kept them going. I really imagine it was, man or woman would have been driven mad by the awful suspense. But Jeffrey was bright and sunny. He always felt that the truth would come to light some day, and his buoyant, sanguine nature reacted

Starting point is 01:42:54 on the others. Nearly a month had elapsed since the weird attempt on the life of Rupert Ravenspur, four weeks since Jeffrey's strange experience on the cliffs, and nothing had happened. The family had lapsed once more into their ordinary mode of living. Blind Ralph was back again, feeling his way about the castle as usual, silent, moody, in the habit of gliding in upon people as a snake comes through the grass. Ralph came into breakfast, creeping to his chair without touching anything, dropping into it as if he had fallen from the clouds. Marion, next to him, shuddered.

Starting point is 01:43:40 They were quite good friends, these two, but Marion was slightly afraid of her uncle. His secret ways repelled her. He had a way of talking with his sightless eyes upturned. He seemed to understand the unspoken thoughts of others. "'What is the matter?' he asked. Marion laughed. none of the others had come down yet what should be the matter she replied well you shuddered you should be sorry for me my dear some of these days i mean to tell you the story of my life oh yes it will be a story what a story and you will never forget it as long as you live

Starting point is 01:44:28 there was something uncanny in the words a veiled threat the suggestion of one who had waited for a full revenge with the knowledge that the time would come yet the scarred face was without expression the eyes were vacant won't you tell me now marion asked softly i am so sorry for you the sweet thrilling sympathy would have moved a stone but it had no effect upon Ralph. He merely caressed Marion's slim fingers and smiled. It was significant of his extraordinary power that he found Marion's hand without feeling for it. He was given to touch those slim fingers, and yet he never allowed Marion to kiss him.

Starting point is 01:45:22 All in good time, he said, but not yet, not yet. Before Marion could reply, Mrs. Gordon Ravenspur came into the room. Marion seemed to divine more than see that something had happened. She jumped to her feet and crossed the room. Dear aunt, she said quickly. What is it? Vera, Mrs. Gordon replied. She called me into her room just now, saying she was feeling far from well.

Starting point is 01:45:57 I had hardly got into her room before she fainted. I have never known Vera to do such a thing before. Ralph was sitting and drumming his fingers on the table, as if the subject had not the slightest interest for him. But with the swiftness of lightning, a strange, hard, cunning expression flashed across his face and was gone. When Marion turned to him, he had vanished also. it almost seemed as if he had the gift of fern seed a mere passing weakness marian said soothingly

Starting point is 01:46:38 i should like to think so mrs gordon replied in normal circumstances i should think so but not now not now marian marian sighed deeply there were times when even she was oppressed i'll go and see vera she said i am sure there is no cause for alarm marian slipped rapidly up the stone stairs and along the echoing corridor toward vera's room she was smiling now and she kissed her hand to the dead and gone raven spurs frowning upon her from the walls Then she burst gaily into Vera's room. My dear child, she cried. You really must not alarm us by... She paused suddenly. Vera, fully dressed, was seated in a chair, whilst Ralph was by her side.

Starting point is 01:47:41 He seemed more alive than usual. He had been saying something to Vera that had brought the color to her face. As Marion entered, he grew grave and self-contained, like a snail retreating into its shell, Marion thought. He sat down and tattooed with his fingers on the dressing table. I had no idea you had company, Marion smiled. I intruded, Ralph said gravely. There was a sardonic inflection in his voice.

Starting point is 01:48:16 Yet I flatter myself that Vera is the better for my attention. Marion looked swiftly from one to the other. She was puzzled. Almost flawless as she was, she had her minor weaknesses, or she had been less charming than he was, and she hated to be puzzled. Vera was no longer pale, and all signs of Langer had departed,

Starting point is 01:48:44 yet she looked confused, and there was the trace of a blush in her cheeks sometimes i fancy that uncle ralph is laughing at us all she said with a laugh that was not altogether natural but i am all right now dear marian save for a racking headache i am myself again marian solicitous for others always flew for her smelling salts in three strives Besides, Ralph was across the floor and had closed the door behind her. His manner had instantly changed. He was full of energy and action. Take this, he whispered, take it and the cure will be complete. Crush it up between your teeth and drink a glass of water afterwards.

Starting point is 01:49:39 He forced a small white pellet between Vera's teeth. He heard her teeth crushing it. with his peculiar gift for finding things he crossed over to the washstand and returned with a glass of water you are better he asked as vera gulp the water down oh yes uncle are you a wizard or what my headache seems to have lifted from me as one takes off a hat the stuff you gave me say no more about it think no more about it but whenever the same feeling comes over you again let me know at once and you are not to mention this to anybody but my mother and geoffrey and ah you love geoffrey but there is no need to ask you the question you want to rid the house of its nameless terror you want to be free to marry geoffrey and be happy dear child all these things will come if you listen to me i swear it and now will you promise me that you will say nothing of this to a soul dear uncle i promise ralph had grown cold and moody again when marian returned with her salts he slipped out of the room as callously as if he were not in the least interested

Starting point is 01:51:10 and while many anxious eyes followed vera at breakfast time ralph alone was indifferent brutally indifferent marian thought are you thinking of the same thing that we are she asked no ralph said shortly i was thinking what poor bacon this is end of chapter nine chapter ten of the mystery of the raven spurs by fred m white this librivox recording is in the public domain chapter ten a little sunshine after luncheon geoffrey was leaning over the stone balustrade of the terrace waiting for the for Vera. Beyond a slight restlessness and extra brilliancy of the eye, she was better. She had proposed to ramble along the cliffs, and Geoffrey had assented eagerly. His anxiety was fading away like the ashes of his cigarette. At first, he had been inclined to imagine that Vera's indisposition had been a move on the part of the unseen foe, but he put his idea from him as illogical the enemy was not in the habit of using the gloved hand like this he struck down fiercely and remorselessly

Starting point is 01:52:43 no geoffrey murmured aloud vera could not have been spared a gentle hand was laid upon his arm marion stood beside him they were alone at that angle of the terrace and a gentle hand was laid upon his arm marion stood beside him they were alone at that angle of the terrace and unseen from the house. You are right, said Marion. Don't worry about that anymore. Jeffrey nodded approvingly. He slipped his arm around Marion's waist and kissed her in a brotherly fashion. Marion inclined toward him with half-closed eyes

Starting point is 01:53:20 and a brightened collar. Her limbs trembled. The pressure of her lips was warm and sweet. Dear little sister, Jeffrey murmured, What should we do without you? Marion drew herself away abruptly. She rested her clasped hands over the stone balcony so that Jeffrey should not see their unsteadiness.

Starting point is 01:53:46 Her flushed face was half averted. It was a taking, a perfect pitcher. What would Vera say? She asked. as if vera would mind don't we all love you the same and how many times has vera seen me kiss you if there were no vera little sister then you may be sure that i should have kissed you in a different way marion laughed at the easy impertinence that geoffrey had no real love or passion for anybody but vera she knew perfectly well she laughed again again and she laughed again and her that geoffrey had no real love or passion for anybody but vera she knew perfectly well she laughed again again but there was nothing spontaneous in it indeed anybody but a youthful egotist in love could have detected a certain jarring note of pain here is vera said geoffrey let us ask her they put it to her merrily they might have been in a world beyond all sorrow or suffering the music of their fresh young voices floated in the air then

Starting point is 01:54:55 Then Marion bent over the balustrade and watched the lovers out of sight. Her face grew hard, a veil of heavy years seemed to have fallen over it. If he only knew, she said, If he only knew. Why are clever people often so foolish? And why do they commit follies with their eyes wide open? Well, it doesn't matter, for you will never know, dear Jeffers. how passionately and devotedly i love you and you never never know when temptation and inclination and opportunity go together and i don't believe that anybody could resist temptation if he or she were certain not to be found out i am perfectly sure they wouldn't marion turned with a stifled cry on her lips ralph ravenspurb was behind

Starting point is 01:55:55 her. The expression on his face was wooden and emotionless. I hope you have not been listening to me, she said reproachfully. I have been watching you, or rather feeling your presence, for some time, Ralph admitted. I have been here since those young people went away, but you said nothing, at least nothing I heard, until that bit of worldly wisdom dropped from your lips. it was an unworthy thought uncle ralph it might be unworthy of you my dear but i fancy it is true even the very best of people give way to temptation put it away from you don't dwell upon your temptation or it may get you into trouble my temptation do you mean to say you know what it is i do said ralph you are deeply in love with your cousin geoffrey there is wild blood in your veins and that blood will out unless you keep your feelings well under control

Starting point is 01:57:07 ah you may stare and look dismayed which i am sure you are doing although i cannot see you yes there is always the temptation to pray that the family foe might remove vera from your path a piteous cry came from marion's lips who was this man who knew so much and could probe her secret soul yet he was blind he could not see was it possible that some such horrible thoughts had crossed marian's mind atrocious thoughts will come to the best of us unasked for unsought oh you are cruel she said perhaps i am ralph admitted you see i live in a dark world of my own and i have small belief in the virtues of my fellow-creatures but you are an angel and i have amused myself by searing your wings is that because you think my secret is a shameful one not in the least who can help the wayward driftings of a woman's heart and anyway your secret is safe with me he felt for marion's fingers and put them to his lips before the girl could reply he had drifted away apparently feeling his way into space and for a long time marian stood there gazing out to sea. Meanwhile, the lovers had forgotten everything

Starting point is 01:58:45 but the beauty of the day, and that the world was for themselves alone. The sun shone for them. For them, the blue sea thundered in white battalions against the cliffs. For them, the lark poured out its song at the gate of heaven, and the heather bloomed on moor and headland.

Starting point is 01:59:07 They strolled along until they came to a a favored spot where the gorse flowered in yellow fires and the crushed wild thyme was pungent under their feet here geoffrey threw himself on the turf and vera reclined by his side he could touch her hands and toy with her little ripples of her hair to watch the play of those pretty features and look back the love he saw in those great starry eyes was a thing without a little Ah, me, if we could always be like this, Vera said. You and I would be happy in any circumstances, said Jeffrey thoughtfully, only I should like to see something of the world. What, go away and leave me all alone, dearest? Jeffrey smiled at this innocent coquetry.

Starting point is 02:00:06 He touched the smooth satin cheek, caressed. vera only wanted him to disclaim any such intention and he knew it too there was no deception about the matter but they were none the less happy for that of course not geoffrey declared i should take you with me wherever i went if we could only get the bar removed i should like to travel i should like to see men and cities and measure my strength with my fellow I should like to go into Parliament. Ah, if we could only get the bar removed. If we only could, Vera sighed. But I can't imagine that they will touch us. We are so young and so innocent of wrongdoing. And yet this morning, Vera paused, half afraid of betraying Ralph Ravenspur's confidence. Only this morning you were in.

Starting point is 02:01:09 a bit afraid. Confess it. I was, Jeff. I felt strange when I awoke in the night. I felt cold and like death when I awoke today, and then I fainted. But you are all right now, darling, Jeff said anxiously. Yes, dear, I never felt better. Still, it was a strange thing altogether. I was well when I went to bed, but in the night I had a curious dream. It seemed to me that I was lying half asleep, with a singular pricking sensation of my lips and face. And then an angel came down and laid some white powder on my pillow, a white powder that looked like a mixture of salt and powdered glass. Almost immediately the pain ceased, and I slept again. then i awoke finally and had that fainting fit don't you think it was a queer thing yes but what had the dream and the powder to do with it little girl

Starting point is 02:02:20 i was coming to that jeff after i got better i remembered my dream and looked at the pillow you smile thinking that only a woman would do that sure enough there was some trace of gritty powder there and I collected it in a tissue paper. Directly I got it to the light, half of it melted. It seemed to dissolve in light like water, and here it is. Vera produced a tiny packet from her pocket and opened it. There were several grains of some sharp powder there, which, as Jeffrey held them in his hand, dissolved to nothingness. His face was very pale.

Starting point is 02:03:06 darling this is a dreadful thing he murmured i fancy he paused fearful of alarming vera he saw the hand of fate in this he saw the sword that was hanging over that beloved young life a passion of anger and despair filled him but for vera's sake he checked the feeling and it seemed to him as if he had passed in a minute down down a decade of years, as if in that brief space he had left his boyhood behind and become a man. This must be looked into, he said sternly. Every precaution has been taken, Vera said quietly. We have a protector among us, dearest, one who is worth all the precautions put together. Do not fear for me, and do not fear for me, and do not. ask me any questions because I must not answer them but I am safe Jeffrey nodded the cloud

Starting point is 02:04:16 slowly lifted from his forehead Vera was speaking of her uncle Ralph and there was no reason to ask any questions was it possible Jeffrey wondered that Ralph Ravensper had gone to the heart of the mystery that it was wrapped up in his life and that he had come home to solve it? But of this he said nothing. He resolved to render every assistance. This vile thing was the work of earthly hands, and earthly ingenuity could solve it. Never was their cipher invented that was incapable of solution.

Starting point is 02:04:58 Jeffrey drew Vera to his side and kissed her passionately. For a little time she lay in his arms and abasional. content her smiling eyes were clear her features placid in any case she feared no unseen danger there must be some great sheltering power behind her or she had never looked so sweet and placid as that i could not do without you darling geoffrey said and you are not going to do without me vera smiled there is much yet to be done but it is going to be accomplished dearest something tells me that the hour of our freedom is at hand and something also tells me jeff that you are going to have a great deal to do with it they came back at length up the slope leading to the castle and there Ralph came upon them in his own noiseless mysterious fashion. He clung to them until Vera had entered the house and then led Jeffrey to the terrace. "'There is nobody within earshot of us?' he demanded.

Starting point is 02:06:16 Jeffrey assured him that there was not. He was impressed with the earnestness of his uncle's manner. He had never seen him so moved before. is there anything i can do for you he asked much was the whispered reply if you are bold and resolute i am i am i would lay down my life as the martyrs of old did to solve the mystery ah ralph said in a dry croaking whisper i felt sure i could trust you there is great danger and it is near. In that danger, I want a pair of eyes. Lend me yours.

Starting point is 02:07:05 Dear uncle, I will do anything you please. Good. I like the ring in your voice. At half-past eleven tonight, I will come to your room. There I will confide in you. Till then, absolute silence. End of Chapter 10. Chapter 11 of the Mystery of the Ravenspurs

Starting point is 02:07:36 by Fred M. White. This Libravox recording is in the public domain. Chapter 11. Another stroke in the darkness. Contrary to the usual custom, there was almost a marked cheerfulness at Ravenspur the same evening. The dread seemed to have lifted slightly, though nobody could say why, even if they cared to analyze, which they certainly did not, and all this because it had seemed to the doomed race that Vera was marked down for destruction

Starting point is 02:08:14 and that the tragedy, the pitiful tragedy, had been averted. It is hardly possible to imagine a state of mind like this, and Vera half-divined the reason for this gentle gaiety. She might have told them differently had she chosen to do so, but for many reasons she refrained. She did not even tell her mother. Why draw the veil aside when even a few hours' peace stood between them and the terror which, sooner or later, must sap the reason of everyone there?

Starting point is 02:08:50 Besides, Uncle Ralph had pledged her to the utmost secrecy. For once, Rupert had abandoned his stony air. He sat at the head of the long table. in the dining room where the lamplight streamed upon fruit and flowers and crystal upon priceless china and silver from the finest workshops in the world grinling gibbons and inigo jones had toiled in that dining hall as a labor of love a famous master had painted the loves of the angels on the roof between the oak panels were paintings by van dyke kipe and the rest of them and over the floor servants in livery moved swiftly. Rupert Ravensper might have been a monarch entertaining some of his favorite subjects. It was almost impossible to believe that a great sorrow could be brooding here.

Starting point is 02:09:50 There was everything that the heart of the most luxurious could demand. Strangers might have looked on and envied. But the stately old man who called all this his own would gladly have changed lots with the humblest hind of the estate. Now and then Rupert came out of his reverie and smiled. But his tenderest smile and his warmest word were for Vera, who he had placed on his right hand. Now and again he stroked her hair or touched her fingers gently.

Starting point is 02:10:26 Marion watched the scene with a tender smile on her lips. Only Ralph Ravensper was silent. He sat with his sightless eyes fixed on space. He seemed to be listening intently, listening to something far away that could be heard by his ears alone. Jeffrey touched him. A penny for your thoughts, Uncle, he said.

Starting point is 02:10:53 They are worth nothing, Ralph replied. And if I sold them to you for a penny, you would give all Raven Spur Castle and your coming fortune to be rid of them. He croaked this out in a fierce whisper. There was a ring of pain in his voice, that pain which is the suffering of the soul rather than the body. Yet he did not relax his rigid listening attitude. He might have been waiting for the unseen foe.

Starting point is 02:11:26 The conversation proceeded fitfully, sometimes almost lively, anon lapsing into silence. It was hard for these people to speak. They had no interests outside the castle. They found it impossible to follow social or political life. Daily papers arrived, but it was seldom that they were looked into. The dinner came to an end at length, and then the family circle drew round the fire.

Starting point is 02:11:59 ravenspur was one of those big cold places where fires are always needed mrs gordon rose and walked to the door her husband's eyes followed her these two were gray and old before their time but the flame of love still burned bright and clear you will not be long dear gordon ravenspur said a somewhat sentimental remark in the ordinary way but not in this place where the parting of a minute might mean parting for all time mrs gordon smiled back upon her husband i am going to bed she said never mind me i feel sleepy gordon ravensburn nodded sympathetically he knew what his wife meant as if she had put her thoughts into words she had been terribly upset over vera and now that the danger was past a heavy reaction set in why should we sit here like this geoffrey exclaimed vera and marian i'll play you two a game at billiards come along marian smilingly declined she touched the back of ravenspur's wasted hand i am going to stay here just for a few minutes and take care of grandfather she said then i will go to bed give vera twenty and a hundred and I will bet you a pair of gloves that she beats you easily.

Starting point is 02:13:42 The young people went off together, and in the excitement of the game, other things were forgotten. Vera played well, and Jeffrey had all his work cut out to beat her. Finally, Vera ran out with a succession of brilliant flutes. Well, of all the luck, Jeffrey cried. Let's play another game, but after that exhibition of yours i must have a cigarette wait a moment the cigarettes were not in their accustomed place geoffrey ran up the stairs to his bedroom he passed along the dusky corridor on his return

Starting point is 02:14:26 in the gallery all was dark and still save for something that sounded like two figures in muffling velvet robes dancing together it seemed to geoffrey that he could actually hear them breathing after their exertions with a quickening of his heart he stopped to listen surely somebody buried under many thick folds of cloth was calling for assistance who is there geoffrey called where are you just under the lily portrait came a stifled response if you don't the voice ceased. In that instant, Jeffrey had recognized it as Aunt Gordon's voice. Heedless of danger to himself, he raced down the corridor, his thin evening pumps making little or no noise on the polished floor. Nor had Jeffrey lived here all these years for nothing. He could have found the spot indicated blindfolded. He could see nothing, but he could hear the struggle going on. then he caught the flash of something that looked like a blue diamond it must have been attached to a hand but no hand was to be seen

Starting point is 02:15:47 geoffrey caught at nothingness and grasped something warm and palpitating he had the mysterious assailant in his grip perhaps he held the whole mystery here he heard footsteps pattering along the corridor as mrs gordon ran for assistance He called out to her, and she answered him. She was safe. There was no doubt about that. No longer was there any need for caution on Jeffrey's part. His fingers closed on a thin, scragy throat, from which the flesh seemed to hang like strips of dried leather. At the same time, the throat was cold and clammy and slippery, as if with some horrible slime.

Starting point is 02:16:36 it was almost impossible to keep a grip on it moreover the mysterious visitor if slight was possessed of marvellous agility and vitality but geoffrey fought on with the tenacity of one who plays for a great end he closed in again and bore the foe backwards he had him at last if he could only hold on till assistance came the dread secret might be on Then the figure took something from his pocket. The air was filled with a pungent, sickly, sweet odor, and Jeffrey felt his strength going from him. He was powerless to move a limb. One of those greasy hands gripped his throat. In a vague, intangible way,

Starting point is 02:17:30 Jeffrey knew that that overpowering blinding odor was the same stuff that had come so much. near to ending the head of the family. If he breathed it much longer, his own end was come. He made one other futile struggle and heard approaching footsteps. He caught the gleaming circle of a knife blade swiftly uplifted, and his antagonist gave a whimper of pain as a frightened animal might do. The grip relaxed and Jeffrey staggered to the floor.

Starting point is 02:18:05 That was a... narrow escape, a hoarse voice said. Uncle Ralph, Jeffrey panted. How did you get here? And where has the fellow gone? I was close at hand, Ralph said coolly. A minute or two sooner, and I might have saved Gordon's wife, instead of your doing it. See, is there blood on this knife?

Starting point is 02:18:32 He handed a box of matches to Jeffrey. The long carved Malay blade was dripping with crimson, but there were no signs of it on the floor. Let us follow him, Jeffrey cried eagerly. He can't be far away. But Ralph did not move. His face was expressionless once more. He did not appear to be in the least interested or excited.

Starting point is 02:19:02 It is useless, he said in his face. dull mechanical tones. For in this matter, you are as blind as I am. There are things beyond your comprehension. I am going down to see what is happening below." He began to feel his way to the staircase, Jeffrey following. "'Are we never going to do anything?' the younger man exclaimed passionately. "'Yes, yes, patience, lad. The The day of reckoning is coming as sure as I stand before you. But to follow your late antagonist is futile.

Starting point is 02:19:43 You might as well try to beat the wind that carries away your hat on a stormy day. Mrs. Gordon sat in the dining hall, pale, ashen, and trembling from head to foot. It seemed as if an ague had fallen upon her. Every now and then a short hysterical laugh escaped her lips. more horrible and more impressive than any outbreak of fear or passion and yet there was nothing to be done nothing to be said they could only look at her with moist eyes and a yearning sympathy that was beyond all words it will pass mrs gordon said faintly we all have our trials and mine are no worse than the rest gordon take me to bed she passed up the stairs leaning on the arm of her husband time was when these things demanded vivid explanations they were too significant now ralph crept fumblingly over the floor till he stood by marion's side he touched her hand he seemed to know where to find it the hand was wet ralph touched her cheek

Starting point is 02:21:04 you are crying he said gently for him yes marian admitted softly oh if i could only do anything to help if you only knew how my heart goes out to these poor people and yet it may be your turn next marian but i hope not i hope not we could not lose the only sunshine in the house marian choked down a sob when she turned to ralph again he was far off feeling his way along the room feeling feeling always for the clue to the secret end of chapter eleven chapter twelve of the mystery of the raven spurs by fred m white this librivox recording is in the public domain chapter twelve geoffrey is put to the test the house was quiet at last when these mysterious things had first happened fear and alarm had driven sleep from every eye and many was the long night the whole family had spent huddled around the fire till gray morn chased their fears away but as the inhabitants of a beleaguered city learned to sleep through a heavy bombardment so had the ravenspurs come to meet these horrors with grim tenacity they were all upstairs now behind locked doors with a hope that they might meet again on the morrow only geoffrey was up waiting for his uncle ralph he came at length so noiselessly that geoffy was startled and motioned to him that he should follow him without a word they crept like ghosts along the corridor until they reached a room with double doors at the end of the picture gallery

Starting point is 02:23:11 generations ago this room had been built for a ravenspur who had developed dangerous homicidal mania and in this room he had lived virtually a prisoner for many years after they had closed the two doors a heavy curtain was drawn over the inner one and ralph fumbled his way to the table and lighted a candle now we can talk he said quietly but not loud understand that the matter is to be a profound secret between us and that not a soul is to know of it not even vera i have already given my promise said geoffrey i know still there is no harm in again impressing the fact on your mind geoffrey you are about to see strange things things that will test your pluck and courage to the uttermost geoffrey nodded with the eagerness of youth he was ready i will do anything you ask me he replied i could face any danger to get at the bottom of this business you're a good lad turn the lamp down very low and then open the window have you done that yes i can feel the cold air in my face ralph crossed to the window and putting out his hand gave the quaint mournful call of the owl there was a minute's pause and then came the answering signal a minute or two later and a man's head and shoulders were framed in the open window geoffrey would have dashed forward but ralph held him back not so impatient he said this is a friend

Starting point is 02:25:08 geoffrey asked no questions though he was puzzled to know why the visitor did not enter the castle by the usual way at ralph's request he closed the window and drew the heavy curtains and the lamp was turned up again my nephew said ralph a fine young fellow and one that you and i can trust geoff geoffrey this is my old friend sergius jegorski Jeffrey shook hands with Chigorsky. To his intense surprise, he saw the face of the stranger was disfigured in the same way as that of his uncle. Conscious that his gaze was somewhat rude, he looked down. Chigorsky smiled. Very little escaped him, and to him the young man's mind was as clear as a brook. My appearance startles you, he said.

Starting point is 02:26:08 said. Someday you will learn how your uncle and myself came to be both disfigured in this terrible way. That secret will be disclosed when the horror that haunts this house is lifted. Will it ever be lifted, sir? Jeffrey asked. We can do so at any time, Chigorsky replied in his deep voice. You may be surprised to hear that we can place our hand on the gilts. party at a moment's notice and bring the offender to justice. Your eyes ask me why we do not do so instantly. We refrain, as the detectives refrain from arresting one or two of a big gang of swindlers,

Starting point is 02:26:55 preferring to spread their nets till they have them all in their meshes. There are four people in this business, and we must take the lot of them, or there will be no peace for the House of Ravenspur. You follow me? Perfectly, Jeffrey replied. An enemy so marvelously clever must not be treated lightly. Do you propose to make the capture tonight? Ralph Ravensper laughed.

Starting point is 02:27:26 It was not a pleasant laugh and was mirthless. His scarred face was full of scornful amusement. Not tonight or tomorrow night, or for many nights. nights, he said. We have all the serpent wisdom of the old world against us, the occult knowledge of the east allied to the slippery cunning that Western education gives. There will be many dangers before we have finished, and the worst of these dangers will fall upon you. Ralph brought his hand down with a sudden clap on his nephew's shoulders. Chigorsky regarded him long and earnestly, as if he would read his very soul.

Starting point is 02:28:13 You will do, he said curtly. I am satisfied you will do, and I never made a mistake in my estimate of a man yet. Ravenspur, are you ready? Aye, aye, I have been ready this long time. The lamp was extinguished, and list slippers were donned, and with no more provisions than a bottle. of wax matches, they left the room. Instructed by Ralph Ravenspur, they fell behind him,

Starting point is 02:28:47 each holding by the coat tail of the other. Down the corridor they went, down the stairs, along stone-flagged passages, until they reached the vast series of cellars and vaults over which the castle was built. There were many of these with twists and turns and low passages. The place was large enough to conceal

Starting point is 02:29:12 a big force of troops. And yet, though it was pitchy dark and intricate as a labyrinth, the blind man made no error. He did not hesitate for a moment. Well, as Jeffrey imagined that he knew the castle, he was fain to confess

Starting point is 02:29:29 his utter ignorance alongside the knowledge displayed by the blind guide. Ralph pulled up suddenly and began to speak. I brought you here tonight, Jeffrey, he said, so that you might have the first lesson in the task that lies before you. Listen, can you hear anything? I hear the roar of the sea, the waves grating on the shingle.

Starting point is 02:29:58 Yes, because we are on a level with the sea. There are deeper vaults yet, which you will see presently, and they are below the level of the sea. Our ancestors used to place their prisoners there, and by removing a kind of sluice, allowed the tide to come in and drown them. You see, those walls are damp. They were indeed.

Starting point is 02:30:26 As a wax vesta flared up, the dripping stones and the long white fungi gave the place a weird appearance. Then Ralph dropped, suddenly, extinguished his match, and drew his companions behind a row of cupboard-like timbers. "'Somebody is coming,' he whispered. The others could hear nothing, but the blind man's power of hearing were abnormal. It seemed a long time before the sound of footsteps could be heard.

Starting point is 02:31:00 Then a figure in white, a fair figure with long shining hair hanging down. down her back, and carrying a taper, crept down the steps. An exclamation trembled on Geoffrey's lips. An exclamation of alarm, of admiration, of the utmost astonishment. But Ralph laid a hand on his mouth. The figure passed into the vault beyond. "'It was Marion,' said Geoffrey in a thrilling whisper, and yet it did not look like Marion.

Starting point is 02:31:37 She seemed so dreamy, so far off. She was walking in her sleep, Ralph said quietly. But the danger of it, the danger! My dear boy, there is no danger at all. Blind as I am, I found out this peculiarity of Marion's directly I returned. danger to her. I would not have a hair of her head injured to save Ravenspur from destruction. Jeffrey, it is through Marion and Marion alone that we are going to solve the mystery.

Starting point is 02:32:18 Aye, Chigorsky muttered. That is so. Ralph raised his hand to impose silence. The soft returning footfalls were clear to the ears. Then, rigid, unbending with dilated eyes, Marion passed the flash of the lantern behind her. "'Come,' said Ralph. "'Let us return.

Starting point is 02:32:45 "'A good night's work, Chigorsky.' "'Aye,' Chigorsky murmured. "'A good night's work, indeed.' End of Chapter 12. Chapter 13 of the Mystery of the Ravenspurs by Fred M. White. This Libravox recording is in the public domain. Chapter 13 Reeling off the Thread

Starting point is 02:33:17 It was fortunate for all parties that Geoffrey was possessed of strong nerves or he would have been certain to betray himself and them. Since he had left school at the time when the unseen terror first began to oppress ravenspur, he had known nothing of the world. He had learnt nothing beyond the power, to suffer silently and the power of love. To confide in him was perhaps a daring thing in the part of Ralph Ravenspur,

Starting point is 02:33:50 but then Ralph knew his world only too deeply and too well, and he rarely made a mistake in a man. All the same, he followed as closely as possible the meeting between Marion and Jeffrey the following morning. Marion came down a little pale, a little quieter, and more subdued than usual. Jeffrey rallied her in the spirit of mingled amusement and affection that he always assumed to Marion. His voice was natural and unaffected. Ralph was grimly satisfied. He knew now that his ally had brains as well as courage. I believe you have been sitting up writing poetry, Jeffrey laughed.

Starting point is 02:34:41 Indeed, I had a very long night's rest, Marion responded, and I can't imagine why I look so pale and washed out this morning. Bad dreams and an evil conscience, Vera suggested demurly. Marion laughed. Usually at meal times, the young people had the conversation. entirely to themselves. Sometimes the elders joined in. Sometimes they listened and smiled at the empty baddenage.

Starting point is 02:35:14 Usually they were wrapped in their gloomy thoughts. Ralph's face had the expression of a stone idol, yet he followed every word that was said with intense and vivid interest. Bad dreams indeed, Marion admitted. They were with me all night. It seemed to me that I was wandering about all night looking for something and I had nothing on but my night dress in India as a child I used to walk in my sleep I hope I am not going to do that again Marion laughed and passed on to another subject curiously enough she seemed to shrink from speaking of her life in India of her dead parents she would do discourse freely. Of her own early life, she said nothing. It had always seemed to Jeffrey

Starting point is 02:36:12 that Marion's childhood had been unhappy. There was an air of gentle melancholy when her features were in repose, an air far older than her years. Meanwhile, Ralph had been following all this keenly. He appeared to be interested in his breakfast. The streaming sunshine filtered through the great stained-glassed windows full upon his scarred face his head was bent down upon his plate but the man's mind was at work he had his opportunity to speak to geoffrey presently you will do he said approvingly keep up that easy cheerful manner of yours whatever happens try to ignore it try to keep up that irresponsible boyish manner. You will find it invaluable in disarming suspicion later when one false move may dash all our delicate plans to the ground. I will do anything you require of me, uncle? That is right. That is the spirit in which to approach the problem. And remember that what may appear

Starting point is 02:37:28 to you to be the most trivial detail may prove to be of the utmost importance to our case, for instance i am going to ask you to do something now that may produce big results i want you to get your grandfather's permission to use in the top room over the tower but what can i want it for it is useless to me at present yes but later it will be useful you require it for an observatory you are going to try to repair the big telescope you are enthusiastic on the subject you are hot foot to get to work at once there is nothing but lumber there box is belonging to marion uncle cases that have remained unpacked ever since she came over from india ralph smiled in his most inscrutable manner mere trifles he croaked but there i am one of the men who deny there are such things as trifles you may lose a pin out of your watch a trifle hardly visible to the eye a yard off and yet your costly watch with its marvellous mechanism is useless without that trifle now go an hour later and geoffrey was busy in the corridor with the big telephal the telescope that nobody had troubled about at Ravenspur for many years geoffrey in his shirt-sleeves was polishing up the brasses vera was with her mother somewhere

Starting point is 02:39:14 there had been no trouble in getting permission from rupert ravenspur it was doubtful if he even heard geoffrey's request everything the young people asked they got as a rule why not when a dame might cut off their lives and their little pleasures for all time the head of the family was fast becoming a fatalist so far as he was concerned there was no hope that the terror would ever lift he had escaped once the next time the foe would not fail but there would be rest in the grave marion found geoffrey in the corridor the yellow and purple lights from the leaded windows filled the place with a soft warm glow marian's dark hair was shot with purple her white dress as she lounged in a window-seat was turned to gold she formed a wonderfully fair and attractive picture if geoffrey had only heated it but then geoffrey had no eyes for any one but vera what are you going to do marion asked read your fortune in the stars get inspiration from the heavenly bodies to combat the power of darkness i'm going to have a shot at astronomy again geoffrey replied in his most boyish and most enthusiastic manner i was considered a bit of swell at it at school and when i saw this jolly old telescope lying neglected here I made up my mind to polish my knowledge.

Starting point is 02:41:01 I'm going to set it up in the tower turret. But it is full of boxes, my boxes. Well, there is plenty of room for those boxes elsewhere. In fact, we've got space enough to give every box a room to itself. There is an empty bedroom just below. Presently, I'm going to shunt all your lumber in there. marian nodded approvingly of course if geoffrey said a thing it was done he might have turned the castle upside down and the girls would have aided and abetted him i should like to be present when those bockers are moved she said there are hundreds of rare and curious things that belong to my mother things that the british museum would long to possess remember my ancestors were rulers

Starting point is 02:41:58 in Tibet for thousands of years. Someday, I'll show you my curios. But don't begin to move those boxes till I am ready to assist. I shall not be ready for an hour, Marion. Very well, then. I shall be back in an hour, astronomer. Jeffrey finished his work presently.

Starting point is 02:42:22 Then he ran up to the turret room and opened the door. The place was done. dusty and dirty to a degree and filled with packing cases. Apparently they were all of foreign make, wooden boxes with queer inscriptions, lacquered boxes, and one fragile wooden box clamped and decorated in filigree brass. A queer thing, Jeffrey murmured, and old, very old too.

Starting point is 02:42:54 Over a thousand years! There is only one more. more like it in the world, and no Christian eyes, save four, have ever looked upon it. When you take that box from the room, see that it is the last, Jeffrey, you hear? It was Ralph who spoke. He had appeared silently and mysteriously, as usual. He spoke calmly, but his twitching lips were eloquent of suppressed excitement. Very well, Jeffrey said, Carol. He was getting used to these strange quick appearances and these equally strange requests.

Starting point is 02:43:35 It shall be as you desire, Uncle. Ralph nodded. He gave a swift turn of his head, as if looking for someone unconsciously. Then he crossed the room and stooped down beside the brass-bound box, which was at the bottom of a pile of packages. His long fingers felt over the quaint brasses. A most remarkable-looking pattern, said Jeffrey. It is not a pattern at all, Ralph replied. The quaint filigree work is a language,

Starting point is 02:44:13 the written signs of old Tibet, only you are not supposed to know that. Indeed, I only found it out myself a few days ago. It had been a lot. long search but as i can only see with my fingers you can understand that but this is part of the secret geoffrey was profoundly interested tell me what the language says he asked not now perhaps not at all it is a ghastly and terrible thing and even your nerves are not fireproof there is only one thing i have to ask you before I efface myself for the present. When you take up that box to carry it downstairs, it is to slip through your fingers.

Starting point is 02:45:05 You are to drop it. I am to drop that box? Is there anything else? Not for the present. You are smiling. I feel that you are smiling. For heaven's sake, take this seriously. Take everything that I say.

Starting point is 02:45:24 seriously, boy. Oh, I know what is in your mind. I am going in a clumsy way to get something. I might so easily get what I require by a little judicious burglary. That is what your unsophisticated mind tells you. Later you will know better. Ralph turned cheerfully around and left the room. He paused in the doorway. Don't forget, he said, that my visit here is a secret. In fact, everything is a secret until I give you permission to make it public. This time he left. Jeffrey had managed to drag one or two of the boxes away before Marion appeared.

Starting point is 02:46:13 She reproached him gently that he had not waited for her. There might be spooks and boogies in those packages capable of harm. i dare say there are geoffrey laughed but you were such a long time every girl seems to imagine that an hour is like a piece of elastic you can stretch it out as long as you like at any rate i have done no harm as far as i can judge there's only one good thing here and what is that marion asked geoffrey pointed to the floor that one he said the queer brass-bound box at the bottom end of chapter thirteen chapter fourteen of the mystery of the ravenspurs by fred m white this librivox recording is in the public domain chapter fourteen it might be you marion caught her breath quickly the marble pallor of her face showed up more strongly against her dark hair geoffrey caught the look and his eyes grew sympathetic what's the matter little girl he asked it isn't like you to faint neither am i going to faint jeff but i had forgotten all about that box. I cannot go into details, for there are some things that we don't talk about to anybody.

Starting point is 02:47:56 But that box is connected with rather an unhappy time in my youth. Hundreds of years ago, Jeffrey said flippantly. Oh, but it is no laughing matter, I assure you. When my mother was a child, she was surrounded by all the craft and superstition of her race and religion. That was long before, she got converted and married my father. I don't know how it was managed, but my mother never quite broke with her people, and once or twice, when she went to stay in Tibet,

Starting point is 02:48:31 I accompanied her. My mother used to get restless at times, and then nothing would do but a visit to Tibet. And yet, at other times, nobody could possibly have told her from a European with foreign blood in her veins. for months and months she would be as English as you and I. Then the old fit would come over her.

Starting point is 02:48:56 There was not a cleverer or more brilliant woman in India than my mother. When she died she gave me these things, and I was not to part with them. And much as I should like to disobey, I cannot break that promise. It seemed to Geoffrey that Marion spoke more regretfully than feelingly. he had never heard her say so much regarding her mother before affectionate and tender as marion was there was not the least trace of these characteristics in her tone now did you really love your mother geoffrey asked suddenly i always obeyed her marion stammered and i'd rather not discuss the subject jeff oh they were bad people my mother's ancestors they possesses occult knowledge far beyond anything known or dreamt of by the wisest western savants they could remove people mysteriously they could strike at a long distance they could wield unseen terrors such as the terror that hangs over ravenspur for instance marion smiled sadly her manner changed suddenly and she was her old self again enough of horrors she said i came here to help you come along the boxes were carried below until only the brass-bound one remained

Starting point is 02:50:29 geoffrey stooped to lift it the wood was light and thin the brass work was the merest tracing a sudden guilty feeling came over geoffrey as he raised it shoulder high he felt half inclined to defy his uncle ralph and take the consequences it seemed a mean advantage a paltry gratifying of what after all might be mere curiosity but the vivid recollection of those strained sightless eyes rose before him ralph ravensper was not the man to possess the petty vice of irrepressible curiosity had it not been a woman he had to deal with and marion at that geoffrey would not have hesitated for a moment down below in the hall he heard the hollow rasp of ralph's voice geoffrey made up his mind grimly he seemed to stumble forward and the box fell from his shoulder crashing down on the stone floor the force of the shock simply shivered it in pieces a great nest of grass and feathers dropped out and from the inside a large mass of strange objects appeared i am very sorry geoffrey stammered after the box had fallen never mind she said accidents will happen but geoffrey was wrapped in the contemplation of what he saw before him some score or more of ivory discs each of which contained some painting many of them appeared to be portraits geoffrey picked up one of them and examined it curiously he was regarding an ivory circle with a dark face upon it the face of a beautiful fury

Starting point is 02:52:28 why this is you geoffrey cried if you could only give way to a furious passion it is you to the life i had forgotten that marion gasped. Of course it is not me. See how old and stained the ivory is? Hundreds of years old it must be. Don't ask any more questions, but go down and throw that thing in the sea. Never speak of the subject again. Jeffrey promised. He strode out of the house and along the terrace. As he was descending the steps, a hand touched his arm. Ralph stood there. Give it me, he said, at once. Give you what, uncle? That ivory thing you have in your pocket.

Starting point is 02:53:24 I felt certain it was there. Give it to me. Assume you have cast it over the cliffs. Marion will be satisfied. But I promised Marion that... Oh, I know. And if you knew everything... you would not hesitate for a moment to comply with my request. Uncle, I cannot do this thing.

Starting point is 02:53:49 A hard expression came over Ralph's face. Listen, he said in his rasping voice. The lives and happiness of all of us are at stake. The very existence of the woman you love is in your hands. I have schemed for this, he said, I expected it, and now you are going to balk me. It is not as if I did not know what you possess. That is because you must have overheard my conversation with Marion.

Starting point is 02:54:23 I admit it, Ralph said coolly. I listened, of course. But you found it, and I heard what I expected. It is for you to say whether the truth comes out or not. The truth is, you. truth, the truth, Jeffrey cried passionately. It must out. Then give me that miniature.

Starting point is 02:54:48 I'll ask you on my knees, if you like. There was an imploring ring in the speaker's voice. Jeffrey hesitated. If no harm is to come to Marion, he said, I might break my word. Ralph gripped him by the arm convulsively. i swear it he whispered on my honor be it have i not told you before that not for all ravenspur would i have a hair of that girl's head injured if ever a man in this world meant anything i mean that the miniature come and geoffrey with a sigh handed the ivory disk to ralph end of chapter fourteen chapter fifteen of fifteen of THE MYSTERY OF THE Ravonspurs by Fred M. White.

Starting point is 02:55:51 This Librevox recording is in the public domain. Chapter 15. Ralph Ravenspur's conceit. I should like to know why you wanted the ivory picture. It was Jeffrey who asked the question. He and Ralph Ravensper were moving along the lanes that led up to the cliffs. They were deep lanes with overhanging edge. on either side, lanes where it was not easy for two conveyances to pass.

Starting point is 02:56:25 I dare say you would, Ralph replied. But not at present. In due course you must know everything. Jeffrey, you are fond of novel reading? Yes, especially books of the Gaborio type. And yet, in all my reading, I never knew a more thrilling mystery than that of the ivory portrait. You had a good look at it, then? Of course I did.

Starting point is 02:56:55 The likeness to Marion was amazing. It might have been her own photograph on the ivory. It was the same, yet not the same. Marion transformed to an avenging fury. An ancestress of hers, no doubt? Of course. The idea of it being. Marion herself is out of the question.

Starting point is 02:57:20 That you may dismiss at once, Ralph said. The age of the medallion proves that, and Marion is an angel. She is. Uncle Ralph, I am fearfully puzzled. What can Marion's queer ancestors and all that kind of thing have to do with our family terror? Ralph declined to say, beyond the fact that there was a connection.

Starting point is 02:57:49 A horseman was coming pounding down the lane, and he stepped aside instinctively. Jessop, he murmured, I can tell by the trot of his horse. Jessop, one of the farmers on the estate, it was. Jeffrey regarded his companion admiringly. He seemed to be able to dispense with the eyes altogether. A long course of training in woodcraft stood him in good stead now. The apple-cheeked farmer pulled up so as to pass the squires at a walking pace.

Starting point is 02:58:27 "'Warning, Jessop,' Jeffrey cried cheerfully. "'Where are you going, dressed in your best? And what are you doing with that feminine-looking box?' The big man grinned sheepishly. riding into town, he explained. Fact is, Mrs. and myself have got a lodger, a great lady,

Starting point is 02:58:50 who's taken our drawing room and two bedrooms. They do say it's going to be the fashion for the quality to spend their holidays right in the country. It's a rare help to us these hard times. Ralph Ravenspur turned round suddenly upon his nephew. Is it a fact? he demanded. Is it, as Jessop says? I believe so, Jeffrey replied. I know that for the last five years, the influx of visitors along this lonely coast has been steadily growing.

Starting point is 02:59:28 It seems to have become quite the thing for good-class people to take cottages and farmhouses miles away from everywhere. But I have not heard of any of our tenants having them before. i be the first here sir jessop replied the lady came over and said she had been recommended to come to us not as i wanted her at first but six guineas a week for two months may to be despised but the lady has a power of parcels to be fetched and carried surely that's why i'm off to town jessup touched his hat and rode on for a time for a time time Ralph was silent. "'It's some time since I last visited an English watering place,' he said, and Scarborough was the spot in question. We had a furnished house there one season, a good house, well furnished, and beautifully situated.

Starting point is 03:00:31 We paid eight pounds a week for it, and it was considered to be a lot of money. Don't you think that Jessup's lodger must be a very extravagant kind of woman? Jeffrey laughed. Like most young men born to the purple, he had a light estimate of the value of money. Now you come to think of it,

Starting point is 03:00:55 perhaps so, he said. Over at Brigg, the farmers fancy they do well if they get ten shillings a room for the week. Again, Ralph was thoughtful. He and his companion came up out of the lane, and then had dawned upon Geoffrey that the other had turned,

Starting point is 03:01:16 not toward the cliffs as arranged, but inland in the direction of Jessup's farm. There was a long, deep lane to the west side of the stone farmhouse, into which Ralph turned. From a gap in the hedge, a peep into the garden could be obtained. There was a trim lawn bordered by old-fashioned flowers, Two bay windows led from the house to the garden. These bay windows led from the showrooms of the house.

Starting point is 03:01:50 Rooms never opened except on state occasions. The house might have been made fit for anybody with very little alteration. Ralph sat down in the grass and slowly filled an aged black pipe. I'm going to smoke here while you see Mrs. Jessup. i have a fancy to find out all about this fashionable lady who buries herself in the country like this call it curiosity if you like but do as i ask you if you can see the lady so much the better geoffrey agreed cheerfully a moment or two later and he was gossiping with the buxom farmer's wife in the kitchen a glass of amber home-brewed ale before him he was a favorite with a tenantry and none the less beloved because of the cloud that was hanging over him it does one's eyes good to see you again mr geoffrey mrs jessup cried and you so cheerful and bright and all dear dear i'm main sorry i can't ask you in the parlor but we've got a lodger so jessup told me not that i don't feel far more comfortable here

Starting point is 03:03:14 and what may your distinguished visitor be like mrs jessop dark and handsome and dressed over so might be a princess who had just slipped off her throne and clever she has books and books some in languages that look like chinese puzzles some great society dame no doubt i shouldn't be surprised mr geoffrey but not english i should fancy though she speaks the language as well as you or i and simple too just tea and toast for breakfast just tea and toast for breakfast with a little meat and rice for luncheon and dinner with stewed fruit. And she never drinks anything but water. What she spends a week in food wouldn't keep one of our laborers. And she had pounds worth of hothouse flowers sent from York every day. Mrs. Jessup paused.

Starting point is 03:04:21 There was a rustling of something rich, and a lady entered the kitchen. Jeffrey rose instantly from the table upon which he had been seated. He saw a tall woman who might have been anything between 30 and 50 years of age, a woman of great beauty. It was the hard commanding style of beauty that men call regal. She might have been a queen, but for the faint suggestion of the adventurous about her. To Geoffrey's bow, she made the slightest possible haughty recognition. "'I'm going out, Mrs. Jessop,' she said.

Starting point is 03:05:04 "'I shall be back to luncheon. If a telegram should happen to come for me, I shall be along the cliffs between here and Bohaven.' She flashed out of the kitchen all rustling and gleaming, and leaving the faint suggestion of some intoxicating perfumings. behind her and yet notwithstanding her proud indifference it seemed to geoffrey that she had regarded him with more than passing interest for just the moment she is very beautiful he said she is a total stranger to me and yet she reminds me of somebody else somebody whose name i can't recall but who is totally different it is a strange sort of feeling that i can't recall that i can't recall but who is totally different it is a strange sort of feeling that i can't explain she's interested for all her haughtiness said mrs jessip i'm sure if she has asked me one question about your family she has asked a thousand

Starting point is 03:06:07 geoffrey strolled away round the house there was a short cut to the place where ralph was seated and this short cut lay along the lawn geoffrey's feet made no noise as he passed the window of the sitting room, he looked in. The place was full of flowers, white flowers, everywhere. There were azaleas and geraniums and carnations, with delicate foliage of tender green, thousands of blooms arranged wherever a specimen glass or a bull could go. Standing with his back to the window,

Starting point is 03:06:48 a man was arranging them, and the man was a Hindu, or a Hindu, or a bull. other eastern one of the men geoffrey had seen going through that queer incantation on the cliffs strange more than strange that mrs jessup had said nothing of him geoffrey prudently slipped away before he had been seen he found his uncle doggedly smoking under the hedge he looked like patience personified well he said have you anything wonderful to relate pretty well geoffrey replied to begin with i have actually seen the lady ah but go on tell me everything everything mind to the minutest detail geoffrey proceeded to explain whether he was interesting his listener or not he could not tell me-me everything for Ralph had assumed his most wooden expression. Indeed, a casual spectator would have said

Starting point is 03:07:57 that he was not paying the slightest attention. Then he began to ask questions, in a languid way, but Geoffrey could see that they were all to the point. I should not be surprised, he said, if the man you saw in the house was one of the men you saw on the cliffs. Mrs. Jess have said nothing about him, because she knew nothing. So he was arranging the lady's flowers.

Starting point is 03:08:26 What flowers? Azaleas and carnations and geraniums. Nothing else. Well, there may be worse taste, if there can be bad taste with flowers. Any color? Yes, they were all white. I was a little surprised at that,

Starting point is 03:08:48 considering that the lady was so dark and eastern-looking. Of course you ascertained her name? Indeed, I did nothing of the kind. I forgot all about it. But I had a good look at her, and the description I gave you is quite correct. Uncle, I don't want to seem unduly curious,

Starting point is 03:09:13 but I fancy you expected to find this lady here. Ralph rose to his feet slowly, and knocked out the ashes of his pipe. He turned his face toward the castle. I am not altogether surprised, he said. Not another word was said for some time. Ralph appeared to be deeply cogitating, so deeply that Jeffrey asked of what he was thinking.

Starting point is 03:09:44 I was thinking, Ralph said slowly, yet dryly, and with the same dimly. DENCE manner, that a pair of dark, gold-rimmed glasses would improve my personal appearance. End of Chapter 15. Chapter 16 of The Mystery of the Ravenspers by Fred M. White. This Libervox recording is in the public domain. Chapter 16.

Starting point is 03:10:21 The White Flowers Surely enough, when Ralph Ravensper came into the group, great hall where tea was being served, he was wearing a pair of dark glasses with gold rims. Slight as the alteration was in itself, it changed him almost beyond recognition. He had been doing something to his face also, for the disfiguring scar had practically disappeared. As he came feeling his way to a chair, the slight thread of conversation snapped altogether. don't mind me he said quietly you will get used to the change and you cannot deny it is a change for the better one of the causes leading to this vanity was a remark i overheard on the part of one of the servants she expressed the opinion that i should look better in glasses that opinion i shared i have no doubt the maid was correct

Starting point is 03:11:26 all this was uttered in the dry soft caustic manner ralph constantly affected nobody answered mostly because was assumed that no reply was expected with a cup of tea in his hand ralph began to speak of other things leading from the hall was a big conservatory here marion was busy among her flowers she was singing gently as she snipped a bud here she was singing gently as she snipped a bud here here and there, and Vera was helping her. Curled up in a leisure chair, Jeffrey was absorbed in a book. The smoke from his cigarette circled around his head. Ralph placed his cup down again and felt his way into the conservatory. He stood in the doorway listening to the controversy going on beyond. I don't fancy I shall like it, said Vera. It will be too cold. to funereal. My dear child,

Starting point is 03:12:31 Marion cried, then we will abandon the idea. Only don't forget that it was your own suggestion. You said it would look chaste. Did I really? Then I had forgotten about it, and we are not going to abandon the idea. It shall not be said that I change my mind like a weathercock.

Starting point is 03:12:53 The flowers on the dinner table tonight are all going to be white. white. Marion paused in the act of cutting a lily. I don't fancy I would, she urged. After all, second thoughts are best. White flowers on a table do suggest a funeral, that is, if they are all white, and in an unfortunate house like this, anything melancholy is to be discouraged. I think I will throw these blooms away. You will do nothing of the kind, Vera cried. White it shall be, and you and I shall arrange them in the best possible style. Why, you have enough already. Come along, and we'll fix up the table at once.

Starting point is 03:13:43 Uncle Ralph, how you startled me. Did I? Ralph said coolly. I fancy it is my mission in life to startle people. What have you two been quarreling about? We were not quarreling, Vera replied. Marion insists that white flowers on a dinner table are cold and chilly, not to say funereal. I say they're chaste and elegant, and to prove that I am right, the table tonight will be decorated with white flowers. Not with my consent, Marion laughed. I have set my face dead against the whole business. but spoilt vera always gets her own way vera smiled as she passed on with an armful of the nodding white flowers ralph passed slowly into the conservatory and closed the stained-glass door behind him

Starting point is 03:14:47 then he crossed the tile floor rapidly as if his eyes were all that could be desired and slipped up a glass panel at the far end of the conservatory from this point there was a sheer fall down the cliffs on the hard sandy beach below just the same ralph muttered nothing altered and just as easy he crossed the tiles again and passed into the great stone flagged hall in his slow way then he proceeded to light his pipe and strolled into the grounds past the terrace he went until he came to the close cliffs where he was out of sight of the house. Then with the confidence of the mountain goat, he made his way to the beach, the hard strip of beach that lay under the shadow of the castle. Here he fumbled for some time among the damp, slippery rocks,

Starting point is 03:15:46 feeling for something with infinite care and patience. His perseverance was rewarded at last. His hands lay on a mass of flowers, damp and sodden, and yet comparatively fresh. He lifted one to his nostrils and sniffed it. As I thought, he said, as I expected. How cunning it all is! How beautifully worked out!

Starting point is 03:16:16 And nothing, however small, is left to chance. Well, I came home in the nick of time, and I have found an ally I can depend upon. only it was just as well not to let geoffrey know that i knew of jessup's lodger before to-day i wonder if my lady guesses how carefully she is being watched half an hour later ralph was in the castle again wandering about in his restless way and appearing to be interested in nothing as usual presently the great bell began to clang in the turret and the family partly guessing gathered in the dining room before dinner. Vera was the last to arrive. How lovely you look, Jeffrey whispered.

Starting point is 03:17:09 Vera laughed and colored. She had a white dress without ornament and without flowers, save a deep red rose in her hair. That red rose is the crowning touch, said Jeffrey. I thought it was to be all. all white tonight, Ralph said. He had caught the whispered words as he seemed to catch everything. Was that not so, Vera? Not for me, sir, Vera replied. I am in white.

Starting point is 03:17:45 I wish you could see her, Jeffrey said tenderly. She looks lovely, her eyes are so blue. Her skin is like the sunny side of a peach. And your tongue is like that of a goose, Vera laughed. Never mind, Uncle Ralph. Never mind. If you can't have the inestimable advantage of gazing on my perfect beauty, you shall have the privilege of sitting by me at dinner. Jeffrey pleaded with comic despair, but Vera was obdurate.

Starting point is 03:18:22 As the bell clanged again, she laid a hand, light as thistledown on Ralph's arm. she was brighter and more gay than usual this evening and marion played up to her as she always did the elders were silent perhaps the white flowers on the table checked them they were so suggestive of the wreaths on a coffin when once the cloth was drawn in the good old-fashioned way and the decanters and lamps and glasses stood mirrored in the shining dark mahogany the resembling dark mahogany the resemblance was more marked than ever the long strip of white damask whereon lamps and flowers and decanters rested might have been a winding-sheet rupert ravenspur protested moodily it's dreadful in a house like this he said who did it i am the culprit dearest vera admitted prettily marion did all in her power to prevent me but i would have my own foolish way if you will forgive me i will promise that it shall not occur again rupert ravenspur smiled it was only when he was looking at vera that the tender relaxation came over his stern old face then his eyes fixed on the flowers and they seemed to draw him forward you are forgiven he said marion was right as she always is what should we do without your cheerfulness and good advice upon my word i feel as if those flowers were drawing all the reason out of me

Starting point is 03:20:11 nobody replied it was a strange and curious thing that everybody seemed to be regarding the wax and blossoms in the same dull sleepy fascinating way all eyes were turned upon them as eyes are turned upon some thrilling repulsive performance the silence was growing oppressive and painful geoffrey gave a little gasp and laid his hand upon his chest what is it he said there is a pain here like a knife i am burning nobody took the faintest notice only ralph seemed to be alive and yet there was no kind of expression on his face heads were drawing nearer and nearer to the vases where the graceful flowers were grouped those innocent-looking blooms which were the emblems of all that was fair and fine and beautiful what did it mean what strange mystery was here nobody could speak nobody wanted to speak all were sinking lulled and soothed into a poppy land sleep even geoffrey who seemed to be fighting for something he knew not what then ralph reached out his hand to the foot of the table his long lean fingers were tangled in the strip of damask down the mahogany table on which lamps and decanters and glasses and dishes of fruit were placed with a vigorous pull he brought the whole thing crashing on the polished floor where two pools of paraffin made a blaze of the wreck that ralph had caused

Starting point is 03:22:02 then he slid over the floor and opened one of the windows letting in the pure fresh air from the north sea end of chapter sixteen chapter seventeen of the mystery of the ravenspers by fred m white this librivox recording is in the public domain chapter seventeen whence did they come in the darkness nobody spoke for a moment not one of them could have said anything for a king's ransom apart from the feeling of suffocation the gradual poppy sleep of death that filled the room as a great wave suddenly engulfs some rocky cave the dramatic horror of the darkness held them fast at the same time there was something of a shock a healthy shock in the plunge from light to gloom a fitful purple gleam still flickered where the blazing paraffin had licked the hard oak polished floor the breath of the sea-breeze was bracing it was marion who first came to herself as one comes out of a horrid nightmare oh oh she shuddered who opened the wind No, nobody responded for a moment. Ralph had crept to Jeffrey's side. It was marvelous how he found his way in the intense darkness.

Starting point is 03:23:39 Say you did it, he whispered. You must say you did it. Speak. I suppose I did, Jeffrey murmured. I seem to recollect something of the kind. You have saved our lives, said Marion. Will somebody ring the bell? Servants came without much dismay or surprise.

Starting point is 03:24:05 They were used to amazing things at Ravenspur. It would have caused no more than a painful sensation to come in some night after dinner and find the whole family murdered. Bring more lamps, Ralph Ravenspur said quietly. Lamps were brought. The disordered litter on the floor was swept up, the broken globes, the dainty china, the glass and silver.

Starting point is 03:24:34 The white flowers were no longer there. This was a puzzle to everybody, but Ralph, who had gathered them at the first distraction and thrown them out of the window. There was silence for a minute or two after the servants had withdrawn. Then Rupert Ravensburg dashed his fist on the table in a passion of despair. great heaven he said how long how long how much more of this is it possible to bear and still retain the powers of reason what was it could it have been the flowers vera suggested it was my fault no no marion cried why your fault those white blossoms were innocent enough we packed them ourselves we packed them ourselves we arranged them together.

Starting point is 03:25:29 Still, I believe it was the flowers, Jeffrey observed. Why should they have fascinated us in that strange way? It was horrible. Horrible indeed, and not the less so, because the horrible was not conspicuous by its absence. That innocent flowers, pure white blossoms, could lend themselves to a dark mystery like this was almost maddening. and yet it must have been so, for no sooner had the flowers been removed, and the air of heaven had entered the room, than the grip and bitterness of death were passed. I am sure we were near the end, Marion cried.

Starting point is 03:26:15 Jeff, was it you who snatched the cloth from the table? Jeffrey was about to deny the suggestion when his eyes fell upon Ralph's face. It was eager, almost pleading in its aspect. Like a flash the changing expression was gone. It must have been mechanical, Jeffrey murmured. One does those things and calls them impulses. Inspiration would be a better expression, I fancy. They crowded round him and gave him their thanks,

Starting point is 03:26:50 all save Ralph, who sat drumming his fingers on the table as if nothing out of the ordinary had happened. Nothing seemed to draw him out of his environment. Still, it was another man who came creeping to Jeffrey's room when the lights were extinguished, and the castle was wrapped in slumber. There was an inner room lying out over the sea, which Jeffrey used indifferently for a smoking room and study. I can smoke my pipe here without a chance of our being overheard,

Starting point is 03:27:24 he said. Well, was the adventure this evening creepy enough for you? Jeffrey shuddered slightly. Flegant rioting dangers would have had no terrors for him. It was the unseen that played on the nerves of imagination. Horrible, he said. But why this mystery? As far as I am concerned, you mean?

Starting point is 03:27:52 My dear Jeffrey, it is imperative. that I should be regarded by everybody as a poor blind worm who is incapable for good or evil. I want people to pity me, to make way for me, to treat me as if I were of no account, a needless cumberer of the ground. I want to see that you prevent these tragedies by sheer chance. I will strike when the time comes. The hoarse voice had sunk to a whisper. The sightless, eyes rolled, the thin fingers crooked as if dragging down an unseen foe to destruction. As suddenly, Ralph changed his mood and laughed noiselessly. Let us not prophecy, he said. What did you think of the episode?

Starting point is 03:28:45 I don't know what to think about it. Then you have no theory to offer? No, uncle, I am in the dark. That is where the keen edge of the terror comes in. I should say it was the flowers. As the atmosphere of the room grew warmer, as the heat from the lamps drew out the fragrance of the blooms, the perfume seemed to become overpowering.

Starting point is 03:29:12 The perfume riveted attention, arrested the senses, and gradually sense and feeling appeared to go altogether. Perfectly right, Jeffrey. still there is nothing very wonderful about it lucretia borgia used the same means to dispatch her victims a poisoned bouquet was a favorite weapon of hers you remember but the poison there was conveyed through the palms of the hands why do we never hear of that sort of poison nowadays ralph smiled as he refilled his pipe i've got some of it myself he said or at least chigorsky has it is poor inartistic stuff compared to some of the poisons known to chigorsky and myself there are eastern poisons unknown to science toxicology little dreams of the drugs that chagorsky and your poor uncle wot of you are right those flowers were impregnated with the deadly drug that chigorsky and your poor uncle wot of you are right those flowers were impregnated with the deadly drug that you are comes out with warmth. It comes as quickly as a breath of wind, and does its work and vanishes

Starting point is 03:30:28 almost immediately, leaving no trace behind. Another minute, and the whole family of Ravenspur, had been no more. There would have been a fearful sensation. Doctors would have discoursed learnedly and vaguely, and there would have been an end to the matter. Not a soul in England would have had the remotest idea of the source of the tragedy. Look here! From under his coat, Ralph produced a single white carnation. That was on the table tonight, he said. Take it in your hands.

Starting point is 03:31:06 Smell it. Do you recognize anything beyond the legitimate perfume? Jeffrey held the perfect bloom to his nostrils. He could detect nothing further. It seems to me to be as innocent as beautiful, he said. So it is, so it is, at present. Give it me back again. See, I have here a little white dull powder.

Starting point is 03:31:36 It is in the one thousandth part of a grain of the deadly drug. I dust the powder on the carnation thus. The natural moisture in the leaves absorbs it. and the flower presents a normal aspect smell it i smell nothing at all said geoffrey not yet hold it to the lamp for ten seconds geoffrey did so at the end of the brief space he placed it to his nostrils as ralph suggested immediately a drowsy feeling came over him a desire for sleep a desire to be at rest in body and mind in heart and pulses indeed it seemed to him as if his heart had stopped already through a yellow-scented mist he seemed to see his heart as if his heart had stopped already through a yellow-scented mist he seemed to see his uncle and hear the latter's voice commanding him to drop the carnation. He could not have done it to save himself from destruction.

Starting point is 03:32:43 Then the flower was plucked away. How long have I been asleep? he asked, suddenly opening his eyes. You have been across the sticks and back in exactly fifty seconds, Ralph said gravely. Now you see the effect of that stuff. wonderfully artistic isn't it geoffrey gazed at the flower with sickening horror ralph seemed to divine this for he picked it up sniffed it coolly and placed it in his buttonhole the evil effect is gone believe me he said the dose was very small and i did not mix it with water which makes a difference still i don't follow geoffrey said we know those flowers were cut and arranged by vera and marion it would have been impossible for anyone to have entered the dining-room and replaced them with other white flowers and for anybody to have had the time to impregnate them one by one oh it is impossible not at all geoffrey a mystery is like a conjuring trick seemingly insoluble but you know how it is done and then it becomes bald and commonplace

Starting point is 03:34:06 suppose the stuff is mixed with water and the mixture placed in a small spray worked by an india rubber ball then one goes into the dining-room hall for half a minute gives two or three rapid motions of the hand and the thing is accomplished yes that sounds easy you speak as if you knew who did it yes ralph said with one of his spasmodic smiles i do you know the author of this dastardly thing tell me not yet i dare not tell you because you are young and might betray yourself i could not confide my secret to any one even the best detective in england it is only known to chigorski and myself you shall help me in drawing the net around the miscreants but you must not ask me that and to-night's doings are to remain a secret of course nobody is to know anything they may conjecture as much as they like good heaven if any one of the house were to know what i have told you to-night all my work would be undone you are my instrument by which i ward off danger without attracting attention to myself you are the unsuspecting boy who by sheer good luck foils the enemy keep it up keep it up for so long as you appear young and unsophisticated there is less of the deadly danger end of chapter seventeen chapter eighteen of the mystery of the ravenspers by fred m white this librivox recording is in the public domain chapter eighteen

Starting point is 03:36:14 mrs mona may geoffrey was slightly puzzled but like a good soldier he asked no questions more and more he was coming to recognize that it was ralph's to command and his to obey doubtless ralph had some good reason when he treated his nephew like a puppet but then the puppet was a long way from a fool and as the days went on it came home to him with an increasing force that he had a master mind to deal with he had been told off this afternoon to lurk more or less concealed at the top of the steep pitch leading to the village and there wait until something happened it came at the end of a few minutes in the shape of a lady in perfect cycling costume wheeling a machine up the hill towards jessup's farm as she came nearer to the spot where geoffrey was smoking a ragged nomad sprang from the hedge and demanded alms the man was coarse and threatening he was by no means sober and his demands took the by no means modest form of a shilling a second later there was a slight scream and geoffrey darted forward the sight of a woman in distress sufficed for him ralph was forgotten in an instant there was a scuffle and a plunge a rapid exit of the nomad and had in hand geoffrey was receiving the thanks of a beautiful woman who was pleased to assure him that he was her preserver it is nothing geoffrey stammered nothing really it was not usual for him to be confused like this

Starting point is 03:38:10 but then he was standing face to face with the handsome stranger who had taken mr jessup's rooms the lady with the love of white flowers the woman who employed oriental servants who were given to strange incantations the creature in whom ralphravenspur had been to strange incantations the creature in whom ralph ravensper had had taken so vivid an interest and geoffrey's confusion grew none the less as it flashed upon him that the intoxicated tramp had been the god in the car designed by ralph to bring this introduction about he steadied himself there was work before him now you exaggerate my poor services he said not at all i assure you the lady said. Her eyes held a strange fascination. Her voice was low and sweetly sedative. She was years older than Geoffrey, but just the kind of siren who drove young men mad, or lured them to destruction. Few strangers would have faced so formidable an opponent for me. Most of my countrymen would, Jeffrey said. i hope you have a better opinion of englishmen than that but englishmen are not favorites abroad the dark eyes were dancing with amusement

Starting point is 03:39:42 you are under the impression that i am not english she asked well there is a certain grace geoffrey stammered that spoke of foreign blood precisely but all the same i am very same i am very much I am proud to call myself an English woman. My name is Mrs. May, Mona May. You are Mr. Jeffrey Ravenspur. At your service. I had the pleasure of seeing you the other morning in Mrs. Jessup's kitchen. Meanwhile, to prevent any further trouble from our predatory friend, I am going to walk with you as far as the farm.

Starting point is 03:40:27 Mrs. May raised no objection. on the contrary she seemed pleased with the idea she was dangerous she was mixed up in some way with a conspiracy against the peace and happiness of the house of raven spur and yet geoffrey found it hard to resist her fascinations she spoke almost perfect english her dress and style and manner were insular but there was a flashing grace about her a suggestion of something warm and eastern that gleamed and flashed in spite of her cycling dress and the wheels she pushed along so skilfully she gave a sigh of regret as the farmhouse was reached well i suppose we must part she said really it seems years since i spoke to a gentleman and i have only been here for days i have been ordered absolute rest and quietness for the benefit of my health and upon my word i am getting it would you take pity upon my loneliness and come to tea many an older man than geoffrey had been excused from yielding to such a request those eyes were so dark and pleading and the man was young besides he had an excuse had not his uncle ralph planned this thing and was it not intended to bring about an introduction besides once inside that room it might be possible to find something that in the first thing that in the first once inside that room it might be possible to find something that in the first

Starting point is 03:42:10 future would yield great results i shall be only too pleased geoffrey murmured then come along mrs may said gaily if you are fond of a good cup of tea then i have some of the most perfect in the world she led the way into the old-fashioned drawing-room which she had rendered beautiful with flowers the stiff furniture looked stiff no longer the hand of an artistic woman had been here and the whole aspect was changed you should have seen it when i came here mrs may smiled as she followed geoffrey's glance it was like a condemned cell and yet there are things of price here a little alteration and a few flowers ah what a difference flowers make she pointed to her own floral decorations the room was ablaze with them and they were all scarlet there was not a single bloom of any other kind to be seen they match my style of beauty mrs may laughed i never have any other here you do not care for white flowers geoffrey asked i abhor them they suggest beautiful maidens cut off in their prime dead children the tomb and all kinds of horrors i would not have one in the house geoffrey was discreetly silent remembering the hundreds of white flowers he himself had seen in this very room not so long ago this speech staggered him

Starting point is 03:44:00 in a dazed kind of way he watched mrs may light a spirit lamp under a silver kettle after which she excused herself on the score of fetching the famous tea geoffrey picked up an album and turned the leaves over rapidly there were soldiers one or two native indian officials a great number of society people professional beauties and the like and-and marian yes her fair tender face smiled from the embossed richly gilt page the picture had been taken some years ago but there was no mistaking those pure features geoffrey closed the book and walked over to the window surprise upon surprise had come upon him lately but this was staggering when mrs may returned he was himself again he could answer her questions gaily and smoothly it was only when he was on his way home again that he recollected how much information he had imparted and how little he had got in return you must come and see me again mrs may said now can't you come up some evening and dine with me say thursday unless i hear from you to the contrary i shall see you on thursday at seven a primitive time but then we are in the country you may be certain geoffrey said carelessly that i shall come if possible good-bye mrs may in ordinary circumstances my people would have called upon you you will know why it is impossible mrs may pressed geoffrey's hand with gentle sympathy

Starting point is 03:45:57 you have my real regrets she said what a horrible thing it is to think that you are all powerless to help it good-bye geoffrey found ralph at the entrance to the castle gate there was a queer smile on his face a smile of amused expectation you found her charming he asked and clever said geoffrey i guessed your plot uncle she is very clever the cleverest woman in the world the most wicked the most unscrupulous of course she asked you to dinner and of course you will go nobody is to know of it mind uncle how did you guess that i'll tell you presently and i'll tell you presently and i'll tell you you many things you will have to say and leave unsaid to Mrs. May. Tell me why Marion's photograph is in her album. So, she showed you that? No, I found it out by accident.

Starting point is 03:47:13 Is Marion connected with her? Very closely, indeed. She is Marion's evil genius. And yet, through that pure and innocent girl, we are going to strike at the heart of the mystery. Ask me no questions now. Tonight, we will go carefully into the matter. End of Chapter 18. Chapter 19 of the Mystery of the Raven Spurs by Fred M. White.

Starting point is 03:47:51 This Librevox recording is in the public domain. Chapter 19. Vera is not pleased. Any stranger looking along the table. terrace at Ravenspur would have been inclined to envy the lot of those who had their habitation there. It looked so grand, so dignified, so peaceful. Brilliant sunshine shone upon the terrace. Against the gray stone of the grand old façade, the emerald green of the lawns rose refreshing to the eyes, those old lawns like velvet that only come with the passing of centuries. People from the russian.

Starting point is 03:48:34 Russian fret of cities, excursionists, who had their sordid humdrum life in towns, turned longing eyes to Ravenspur. Anybody who lived in a place like that must be happy, and some of them looked it. Jeffrey, for instance, as he lounged on the terrace with a cigarette between his strong white teeth. He was seated with a cap over his eyes and appeared to be given over to a pleasant reverend. A rod and an empty fishing basket stood by his side. Ralph Ravensperl lounged up to him. Perhaps he had been waiting for his nephew.

Starting point is 03:49:16 At any rate, he always knew where to find him. He sat with the sunshine full upon his sightless eyes and smoked his pipe placidly. "'There is nobody about?' he asked. "'Nobody,' Jeffrey replied. replied, do you want to say anything to me? Ralph made no reply. Jeffrey watched him curiously. Do you know, you seem to be a long way off to me this afternoon, he said presently.

Starting point is 03:49:50 I can't quite explain my meaning. Since you have worn those glasses, you look a different man. There, now you are yourself again. Ralph had taken off the glasses for a different. a moment. Is the difference very marked? Ralph asked. Very marked indeed. Honestly, I should not have known you. Ralph gave a sigh, whether of sorrow or satisfaction, Jeffrey could not say. Time will prove whether the disguise is of any value or not, he said. I came to ask you about this evening. Are you going?

Starting point is 03:50:32 Of course I am. Mrs. Mona May fascinates me. On the whole, I have deemed it advisable to say nothing to the others. We cannot call upon Mrs. May, and they need not know that I have had any intercourse with her. Ralph nodded. Perhaps he alone knew the real need for secrecy in this matter. Quite right, he said. The less said the better. he wrote to you, of course? Oh, yes, I had the letter yesterday. And destroyed it, of course? Upon my word, I've forgotten. I see you are angry with me.

Starting point is 03:51:18 Well, I will try not to make a similar mistake again. From the expression on his face, Ralph was greatly moved. His features flamed with anger. He was trembling with panic. to his fingertips then his mood suddenly changed he laid a kindly hand on geoffrey's knee my boy he said earnestly there are reasons weighty reasons why i cannot take you entirely into my confidence if i did so you would see the vital necessity of caution even in the most minute matters you will see that mrs may's letter is destroyed at once I will, uncle. The rest of the family believe I am going to Alton tonight.

Starting point is 03:52:10 Ralph nodded. He seemed already to have forgotten the circumstances. He had fallen into one of those waking reveries that were deep as sleep to most men. Jeffrey spoke to him more than once, but failed to gain the slightest attention. Then Ralph rose and moved away like a man in a time. dream. Jeffrey lounged about till he had finished his cigarette. He tossed the end away,

Starting point is 03:52:40 and then proceeded towards the house. He would get that letter and destroy it without further delay. But this was easier said than done, for the simple reason that the letter was nowhere to be found. High and low, Jeffrey searched for it, but all to no purpose. Had he left it in the a dining room or the library, possibly in the latter place, seeing that he had written a couple of notes there earlier in the day. It was dim, not to say gloomy in the library, and for a moment Jeffrey failed to see that Vera was seated at the table. He crossed over and touched her caressingly on the cheek. She looked up coldly. "'What are you looking for?' she asked. A letter, dearest, Jeffrey replied.

Starting point is 03:53:35 But why do you look so strange? Oh, you ask me that! It is a letter you are looking for. Then perhaps I may be so fortunate as to assist you. I have just found a letter lying here addressed to you. As it lay with face open, I could not but read it. See here? A square of thick-scented note-paper.

Starting point is 03:54:00 filled with a dashing black calligraphy shook before Jeffrey's eyes. It was Mrs. May's writing beyond a doubt. Jeffrey flushed slightly as he took the note. "'Read it,' Vera said quietly. "'Read it aloud.' Jeffrey did so. It struck him now, it had never occurred to him before, that the writer was slightly caressing in her manner of phrasing.

Starting point is 03:54:29 There was a suggestion of something warmer and more personal than the stereotype lines implied. So this is the Alton where you are going tonight? Vera went on. Who is the woman? How long have you known her? The quick blood came flaming to Jeffrey's face. He had never seen Vera hard and cold like this before. It was a woman and not a girl who was speaking.

Starting point is 03:54:59 now. Jeffrey resented the questions. They came as a teacher addresses a child. I cannot tell you, he said. It has to do with the family's secret. And you expect me to believe this, Jeffrey? Of course I do, Jeffrey cried. Did you ever know me to tell you a lie? And after all the years we have been together, you are going to be jealous of the first woman who comes along? Have I been mistaken in you, Vera? The girl's beautiful eyes filled with tears. She had been sorely vexed and hurt, far more hurt than she cared Geoffrey to know, for it seemed to her that he had willfully

Starting point is 03:55:47 deceived her, that he was going to see this creature, of whom he was secretly ashamed, that he had lied so that he could seek her company without suspicion in the minds of others. if you give me your word of honor vera faltered that you-no no geoffrey cried i merely state the facts and you may believe them or not as you please who mrs may is i decline to say how i became acquainted with her i also declined to explain suffice it that she is mrs may and that she has rooms at jessips's farm And that is all you're going to tell me, Jeffrey? Yes, Vera, if you have lost faith in me... Oh, no, no, don't say such cruel things, Jeff. Whom have I beyond my parents and you in the whole world?

Starting point is 03:56:48 And when I found that letter, when I knew what you said about Alton was... was not true... She paused, unable to proceed. her little hands went out imploringly and geoffrey caught them in his own he drew her to his side and gazed into her eyes darling he whispered you know that i love you yes dear it was foolish of me to doubt it i love you i love you now and always i can never change i did not intend to tell you about this woman because it was all the woman because it was all part of the secret. The wise man among us has said it, and his word is law. I am speaking of Uncle Ralph. Vera nodded with a brighter glance. Had not she a secret in common with Ralph? Say no more, she whispered. I am ashamed of myself. Jeffrey kissed the quivering red lips

Starting point is 03:57:56 passionately. Spoken like my own, Vera, he said. Now I will give you my word of honor. No, no, it is not necessary, Jeff. I was foolish. I might have known better. Not another thought will I give to Mrs. Mona May.

Starting point is 03:58:17 Vera spoke in all sincerity, but our thoughts are often our masters, and they were so in this case. Mona May was a name Graven on Vera's mind, and the time was coming when with fervent gratitude she blessed the hour when she had found that letter. End of Chapter 19. Chapter 20 of the Mystery of the Raven Spurs by Fred M. White.

Starting point is 03:58:53 This Libervox recording is in the public domain. Chapter 20 A fascinating woman Mrs. Jessup's simple parlor had been transformed beyond recognition. The fine Chippendale furniture had been brought forward. The gaudy settees and sofas had been covered with fine eastern silks and tapestries. A pair of old Dresden candlesticks stood on the table, and under pink shades the candles cast a glamour of subdued light upon damask and silver in China.

Starting point is 03:59:32 as geoffrey was ushered in mrs may came forward she was dressed entirely in black her wonderfully fine arms and shoulders gleamed dazzling almost as the diamonds that were as frosty stars in the glorious night of her hair one great red bloom of some flower unknown to geoffrey was in her breast as to the rest the flowers were all scarlet the efflars were all scarlet the effect was slightly dazzling mrs may came forward with a smile so you have managed to allude the philistines she said ah i guessed that you would say nothing to your friends about our little dinner there was an eager note in the words that conveyed a half question geoffrey smiled may i venture to suggest that the knowledge is not to suggest that the knowledge is not displeasing to you, he said. Well, I admit it. In the circumstances to explain would have been a bore. Your people cannot call on me, and, being old-fashioned, they might not care for you to come

Starting point is 04:00:47 here alone. Therefore, being a man of the world, you told them nothing about it. Jeffrey smiled as he took the proffered cigarette. Had he not been warned against this woman by her. Ralph, her subtle flattery would have put him off his guard. It is always so sweet and soothing for a youngster to be taken for a man of the world. You have guessed it all, he said. My grandfather is a great signor. He has no toleration for anything that is not a regla. What an exquisite cigarette. Mrs. May nodded. They were exquisite.

Starting point is 04:01:32 cigarettes, as also was the liqueurs she insisted upon pouring out for Jeffrey with her own hands. He had never tasted anything like it before. And the dinner, when it came, was a perfect little poem in its way. Not a flask of wine on the table that had not a history. Long before the meal was over, Jeffrey found himself forgetting his caution. Not that Jeffrey had anything to be afraid of. He knew that in some way this woman was connected with the tragedy of his race. For all that he knew to the contrary, she might be the spirit directing the tragedies.

Starting point is 04:02:18 She was his enemy, though she smiled upon him with a dazzling fascination, calculated to turn cooler heads than his. But, at any rate, she had not asked him here to poison him at her own. table. Mrs. Mona May was too fine an artist for that. Presently, Jeffrey came out of his dream to find himself talking. Mrs. May seemed to be putting all the questions, and he was giving all the answers. And yet, directly, she asked no questions at all. She was sympathetic and interested in the family, as she explained with kindness and feeling. and there is that poor blind gentleman she said sweetly her eyes were bent over her dessert plate she was peeling a peach daintily

Starting point is 04:03:14 there was just for the fraction of a second a ring in her voice that acted on geoffrey as a cold douche does to a man whose senses are blurred with liquor some instinct told him that they were approaching the crux of the interview my uncle ralph he said carelessly he is a mystery he keeps himself to himself and says nothing to anybody sometimes i fancy he is a clever man who despises us and at other times i regard him as a man whose misfortunes have dulled his brain and that he strives to conceal the fact mrs may smiled but she returned to the charge again but strive as she would she could get no more in this head out of geoffrey she wanted to know who the man was and all about him and she learned nothing beyond the fact that he was a poor nonentity despised by his relations geoffrey's open sincerity puzzled her perhaps there was nothing to learn after all strange that he did not stay away she murmured knowing that the family curse must overtake him geoffrey shrugged his shoulders carelessly what can an unfortunate like that have to live for he asked he is broken in mind and in body and has no money of his own it is just like the old fox who crawls to the hole to die. And we are getting used to the curse by this time.

Starting point is 04:05:03 You have no hope, no expectation of the truth coming to light? It was on the tip of Jeffrey's tongue to speak freely of his hopes for the future. Instead, he bent his head over the table, saying nothing till he felt he had full control of his voice once more. Then he spoke in the same hopeless tones. I have become a fatalist, he said. Please change the subject. Mrs. May did so discreetly and easily. And yet in a few moments, the doings of the Ravenspurs were on her tongue again, and, almost unconsciously, Geoffrey found himself talking about Marion,

Starting point is 04:05:49 Mrs. May, listening quietly. I have seen the young lady, she said. She has a nice face. Marianne is an angel, Jeffrey cried. Her face is perfect. You have only to look at her to see what she is. Nobody with a countenance like that could do wrong, even if she wished it.

Starting point is 04:06:16 No matter who and what it is, everybody comes under Marion's sway. Men, women, children, dogs, all turn to her with the same implicit confidence. Marion seems to be a warm favorite, Mrs. May smiled. And yet I rather gather that she does not hold first place in your affections. I am engaged to my cousin Vera, Jeffrey explained. We were boy and girl lover. before Marion came to us. Otherwise, well, we need not go into that. But I never saw anyone like Marion

Starting point is 04:06:58 till tonight. Mrs. May looked up swiftly. What do you mean by that? she asked. I mean exactly what I say. In certain ways, in certain lights, under certain conditions, your face is marvelously like that of Marion. As Jeffrey spoke, he saw that the blood had left the cheek of his companion. Her face was deadly pale, so pale that the crimson flower in her breast seemed to grow vivid. There was a motion of the elbow and a wine-glass went crashing to the floor. The woman stooped to raise the fragments. How clumsy of me, she said. And why are you really? regarding me so intently.

Starting point is 04:07:50 My heart is a little wrong, the doctors tell me. Nothing serious, however. There. She looked up again. She had recovered, and her face was tinged with the red flush of health again. But her hand still shook. But Jeffrey was taking no heed. He had dropped the match he was about to apply to his cigarette

Starting point is 04:08:15 and was staring out of the window. the blind had not been drawn the pains were framed with flowers and inside that dark circle there came a face a dark eastern face with awful eyes filled with agony and rage and pain across the dusky forehead was a cut from which blood streamed freely you were not listening to me mrs may cried what is the matter the face a face at the window geoffrey gasped a horrible-looking man not of this country at all a man with a gash in his forehead he seemed to be looking for something when he caught sight of me he disappeared mrs may had risen and crossed to the long french window opening on to the lawn her back was towards geoffrey and she seemed determined or so he imagined to keep her face concealed from him strange she said carelessly though she was obviously disturbed surely you were mistaken some trick of the brain a freak of imagination Jeffrey laughed. Young men at his time of life, men who follow healthy pursuits, are not given to tricks of the imagination. His pulse was beating steadily. His skin was moist and cool.

Starting point is 04:09:56 I am certain of it, he said. What is that noise? Something was calling down the garden. long before this time the good people of the farm had gone to bed. Shall I go and see what it is? Jeffrey asked. No, no, Mrs. May whispered. Stay here, I implore you. I would not have had this happen for anything. What am I saying? She passed her hand across her face and laughed unsteadily.

Starting point is 04:10:32 There are secrets in everybody's, life, and there are in mine, she said. Stay till I return. There will be no danger for me, I assure you. She slipped out into the darkness and was gone. Jeffrey stooped and bent over a dark blot or two that lay on the stone still at the bottom of the window. Blood, he muttered.

Starting point is 04:10:59 Blood, beyond a doubt. It was no delusion of mine. from outside came the swish of silken drapery it was mrs may returning she seemed herself again by this time the danger is passed she said if danger you choose to call it the next time we meet we shall laugh together over this comedy i assure you it is a comedy and now i am going to ask you to leave me the woman was playing a part and playing it extremely well with less innate knowledge geoffrey would have been thoroughly deceived as it was he affected to make light of the matter he held out his hand with a smile i am glad of that he said you must let me come again when perhaps you may be disposed to allow me to assist you good-night and thank you for one of the pleasantest evenings of my life the door closed behind geoffrey and he stumbled along in the darkness until his eyes became accustomed to the gloom out in the road some one crept up to him and laid a hand on his arm Like a flash, Jeffrey had him by the throat.

Starting point is 04:12:27 Speak, or I will kill you, he whispered. Who are you? Come with me at once, came the horse reply, and release that grip of my throat. I am Sergius Chigorsky. End of Chapter 20. Chapter 21 of the Mystery of the Raven Spurs by Fred M. White. This Libravox recording is in the public domain.

Starting point is 04:13:03 Chapter 21 The mystery deepens Jeffrey recognized the deep, rasping tones of Tegorsky directly. His hand dropped to his side. No need to tell him that danger was in the air. It was the thick, still kind of night that goes with adventure. Something has happened, Jeffrey asked. something is going to happen unless we prevent it chigorski replied the enemy has been foiled three times lately and is getting uneasy he begins to realize that he has to cope with somebody who understands the game

Starting point is 04:13:47 it is no use to work in this deadly mysterious fashion as long as certain people can read the danger signals and act upon them and therefore it has been decided to fall back upon more vulgar methods you are not afraid of danger not in the least try me the danger is great you are dealing with some of the cleverest people on earth if you are discovered you will be put away your courage will be tested to the utmost are you ready geoffrey hesitated but for a moment his senses seemed to be braced and strengthened he seemed to hear better all at once his eyes penetrated farther into the gloom there was a feeling of eagerness of exultation upon him he took jigskorski's lean claw and laid it upon his left wrist feel that he said is not my pulse steady i am longing to go forward only give me a chance to find the truth shigorsky chuckled this was the kind of grit he admired you will do he said and you will go alone on your expedition you are acquainted with all the vaults and passages of the castle by this time every inch of the ground is known to you give me your coat and shoes geoffrey handed them over getting a pair of rubber-souled shoes and a rough peeggings jacket in exchange. In the pocket of the ladder, he found a revolver.

Starting point is 04:15:38 Now what am I to do, he demanded. Stand here, Chigorsky explained. Presently, you will see a figure or two, perhaps more. You will not understand what they are saying, but that makes no difference. You are to follow them, stick to them. If nothing happens by dawn, you can afford to leave them to their own devices. If circumstances place you in dire peril, be brave, for help is not far off. Jeffrey might have asked another question or two, but Chigorsky turned away abruptly and was speedily lost in the darkness,

Starting point is 04:16:22 and then followed for Jeffrey the most trying part of the business, waiting for the first sign of the foe. Half an hour passed, and still no sign. Had the affair miscarried and the miscreants got away in some other direction? Strain his ears as he would, Jeffrey could catch nothing. Then, at length, something soft and rustling seemed to be creeping along on the lawn on the other side of the hedge. Jeffrey crept through the gate into the garden. Almost instantly he dropped on his side of the edge.

Starting point is 04:17:01 face, for somebody carrying a lantern was softly creeping in his direction. It was the figure of a woman, a woman who had a black lace shawl so wrapped about her that in the feeble light it was impossible to make out her features. She paused and made a hissing sound between her teeth. As if they had been evolved out of Jeffrey's inner consciousness, there appeared two men upon the lawn. One was lying on his back, his head supported on the arm of his companion.

Starting point is 04:17:38 They were Indian natives of some kind, but of what race precisely Geoffrey could not say. The prostrate man had an ugly cut across his forehead. It was the same man that Jeffrey had seen looking through the window. A crafty, ugly, sinister face it was. was, full of cunning malignity. The eyes were dull, but the fires of hate were still in them. The woman stooped down and produced cool bandages, soaked in some pungent liquid, which she proceeded to bind round the brows of the injured man. Even at his respectful distance, Jeffrey could catch

Starting point is 04:18:22 the odor of the bandages. He watched the weird midnight scene with breathless, interest there was something creepy about the whole business if these people had nothing to conceal all this surgical work might have taken place indoor they might have called assistance geoffrey tried to catch sight of the woman's features but that was impossible still there was something familiar about her geoffrey felt quite sure that he had seen that graceful figure before she stood up presently and geoffrey no longer had any doubt it was mrs mona may the injured man rose also he staggered along on the arm of his companion and geoffrey could with some difficulty see them enter the sitting-room he paused in some doubt as to his next move but before he was called upon to decide mrs may and the other native came out again. Evidently they had left the injured man behind. Then they emerged into the road and started off rapidly toward the cliffs. Going some way by the pace they are walking, Jeffrey muttered. And at the same time, they must be back before daylight, or they would never

Starting point is 04:19:50 have dared to leave that fellow at Jessup's. What a good thing I know the country. Jeffrey followed at a respectful distance, his rubber shoes making no sound. For the time of year, the night was intensely dark, which was in Jeffrey's favor. Also, with his close knowledge of the locality, he had no fear of making mistakes. The couple were not more than fifty yards ahead of him. They had not the slightest idea they were being followed, seeing, that they were talking earnestly, and none too quietly, in a language that was Greek to Geoffrey. Now and again he caught the low laugh that came from the woman's lips.

Starting point is 04:20:39 By and by the cliffs were reached, and here the two began to descend a path that would have been dangerous to unaccustomed feet, even in the broad daylight. But the man seemed to know the way perfectly, and the woman followed, without hesitation. They came presently to the firm sand, fringed by the ebbing tide. Then they turned to the right, pausing at length before a solid-looking expanse of cliff that stood right under Ravenspur Castle. One moment they loomed darkly against the brown rocks. The next minute, they seemed to be swallowed up by the cliffs.

Starting point is 04:21:23 They had entered the mouth of a cave. geoffrey followed still more cautiously on and on they went until at length they paused then the light from the lantern grew stronger from behind a ledge of seawood-clad granite geoffrey watched them furtively they were waiting for something a signal probably before going farther the signal seemed to come at last from where it was impossible for geoffrey to judge and then the advance was resumed presently they emerged into the deep below tide level vault under the castle where geoffrey had seen Marion walking in her sleep. Mrs. May turned to her companion and gave him some sharp command. She had lost all her levity,

Starting point is 04:22:19 and Jeffrey could see that her dark eyes were glowing. The native saloned, and laid his hand upon the lantern. The next instant the place was plunged into pitchy darkness. Five, ten minutes passed, and nothing was heard but the laugh. of the ebbing tide on the shore. Then a hand was gently laid on Jeffrey's arm.

Starting point is 04:22:45 End of Chapter 21. Chapter 22 of the Mystery of the Raven Spurs by Fred M. White. This Libervox recording is in the public domain. Chapter 22. Deeper still. So startled was Jeffrey that he felt the moisture, spurt from every pore like a rash. But, fully conscious of his danger, he suppressed the cry that rose to his lips, nor did he move as he felt a thick cloak thrown over his head. He slipped his revolver into his hand and fumbled it against the cold cheek of his antagonist. But the antagonist took it coolly.

Starting point is 04:23:40 A pair of lips were close to Geoffrey's ear, and the small, faintest voice spelt out the letters t c h i g o r s k y y o r s k y jephy jephy geoffrey put the weapon back in his pocket at the same time he felt about till his fingers touched the hand of his companion no doubt about it the other was chigorsky beyond question perhaps he had been testing geoffrey's courage and resolution perhaps the danger had deepened unexpectedly. Presently, the light of the lantern popped up again, in response to some subtle signal, and once more the conspirators moved on to the vault above. Chigorsky lifted his head.

Starting point is 04:24:32 Where are they going? Jeffrey asked. Chigorsky responded with one of his diabolical chuckles. They imagine that they are going into the castle, he said. said. But they are not going to accomplish that part of the program. But what do they want there? What should they want? You know something of those now whose business it is to wipe you out, root and branch. More artistic methods having failed, they may deem it necessary to fall back on more vulgar plans. There are five people sleeping in the castle, six with your

Starting point is 04:25:14 uncle Ralph, who stand in the way. It is possible if the fiends are lucky that the castle may be devoid of life by daybreak. Jeffrey could not repress a shudder. Fiends indeed, he said, but why not stop it? Why not let them enter, and then take them all red-handed? What could we gain by that? We could not connect them with past crimes? at worst they would get a few months in jail as suspects when the time comes we must smash them all and the time is coming chigorski rose as if to go i follow them he said you remain here in the darkness and if any one attempts to pass you do not let him do so don't forget this thing at all hazards you are not to let him do so at all hazards you are not to let him do so don't forget this thing at all hazards you are not to let any one pass geoffrey nodded as chigorski passed on his way for a long time all was quiet and then from above there came a startled cry followed by the sound of strife and a scream of pain and terror it was all that geoffrey could do to restrain himself from yelling in response and rushing to the spot

Starting point is 04:26:41 then he became conscious that somebody was coming rapidly through the cave he reached out his hand and grabbed at and caught a sinewy slippery brown ankle it only needed that touch to tell geoffrey that he was at grips with the native down the fellow came on the slippery rocks and the next instant the two were engaged in a life or death struggle young strong vigorous as he was his muscle knitted like iron with healthy exercise geoffrey knew that he had met his match the native had a slight advantage of him in point of years he was greased from head to foot rendering a grip difficult and his flying robe came asunder like cobwebs at the first drain he fought with the abandon of a man who was reckless of life over and over on the slippery rocks they rolled each striving to get the other by the throat by this time they were both breathing thick and fast and geoffrey's mind began to wander toward his revolver but to release his grip to get that might be fatal he could hear his antagonist gasping as he rolled off a ledge of rock and then geoffrey lifted his opponent's head and brought it down with a bang on the granite in the very instant of his triumph something whistled behind him and a jagged piece of stone came smashing on to his temple he had a confused view of a native on his feet again fast hurrying away heard the rustle

Starting point is 04:28:32 of garments and a further rustle of more garments, and then his arm was closed upon a female figure whom he pulled to the ground by his side. He felt the woman open her lips to scream, but he clapped his hand over her mouth. "'No, you don't,' he said grimly. "'One of you has escaped, and my friend the nigger has had a narrow escape, but I've got you, my lady. I've got you safe, and I don't mean to let you go. He felt the slight figure in his arms tremble and palpitate. He heard voices above. Once more, the slim figure shivered. His hand was torn from her mouth, and the woman spoke. They are calling you, she said. For God's sake, let me go, Jeffrey.

Starting point is 04:29:27 For an instant Jeffrey was too dazed and stunned to speak. Marion? he gasped presently. Marion? Marion cowered down, sobbing bitterly. You are surprised, she said. No wonder. You wonder what I am doing here, and I will tell you presently. But not now.

Starting point is 04:29:56 I will place my secret and... your hands. I will disguise nothing from you. For the present, leave me. Leave you here? Impossible. But I am safe, quite safe, Jeffrey. Oh, if you have any feeling for one of the most miserable creatures in the world, leave me. Tell them above that those abandoned wretches have gone, that no sign of them remains. Consider, would I have suffered and am suffering for your family, and try to help me. Conscious of his own weakness, Jeffrey pondered. He might be doing a serious injury to the delicate plans formed by Ralph Ravenspur,

Starting point is 04:30:44 but he had given the promise, and there was an end of the matter. Marion was in some way bound up with these people, but Marion was pure as the angels, and Marion would do no wrong. Why, then, should her good name be dragged in the mire? You are so good, so good to me, Marion murmured. Go before they become alarmed at your silence and leave me here. Say that you saw nothing,

Starting point is 04:31:17 and when the house is quiet I shall make my way back again. Jeffrey retired upwards without further words. in the basement of the castle he found chigorsky and ralph ravenspur they managed to elude you asked the former geoffrey pointed to the ugly bruise on the side of his head yes he said they both got away but for this bit of an accident fighting in the dark i might have captured the dusky conspirator rather you had not on the whole ralph said something gave them the alarm as they reached the passages of course their idea was to murder some or all of us in our beds and our idea was to take them in the act but they got the alarm and vanished one of the fellows attacked me in the shrubbery just before dark but i fancy he will not do it again i saw him said geoffrey he came to mrs may's for assistance she pretended that i was mistaken but she had to give in at last when circumstances became too strong for her how did you manage to deal him that blow on the head uncle ralph smiled grimly i have my own means of protection he said what became of the fellow geoffrey explained all that had happened during and after the dinner at jessup's farm

Starting point is 04:32:56 his two listeners followed his statement with flattering interest yet all the time geoffrey was listening intently for signs of marion was she still in the vaults or had she managed to slip away to her bedroom the thought of the delicate girl down there in the darkness and cold was by no means pleasant we have managed to make a mess of it to-night said ralph how those people contrived to discover that there was danger afoot i can't understand but one thing is certain they will not be content to leave things as they are they may try the same thing again or their efforts may take a new and more ingenious direction which direction we shall discover said chigorsky can you let me out here or shall i go by the same means that i entered to geoffrey's relief ralph volunteered to open the hall door for his friend come this way he said all the bolts and bars have been oiled and will make no noise they slipped away quietly together geoffrey listened intently he fancied that he could hear footsteps creeping up the stairs and in the corridor a door softly closed then ralph ravenspur came back again chigorsky has gone he said after this it will be necessary for us to vary our plan of campaign a little you have learned something to-night

Starting point is 04:34:39 you know now that our antagonists are two indians and a woman who is dangerous as she is lovely and fascinating ah what a woman she is who is she is she geoffrey asked ah that i cannot tell you you must be content to wait i do not want you to know too much and then there is no chance of your being taken off your guard when the surprise comes it will be a dramatic one the more you see of that woman and the more you cultivate her the more you will find to wonder at but can i cultivate her after to-night why not she does not know the extent of your knowledge she has not the remotest idea that you have been helping to foil her schemes next time she will meet you as if nothing had happened geoffrey thought of marion and was silent that one so pure and sweet should be mixed up with a creature like that was horrible ralph ravenspur rose with a yawn he seemed to have lapsed into his wooden state he felt his way down the big flagged hall toward the staircase we can do nothing more he said i am going to bed good-night the door closed and then geoffrey was free to act he could go down into the vault and bring marion up but first he would try to ascertain if she was in her room he passed up the stairs and along the corridor outside marion's door he coughed gently the door opened and marian stood there clad in a fair white wrap with her glorious hair hanging free over her shoulders

Starting point is 04:36:40 her eyes were full of tears jeff she whispered jeff dear jeff she fell into his arms and pressed her lips long and clingingly to his her whole frame was quivering with mingled love and emotion then she snatched herself away from his embrace and with a single whispered word to-morrow closed the door behind behind her end of chapter 22 chapter 23 of the mystery of the ravenspurs by fred m white this librivox recording is in the public domain chapter twenty three marian explains a brilliant sunshine poured into the terrace room where the ravenspers usually breakfasted an innovation in the way of french windows led on onto a tessellated pavement, bordered with flowers on either side, and ending in the terrace overlooking the sea. A fresh breeze came from the ocean. The thunder of the surf was subdued to a drone. In the flowers a number of bees were busy, bees whose hives were placed against the side of the house. They were Vera's bees, and there were two hives of them.

Starting point is 04:38:14 Vera attended to them herself. They knew her, and she was wont to declare that in no circumstances would they do her any harm. That was why, as Jeffrey dryly put it, she never got stung more than once a week. I believe one has been arguing with you now, Jeffrey laughed. He was standing in the window as he spoke. He and Vera were the first two down. the girl was on the pavement gravely contemplating the palm of her right hand no indeed she said and anyway it was my own fault irish geoffrey cried that makes the second since monday let me see he took the little pink palm in his own brown hands i can't see the spot he said does it hurt much

Starting point is 04:39:14 a mere pinprick dear i suppose you can get inoculated against that sort of thing i mean that you can be stung and stung until it has no effect at all even by bees that know you and never do you any harm geoffrey laughed but i dare say you are right five years ago when we had that plague of wasps stenmore the keeper and myself destroyed over a hundred wasps nests in one season. I must have been stung nearly a thousand times. After the first score, I never noticed it. Was not so bad as the touch of a nettle. What? Has Vera been arguing with the bees again? The question came fresh and clear from behind the hives.

Starting point is 04:40:10 Marion stood there, making a fair picture indeed in her. white cotton dress. There was no shade of trouble in her eyes. She met Jeffrey's glance squarely. Her hand rested on his shoulder with a palpably tender squeeze. It was the only kind of illusion she made to last night's doings. She might not have had a single care or sorrow in the world. She seemed to take almost a childlike interest in the bees, the simple interest of one who has yet to be awakened to the knowledge of a conscience. Jeffrey had never admired Marion more than he did at this moment. Marion is afraid of my bees, Vera said.

Starting point is 04:41:00 Marion drew away shuddering from one of the velvety brown insects. I admit it, she said. They get on one's clothes and sting for pure mischief, and I am a sight after a bee has been operating upon me. If I had my own way, there would be a fire here some day, and then there would be no more bees. They trooped into breakfast, disputing the point cheerfully. It was impossible to be downcast on so perfect a morning.

Starting point is 04:41:35 Even the elders had discarded their gloom. Ralph Ravensper, mildly astonished everybody. by relating an eastern experience apropos of bees. But they were not like these, he concluded. They were big black bees, and their honey is poisonous. It is gathered from noxious swamp flowers, and, of course, is only intended for their own food. Even those bees...

Starting point is 04:42:06 The speaker paused, as if conscious that he was talking too much. He proceeded with his breakfast slowly. Go on, said Marion. I am interested. I was going to say, Ralph remarked in his croaking voice, that even those bees know how to protect themselves. It was a lame conclusion, and Marion said so. Jeffrey glanced at his uncle.

Starting point is 04:42:39 As plainly as possible, he read on the latter's face a desire to change the conversation. It was sufficiently easy to turn the talk into another channel, and during the rest of the meal, not another word came from Ralph Ravensper. Once more he was watching, watching for something with his sightless eyes.

Starting point is 04:43:03 And Jeffrey was watching Marion most of the time. She was gentle and gay and sweet as ever, as if strong emotions and herself had always been strangers. It seemed hard to recall the stirring events of the night before and believe that this was the same girl. How wonderfully she bore up for the sake of others, how bravely she crushed her almost overwhelming sorrow. She stood chatting on the pavement after breakfast. She was prattling gaily to Geoffrey, as the other gradually vanished on some mission or another. then her face suddenly changed her grasp on geoffrey's arm was almost convulsive now then she whispered let us get it over

Starting point is 04:43:56 geoffrey strolled by her side along the terrace they came at length to a spot where they could not be seen from the house marion turned almost defiantly now i am going to speak she whispered not if it gives you any pain said geoffrey my dear geoffrey you don't want to hear my explanation not if it causes you the least pain or annoyance i couldn't do it marian laughed but there was little of the music of mirth in her voice never be it said again that man is a curious creature she said you find me down in the vaults of the castle at midnight, mixed up with murderers and worse, you compel me to disclose my identity and take me prisoner. You force me to plead for mercy and silence. And now you calmly say you don't want to know anything about it. Jeffrey, are you indifferent to myself and my future that you speak like this? Jeffrey laid his hand on the speaker's arm tenderly.

Starting point is 04:45:12 marion he said it is because i think so highly of you and trust you so implicitly that i am going to ask no questions can you be any the worse because you are bound by some tie to that woman yonder certainly not rest assured that your secret is safe in my hands but i must tell you certain things jeff there is some one who comes to the castle a friend of uncle ralph's who is an enemy of this of mrs may's i don't know whether you know the man his name is chigorski no muscle of geoffrey's face moved i fancy i have heard the name he said when does he come here i-i don't know secretly and at night i have heard-night i have heard-night i have said-i don't know secretly and at night i expect. Oh, if I could only tell you everything. But I cannot. I dare not. If this Mr. Tegorski would only go away, I fear that his presence here will eventually endanger Uncle Ralph's life. You may perhaps give him a hint to that effect. Between Mrs. May and Tegorski, there is a blood feud. It has been imported from Tibet. I...

Starting point is 04:46:41 I can't say any more. And you interfered to save the life of others? Yes, yes! Someday you may know everything, but not yet. I am endangering my own safety, but I cannot sit down and see crime committed under my very eyes. It is all a question of an ancient secret society and a secret religion as old as the world.

Starting point is 04:47:10 Chigorsky has certain knowledge he has no right to possess. Don't press me, Jeff. My dear girl, I am not pressing you at all. No, no, you are very good, dear old boy. Only get Chigorsky out of the way. It will be better for all of us if you do. Jeffrey murmured something to the effect that he would do his best. at the same time he was profoundly mystified all he could grasp was that marian was bound up with mrs may in ties of blood the blood of ancient tibet

Starting point is 04:47:52 i'll do my best he said though i fear that my best will be bad tell me do you ever see this mrs may by any chance oh no no i couldn't do that-that No, I can't see her." Jeffrey began to talk about something else. When at length he and Marion parted, she was sweet and smiling again, as if she hadn't a single trouble in the world. For a long time, Jeffrey lounged over the balcony with a cigarette, trying to get to the bottom of the business.

Starting point is 04:48:33 The more he thought over it, the more it puzzled him. And how could he brook it? the matter of Chigorsky without betraying Marion. Ralph Ravenspur was in his room smoking and gazing into space. As Jeffrey entered he motioned him into a chair. He seemed to be expected. Well, Ralph said, you have something to say to me. You look surprised, but I know more than you imagine. So, Cigorsky is in danger, eh? Well, he has been in danger ever since he and I took this black business on.

Starting point is 04:49:16 We are all in danger, for that matter. Marion does not know what to do. Uncle, you know there is some tie between Marion and Mrs. May? Certainly I do. It is the crux of the situation. and Marion is to be our dea ex machina, the innocent goddess in the car to solve the mystery. But I am not going to tell you what that relationship is. Marion hates and loathes the woman and fears her.

Starting point is 04:49:51 Fears her, that is a mild way of putting it. Never mind how, I know what Marion was talking to you about on the terrace. Suffice it that I do know. So last night's danger was not ours, but Chigorskys. So Marion said, Uncle. Well, she was right. Tell her that Chigorsky is profoundly impressed, and that he is going away. In fact, has gone away.

Starting point is 04:50:25 Chigorsky is never going to be seen at Ravensper Castle anymore. Are you, Tegorsky? At the question, the inner door opened, and a figure stepped out. It was one of the natives that Jeffrey had seen in the hollow of the cliffs that eventful day. He could have sworn to the man anywhere, his stealthy glance, his shifty eye, his base humility. Chigorsky has disappeared, Ralph demanded. The man bowed low, then he raised his head, and, to Geoffrey's vast surprise, gravely and solemnly, winked at him. "'Never mind,' he said.

Starting point is 04:51:12 "'How's this for a disguise, Master Jeffrey?' It was Chigorsky himself. End of Chapter 23. Chapter 24 of The Mystery of the Raven Spurs by Fred M. White this libravovach's recording is in the public domain chapter twenty four marion's double geoffrey was lying perdue among the gorse on the cliff uplands he had a field-glass and a rook rifle by his side for he was waiting for a rabbit also he had stolen out here to think over the many matters that puzzled him he was slightly disturbed and on the whole not altogether well pleased why had his uncle and the mysterious chigorsky taken him so far into their confidence and then failed him at the critical moment he was prepared to take his share of the danger indeed he had already done so and had proved his steel and was not marion equally mysterious

Starting point is 04:52:29 true he might have got more out of her but had refrained from motives of delicacy perhaps after all his elders knew best a word slipped a suspicious glance might spoil everything then geoffrey looked up suddenly some two hundred yards away he saw a rabbit lopping along in his direction at the same instant two figures came along the cliff they were ladies and the sight of them astonished geoffrey for it was not usual to see anything more modern than a shepherd or a dog at this wild spot the figures paused they were picked out clear against the skisphrey they were picked out clear against the skis skyline as Jeffrey lay there. He recognized one of them. Surely the tall lady, with the easy, swinging carriage and supple grace, could be none other than Mrs. May. Jeffrey arranged his glasses. They were powerful binoculars, and through them he could see Mrs. May's features quite plainly. He looked through them again, long and earnestly, and her companion was Marion. just for an instant geoffrey doubted the evidence of his senses he wiped the glasses with his handkerchief and looked through them long and earnestly

Starting point is 04:53:56 no doubt could any longer be entertained it was marian marion who had declared that she had never spoken to the woman marion who hated the sight of her and here she was walking along with mrs may as if they were something more than friends yes it was maryon beyond a doubt she had discarded her white dress for one of blue her sailor hat was replaced by a red tamashanter all the same it was not possible to mistake the graceful figure even without the glasses geoffrey would have been prepared to swear to her he lay low under the bushes the two were coming in his direction geoffrey did not want to listen but something forced him there some power he could not resist nearer and nearer they came until geoffrey could hear mrs may's voice that is impossible my dear zeal she said but you are safe i am not so sure of that was the reply and i am only a pawn in the game it was marion's voice the same yet not the same it was a hoarse strained voice like the voice of a man who smokes to excess certainly geoffrey was not prepared to swear to those as the tones of marian absurd zezell of course you know that we are all in it together and look at the glorious reward when our task is over we must say that we must say that we are all in it together and look at the glorious reward when our task is over we must succeed ultimately. There is no doubt about that, in spite of Chigorsky. It is only a question of time.

Starting point is 04:55:50 Am I to believe that you are not going to be true to your oath? I shall not forget my oath. Can the leopard change his spot? But I am getting so tired of it all. I should like to end it at one swoop. If you can do that... I have just shown you how it is possible. There is some in that suggestion and it is so artistic it would be quoted in the scientific papers and various ingenious theories would be put forth but some might escape one or two perhaps at the outside let them nobody could suspect us over that and i have the bees safely in my possession geoffrey heard no more the figures passed by him and then repassed in the direction whence they came. No sooner were they out of sight than Jeffrey rose to his feet. He felt that he must ascertain at once whether that girl was Marion or not. The face was hers, the figure hers, but that voice never. He would find out. He would know. He would...

Starting point is 04:57:11 Then he paused. He came over the knoll of the irregular cliff and there, strolling towards him in her white dress and straw hat was Marion. She was gathering gorse and did not see him until he was close upon her. The pause gave Geoffrey time to recover from his absolute amazement. So that creature had not been Marion after all. A deep sigh of thankfulness rose to his lips. The sense of relief was almost painful. By the time that Marion became conscious of his presence, he had recovered his presence of mind.

Starting point is 04:57:55 Marion plainly could know nothing about her double, and he was not going to tell her. I heard you were here, Jeff, she said. Jessup told me so, just now. Are you going home? Jeffrey nodded. He had no words for the present. It is so lovely, Marion went on. I am quite proud of my courage in coming alone. Do you see anything else here? Nothing but rabbits, Jeffrey replied, and few of them today.

Starting point is 04:58:32 You are the only human being I have seen since I started. Then they walked home, chattering gaily together. Jeffrey felt his suspicions falling away from him one by one. indeed he was feeling somewhat ashamed of himself to doubt marian on any ground was ridiculous to doubt the evidence of his own senses was more absurd still thank god he had met marian all the same there were things to tell ralph ravenspur he at any rate must know all that had been heard that morning ralph was seated in his room with his everlasting pipe in his mouth, much as if he had not moved since breakfast. "'I have news for you, Uncle,' Jeffrey said as he entered the room. "'Of course you have, my boy. I knew that directly I heard your step on the stair.

Starting point is 04:59:34 I hope you have stumbled on something of importance.' "'Well, that is for you to say. I saw Mrs. May. She came quite close to me on the cliffs.' She had a companion. When I looked through my glasses, I saw it was Marion. Ralph did not start. He merely smiled. Not our Marion, he said. Not our dear little girl.

Starting point is 05:00:06 Of course not. Singular that you should have our love of and faith in Marion when you have never seen her. I had my glasses, and I could have sworn it was Marion. Then they came close enough for me to hear them speak, and I knew that I was mistaken. It was not Marion's voice. Besides, I met the real Marion a few minutes later, dressed in her white dress and hat. So, that is settled.

Starting point is 05:00:37 What did the other girl wear? A loose blue dress, a serge, I should say. And her hat? A Scottish thing, what they call a Tamashanter. So that acquits Armarian. She couldn't be in two places at once. She couldn't even wear two dresses at the same time. And Armarian's voice is the music of the sphere,

Starting point is 05:01:07 the sweetest in the whole world. But the face was the same. The likeness was paralyzing. What do you make of it, Uncle? ralph smiled dryly i make a good deal of it he replied let us not jump to conclusions however did you hear anything they were saying of course i did mrs may was urging her companion to do something she was pointing out how rich the reward would be it was something i fancy that had a deal to do with us i shouldn't be surprised ralph said grimly go on something artistic that would be commented on in the scientific papers a thing that would not lead to suspicion yes yes did you manage to get a clue to what it was i am afraid not mrs may made one remark that was an enigma to me she said that she said that it was

Starting point is 05:02:17 said that she had the bees safely in her possession. A queer sound came from Ralph's lips. His face glared with a strange light. You have done well, he said. Oh, you have done well indeed. And for the time, not another word would he utter. End of Chapter 24. Chapter 25 of the Mystery of the Raven Spurs by Fred M. White.

Starting point is 05:02:53 this libervox recording is in the public domain chapter twenty five geoffrey is puzzled it was a long time before ralph ravenspur spoke again he remained so quiet that geoffrey began to imagine that his existence had been forgotten he ventured to lay a hand on his uncle's knee the latter started like one who sleeps uneasily under the weight of a haunting fear oh of course he said i had forgotten you i had forgotten everything and yet you brought me news of the greatest importance what was it that you shall know speedily the danger had not occurred to me for the moment and yet all the time it has been under my nose still you might easily be forgiven for not seeing seeing has nothing to do with it and there is nothing the matter with my hearing the danger has been humming in my ears for days and i never heard it now it is really a little to do with it-and there is nothing the matter with my hearing the danger has been humming in my ears for days and i never heard it now it is roaring like niagara but please god we shall avert the danger you might take me into your confidence in this matter uncle that i shall before a day has passed but not for the moment we are face to face now with the most dangerous crisis that has yet occurred the enemy can strike us down one by one and nobody shall dream that there is anything beyond a series of pain sudden deaths. Failure of the heart's action, the doctors would call it. That is all.

Starting point is 05:04:49 At that moment, Jigorski returned to the room. No longer was he in the disguise of an Indian. Perhaps he had donned it to surprise Jeffrey. Perhaps he was just discarding the disguise after putting it to some practical use. To him, Ralph repeated all that Jeffrey had said. he followed with the most rapt and most careful attention danger indeed he said gravely the danger that moves unseen on the air and strikes from out of nothingness i prophesied something like this ralph ay my friend ralph replied you did but not quite the same way because i did not know that fortune had placed the medium so close at hand where are the bees geoff was listening intently up to now he had failed to understand why his story had moved ralph so profoundly and what could the bees have to do with it yet mrs May had mentioned bees.

Starting point is 05:06:03 They are in two hives outside the morning room window, said Ralph. The bees are Vera's pets, and they thrive for the most part along the flower borders of the terrace. They are ordinary bees. In the ordinary bar-frame hives, of course? Oh, yes, they are quite up to date. You can see the insects working, and all that are. that kind of thing. The hives can be moved.

Starting point is 05:06:35 I suppose they're a nuisance occasionally, Chigorsky asked. Yes, Jeffrey smiled. We have all been stung now and again. Chigorsky appeared to be satisfied on that head. He smoked a whole cigarette while he revolved a plan in his mind. It is necessary to get the whole family out of the for a time," he said slowly. It will be necessary to do so without delay. Unless I am greatly mistaken, the mischief has already been done. Ralph, can you induce your father and the whole family to go away for a time, say till after dark?

Starting point is 05:07:22 Perhaps, Ralph replied, but not without explaining, and it is impossible to do that. But Jeffrey might manage it. Unless he does manage it, one or more of us will pay the penalty before daybreak. I will do anything you desire, Jeffrey cried eagerly. Then go to your grandfather and get him to arrange a picnic over to Alton Keep. It is a perfect day, and it will be possible to remain out till dark, returning to a late supper. I know the suggestion sounds absurd, childish in the circumstances, but it will have to be done. Say that there is a great danger in the castle which has to be removed.

Starting point is 05:08:13 Say that nobody is to know anything about it. Go. Jeffrey went at once. He found the head of the family in the library, trying to interest himself in a book. He looked up as Jeffrey entered. and a slight smile came over his worn face. There were two people in the house who could do anything with him, Jeffrey and Vera.

Starting point is 05:08:40 You look as if you wanted something, he said. I do, Jeffrey replied. I want you to do me a great favor. It is granted, granted on the principle that we make the last hours of the condemned criminal as comfortable as possible. then i want you to get up a picnic to-day rupert ravensburg dropped his glasses on the table he wondered if this was some new kind of danger a mysterious form of insanity brought about by the common enemy i am perfectly serious geoffrey said with a smile not that it is any laughing matter dear grandfather there is a great danger in the high danger house i don't know what it is but uncle ralph knows and he has never been wrong yet it was he who found out all about those dreadful flowers and he wants the house cleared till dark

Starting point is 05:09:45 unless we do so the morning will assuredly see the end of one or more of us is it a painless death the old man asked grimly if it is i prefer to remain here. But there is always hope, Jeffrey pleaded, and you always think of us. Won't you do this thing? Won't you say that it is a sudden whim of yours? Mind everybody is to go, everybody, but Uncle Ralph. I shall ride, and when I have ridden some distance, I shall pretend to have forgotten something. Perhaps you deem me unduly foolish, but I implore you to do this thing. Rupert-Ravenspur hesitated no longer. He always found it hard to resist that young smiling, handsome face. Not that he was blind to the folly of the proceedings.

Starting point is 05:10:46 On his own initiative, he would as soon have danced a hornpipe in the hall. I will go and see about it at once, he said. He had put off his somber air and assumed a kind of ill-fitting gaiety. Gordon Ravensper and his wife received the suggestion with becoming resignation. To them it was the first signs of a mind breaking down under an intolerable strain. Vera and Marion professed themselves to be delighted. It sounds odd, said the latter. fancy the doomed and faded ravenspurs going on a picnic and fancy the suggestion too coming from grandfather vera looked anxious

Starting point is 05:11:38 you don't imagine she said that his mind oh his mind is all right you can see that from his face but i expect that the strain is telling on him and that he wants to get out of himself for a time personally i regard the ideas charming the preparations were made no great matter in so large and well regulated in establishment as raven spur castle if the servants were astonished they said nothing the stolid coachman sat solemnly on the box of the wagonette the demur footman touched his hat as he put up the step with the air of a man who was accustomed to do this sort of thing every day. Jeffrey stood under the big portico and waved his hand. You should drive with us, Marion cried. And you won't be long, Vera asked.

Starting point is 05:12:44 Oh, I am duly impressed with the importance of the occasion, Jeffrey laughed. My horse will get there almost as soon as you arrive. Call the spaniel. Tutt. the pet spaniel was called but no response was made and finally the party drove off without him geoffrey watched the wagonette with a strange sense of unreality upon him he felt that he could have scoffed at a situation like this in the pages of a novel and yet it is the truth that is always so improbable our most solemn and most trivial thoughts always run along the grooves of the mind together, and as Jeffrey passed around the house, he caught

Starting point is 05:13:33 himself wondering where the dog was. He whistled again and again. It was a most unusual thing for Tut to be far from the family. Outside the morning room window, the dog lay as if fast asleep. Get up, you lazy beast, Jeffrey cried. After them, sir. But the dog, but the dog, did not move he made no sign as Jeffrey cuffed him with the side of his foot the dog was dead he lay still and placid there was no sign of pain there was nothing about the carcass to suggest poison close by the bees were busy among the flowers in the hives there seemed to be more noise than usual geoffrey opened the window of the morning room, leaving the casement flung back behind him. A long claw was put forth to shut it. The window must be kept closed, Ralph Ravenspur said quietly.

Starting point is 05:14:44 In fact, I have given orders that every window in the house is to be closed. Why, you will see presently. Did you notice anything as you came along? I was too excited. Jeffrey replied. I have just found poor Tut outside. The dog has died suddenly. Half an hour ago he was perfectly well, young, full of life and vigor.

Starting point is 05:15:13 And now he is dead. Lies just outside the window, doesn't he? Ralph asked. He seemed to speak callously. A man who had passed through his experience and emotions, was not likely to feel for the loss of a dog and yet there was intense curiosity in his tone just outside close to the hives ah yes he was poisoned you think i expect so and yet where could he get the poison nobody comes here perhaps it was not poison after all a thin smile flickered on ralph's face yes it was he said the dog was poisoned by a bee sting end of chapter twenty five

Starting point is 05:16:19 chapter twenty six of the mystery of the ravenspurs by fred m white this libervox recording is in the public domain chapter twenty six jeffrey begins to understand geoffrey had no words for a time slowly the hideousness of the plot was beginning to beat in upon him mrs may had mentioned bees to her mysterious companion who had so remarkable a likeness to marion and by a strange chance ralph ravenspur had the same morning at breakfast mentioned a certain asiatic bee whose poison and whose honey were fatal to human life ah said geoffrey slowly the bees mrs may mentioned precisely my boy and the bees that i mentioned also chigorsky found the dog but a minute or two ago he slipped downstairs with me the minute we heard the wagonette drive away he was very anxious to see the hives directly he caught sight of tut lying there he knew what had happened he has gone to my room for something when he comes back he will have something to show you chigorsky entered the room a moment later he had in his hand a small cardboard box with a glass lid inside something was buzzing angrily it was an insect the wings of which moved so rapidly it was an insect the wings of which moved so rapidly that they seemed to scream as a housefly does when the falxes of a spider close upon him

Starting point is 05:18:08 have a good look at it chagorsky said curtly is it dangerous geoffrey asked one of the most deadly of winged insects the russian said it is a black bee from the forests near lasse there is a larger variety whose sting produces the most horrible sufferings and death this sort injects a poison which stops the action of the heart like prussic acid but without the rigidity caused by that poison the lasa black bee invades other bees nests and preys on their honey they frighten the other bees which make no attempt to drive them out but go on working as usual then gradually the whole hive gets impregnated with that poison and an ordinary brown bee becomes as dangerous as a black one this is the bee that killed your dog then the hives are already impregnated geoffrey cried precisely half a dozen of these black bees have been introduced into the hives now do you begin to understand the malignity of the plot your dog was not dead when with my net i caught this fellow i expected to catch him and ran great risk in doing so Of course. It was a recreation compared with some of the risks I've run. You are right there, Ralph said in his deep croaking tones.

Starting point is 05:19:53 Look at the thing, Jeffrey. With a shudder, Jeffrey took the box in his hand. There was nothing formidable about the insect under the glass lid. It had more anger and fury, more devil than the ordinary bee. but it was very little larger of a deep lustrous black with orange eyes and purple gauzy wings there was nothing weird about it was it imported for the purpose geoffre asked undoubtedly ralph replied imported by the woman who calls herself mrs may before she came over to england she must have had this house described to her with the greatest minuteness. Otherwise, she could not have so many instruments ready to her hand.

Starting point is 05:20:49 She would never have thought of these bees, for instance. If this scheme had not been discovered, everybody in the house would have been stung before long, and everyone assuredly would have died. Those black bees are exceedingly fierce, and do not hesitate to attack everybody and everything. Their sting is so. sharp and so minute that it leaves no mark and no pain.

Starting point is 05:21:17 Half an hour passes, and then the victim falls down and dies. Jeffrey regarded the specimen with new interest. He eyed it up and down, as if examining a cobra through the glass slides of its prison house. Chigorsky took the box and flattened the lid down, until the insect within was no more than that. a red smash on the glass. A little later, and the thing was pitched over the cliffs into the sea. It is a dreadful business, Jeffrey said.

Starting point is 05:21:53 And indeed, it seems almost hopeless to try to combat foes so ruthless, so resourceful, and so daring as ours. No sooner are we out of one horror than we are into another. While life lasts, there is always hope said chigorsky that's true said geoffrey more cheerfully at any rate we can avert the danger now but how are we going to get rid of those things we are going to catch them said chigorsky grimly we shall have to destroy all the other bees i am afraid and we shall be compelled to let miss vera draw out her own conclusions as to the cause of the mischief and the honey mr chigorsky oh the honey will be all right that hasn't been stung you know i have tasted honey from a nest which the black bees have invaded and have been none the worse for it we had better surmise that for some inscrutable reason the bees have deserted their quarters and we shall propose to know nothing at all about the matter

Starting point is 05:23:11 i flatter myself we shall puzzle the enemy as completely as our friends the matter was discussed in all its bearings until the light began to fail and the glow faded gradually from out of the sky then after locking the inner door of the morning room ralph produced two large gauze frames some matches and powdered sulphur this with a small bellows completed the stock in trade chigorsky immediately set about his task in a workmanlike manner the bees were all in the two hives by this time over the hole in front of each a square of muslin was fastened a pile of sulphur in front was lighted and the fumes were gently wafted into the hole with the aid of the pair of miniature bellows there was an angry murmur from within the murmur of droning insets then the quick scream of churning wings the little strip of muslin was strained by alarmed and infuriated bees striving to escape but not for long gradually the noise died down and chigorski signed to geoffrey to help him carry the hive into the house there it was deposited on a table and the top lifted off instantly the gauze frame was placed over it and with a brush chigorski swept out the stagnant insects into a glass-topped box provided for the purpose on the whole there was not much danger but it was just as well to be on the safe side not one left said chagorski after he had made a careful investigation

Starting point is 05:25:09 but it's quite as well to be certain i've put those insects into the box but i don't fancy that any of them will revive now for the other one the other hive was treated in similar fashion there was no hitch and finally the frame was replaced as if nothing had happened with the exception that the tiny occupants were no more in the glass boxes among the piles of dead bees geoffrey could see here and there the form of a black insect from his coat pocket chigorsky produced some long thin strips of lead which he proceeded to wind round the boxes containing the bees there he exclaimed that job is done at last and a nasty one it has been to prevent any further mischief i'll just step across the terrace and throw these over into the sea he moved off into the darkness and as he did so there came the sound of a fresh young voice that startled geoffrey and row as if they had been criminals caught red-handed in some crime. Jeffrey, Jeffrey, where are you? The voice cried.

Starting point is 05:26:33 Ralph stepped across and closed the window as Vera entered. It was quite dark outside, and Ralph hoped that Chigorsky would see without being seen. Vera flashed a look of gentle reproach at her lover. How can you look me in the same? the face after the way in which you have treated me she asked this is the first day's pleasure we have had for years and you did not care to leave uncle ralph geoff geoffrey said he seemed so lonely that i felt i could not let him remain like this geoff is a good fellow ralph muttered vera bent and kissed geoff fondly she smiled without any show of anger.

Starting point is 05:27:24 I forgive him, she said. Still, I did miss him. Where are you going, dear? Across the terrace, Jeffrey replied. I'll be into supper directly. It's all ready, and there is Marion calling you. I'm coming. Chigorsky had crept to the window.

Starting point is 05:27:48 He caught Jeffrey's eye and waved to him vigorously. It was a sign that he wanted assistance at once. End of Chapter 26. Chapter 27 of The Mystery of the Raven Spurs by Fred M. White. This Libervox recording is in the public domain. Chapter 27. An unexpected guest. Jeffrey gave one glance at Ralph before he went.

Starting point is 05:28:26 The latter nodded slightly and sharply. much as if he saw the look and perfectly comprehended it vera had disappeared at marion's call in the dining-room beyond the servants were getting supper from the distance came the pop of a cork outside it was dark by this time geoffrey closed the window he did not speak but waited for chagorski to give the sign his feet touched something that gave out a faint metallic twang. Jeffrey wondered, did this mean burglars? He was certainly near to a wire which was stretched across the terrace,

Starting point is 05:29:11 close to the ground. It was precisely the precaution taken by modern burglars to baffle capture in case of being disturbed during their predatory proceedings. But burglars would not come to Ravenspur. A minute's reflection convinced Jeffrey of that. The name and horror of the house were known all over England. Everybody knew of the

Starting point is 05:29:36 watch and ward kept there, and no burglar in his senses would risk what amounted to almost certain capture. No, something far different was going on, and that something had been sprung hastily, for half an hour before these wires had not been there. Jeffrey waited with comfortable assurance that Cigorsky was not far off. A stealthy footstep crept toward him. A shadow crossed the gloom. Is that you, Cigorsky? Jeffrey whispered. Yes, came the reply. There are hawks about. Listen. A little way down the terrace, something was moving.

Starting point is 05:30:23 Jeffrey could hear what sounded to him like labored breathing, followed by a stifled cry of pain. The one hawk is wounded and the other has sheared off, said Cigorski. It sounds like a woman, said Jeffrey. It is a woman, my dear boy, and such a woman. Beautiful as the angels, fair as a summer's night. Clever! No words can paint her talents.

Starting point is 05:30:55 And she is in the toils. She cries, but... nobody heeds. Again came the cry of pain. There was a flash and a spurt of flame as Cigorski struck a match and proceeded to light a lantern. He picked his way over the entanglement of wires. Jeffrey followed him.

Starting point is 05:31:18 Who laid this labyrinth? Jeffrey asked. Oh, a good and true assistant of ours, an old servant of your uncles. We have more than one assistant, and Elphick is invaluable. We laid the trap for the bird, and she has broken her wing in it. Pity she has not broken her neck.

Starting point is 05:31:43 Jeffrey did not echo the last ferocious sentiment. He was aflame with curiosity. A little farther off in the dim path shown by the lantern's flare, something dark lay huddled on the ground. There was a flash of white here and there, the shimmer and rustle of silken garments. It might have been Jeffrey's fancy,

Starting point is 05:32:09 but he seemed to hear a hurried whisper of voices and saw something rise from the ground and hurry away. But the black and white heap remained. Chigorsky flashed his lantern upon it. geoffrey could just see that there was a strange malignant grin upon his face a lady he cried in affected astonishment ravenspur here is a lady madame permit me to tend to you our assistance you are in pain a white defiant face looked up a beautiful face disfigured for the moment by evil passions there was murder in the eyes the woman seemed to have no consciousness of any one but chigorsky it is you she hissed tujore chigorsky yes it is but i have unfortunately forgotten your name strange that one should do so in the case of one so lovely and distinguished you are

Starting point is 05:33:19 mrs may mrs mona may she had caught sight of geoffrey now and a smile came forced to her lips mrs mona may said georgsky he spoke in the same slightly mocking strain mrs mona may how stupid of me to forget and yet in my muddled brain the name was so different Jeffrey bent over the woman anxiously. "'You are in pain,' he said. "'May I assist you?' "'Indeed, it is very kind of you, Mr. Ravenspur,' Mrs. May replied. "'I tripped over something. I have hurt my ankle.' "'Barbed wire,' said Chigorsky,

Starting point is 05:34:12 "'laid down to trap, uh, burglars. But on no other occasion—' Mrs. May paused and bit her lips. Chigorsky smiled. He understood what she was going to say. On no other occasion when she had been here had she encountered a similar obstacle. Jeffrey was frankly puzzled. How did you get here? he asked.

Starting point is 05:34:41 When the gates are closed... But they were not closed an hour ago when I slipped into the yard, was the reply. i am ashamed to say that i allowed sheer vulgar curiosity to get the better of me and now i am properly punished for my error of taste nothing but curiosity chigorsky murmured my dear ravenspur you may dismiss any unworthy suspicions from your mind the glamour of your name and the fatal romance that clings to your race have proved too much for the most charming and most tender-hearted of her sets i have no suspicions at all said geoffrey of course not chigorsky spoke in the same mocking way the light yet keen sarcasm was lost on geoffrey but the other listener understood mrs may would not injure a living creature not a fly or a bee the white face flashed again by this time the woman was on her feet one foot she found it almost impossible to put to the ground "'Get a conveyance and take me home,' she moaned.

Starting point is 05:36:05 "'Perish the thought,' Chigorsky cried. "'Would the Raven Spurs outrage the sacred name of hospitality like that? Circumstances compel the life of the cloister and the recluse, but there are limits. Suspicious as the family must be, I am sure they would not fear an unfortunate lady with a sprain. ankle of course not Jeffrey observed I will go and prepare them he had read that suggestion in Chigorsky's eyes heedless of Mrs. May's protests he had vanished toward the house Chigorsky had stooped and taken the woman in his arms as if she had been a child what a precious burden he said scarred and barred and badly I'm uttered. Old Cigorsky is a fortunate man, madam. There, you need not struggle.

Starting point is 05:37:05 Your little fluttering heart has no occasion to beat like that. I am not going to throw you over the cliffs. The last few words were uttered in tones of smothered ferocity. You are a devil, the woman muttered. Aye, you are right there. Never was the devil strong. longer in my heart than he is at this moment. Never was I more tempted to pitch you over the terrace into the sea. But there is worse than that waiting for you.

Starting point is 05:37:39 What are you going to do with me? I am going to carry you into the house. I am going to introduce you formally to the family of Ravenspur. I am doing you a kindness. Think how useful the information afforded you will be later. You are certainly the boldest man in England. As you are the most utterly abandoned and unscrupulous woman, I can only die once, but I am not going to die before I see you and your hellspawn all hanged. Why don't you denounce me now? Madam, I never did care for unripe fruit. The pear is ripening on the tree. The pear is ripening on the tree, and I will pluck it when the time comes." Chigorsky pushed the window of the morning

Starting point is 05:38:36 room open and laid his burden down on a couch. Almost immediately, Rupert-Ravenspur, followed by Mrs. Gordon and Jeffrey, came into the room. Ralph was already there. Jeffrey proceeded to explain and make the necessary introduction. And who is this gentleman? rupert ravenspur demanded his eye on chigorsky a friend of mine ralph put in dr chigorski ravenspur bowed not that he looked over-pleased permit me to place my hospitality at your disposal he said it is many years since we entertained at ravenspur nor do we in ordinary circumstance desire them at present i cannot do less than make you welcome madam i regret that your curiosity should have ended so disastrously i am properly punished mrs may groaned my poor foot in the presence of pain and suffering even ravenspers displeasure disappeared mrs gordon proceeded to cut away the high french boot and bathe the small foot in warm water

Starting point is 05:40:00 almost immediately mrs may declared the pain to have passed away there were tears in her eyes tears that moved some of the onlookers i am sure i don't deserve this she said i have behaved so abominably that i really don't know what to say say nothing mrs gordon replied simply and gently but come in to supper i understand that you are staying at jessup's farm a message shall be sent them that you will not return until morning meanwhile if you will lean on me we will manage to reach the dining-room the procession started in the doorway stood vera she came forward with a speech of condolence chigorsky was watching the pair there was a hard gleam in his eyes the clenching of his hand as over the hilt of a dagger beyond with a face white as her dress stood marian she staggered against the table as she saw mrs may her face was full of terror geoffrey wondered what it all meant and was this the wildest comedy or the direst tragedy that was working out before his eyes end of chapter twenty seven chapter twenty eight of the mystery of the ravenspurs by fred m white this librivox recording is in the public domain chapter twenty eight more of the bees of the real palpitating horror of the situation only three people around the table knew the true inwardness they were chigorsky and ralph and mrs may

Starting point is 05:42:03 geoffrey guessed much and probably marian could have said a deal had she cared to her face was smiling again but the uneasy haunted look never left her eyes and all through the elaborate daintily served meal mrs may never glanced at the girl once and yet here under the ravenspur roof partaking of the family hospitality was the evil itself. Ralph smiled to himself grimly as he wondered what his father would say if he knew the truth. Once or twice as he spoke, Mrs. May glanced at him curiously. She was herself now. She might have been an honored guest at that table for years. Your face is oddly familiar to me, she said. I regret I cannot say the same, Ralph replied. replied i am blind but you have not always been blind no but my misfortune dates back for a number of years it is a matter that i do not care to discuss with anybody

Starting point is 05:43:20 but mrs may was not to be baffled she had an odd feeling that this man and herself had met before the face was the same and yet not the same were you ever in tibet she asked i had a brother who once went there ralph replied i am accounted like him it is possible you may have met my brother madam the speech was sullen delivered with a stupid air that impressed mrs may that she had nothing to fear from him and yet the words had a curious effect on her her face changed color, and for the first time she glanced at Marion. The girl was trembling. She was ashy gray to her lips. Chigorsky, observing, smiled. Tibet is a wonderful country, he said, and Lhasa a marvelous city. I had some of my strangest experiences there. I and another man, since dead, penetrated all the secret. of the holy city.

Starting point is 05:44:35 It was only by a miracle that I escaped with my life, but these I will carry to my grave. He indicated the scars on his face. Vera was profoundly interested. Tell me something of your adventures there, she said. Someday, perhaps, Chigorsky replied. For the most part, they were too horrible. i could tell you all about the beasts and birds and insects i see you have some bees outside miss vera did you ever see tibet bees are they different to ours vera asked

Starting point is 05:45:20 chigorski glanced up mrs may was regarding him with more than a flattering interest a slight smile almost a defiance parted her lips marian was looking down at her plate crumbling a piece of bread absently some of them said chigorsky some are black for instance i have a place in kent where i dabble in that kind of thing i have a few of the bees with me chigorski took a small box from his pocket and laid it on the table vera inspected the black bees for a moment and then handed it to the small box from his pocket and laid it on the table vera inspected the black bees for a moment and then handed it them back to tigorsky by accident or design he let the box fall the lid flew open and immediately half a dozen sable objects were buzzing in the air a yell of terror broke from mrs may a yell that rang to the roof she jumped to her feet only to sink again with the pain of the injured limb she seemed to have lost all control of her herself. She turned and addressed Chigorsky in some liquid tongue that conveyed nothing to anyone, except that she was denouncing the Russian in a fury of passionate anger. Jeffrey had risen, too, greatly alarmed. From the head of the table, Ralph Ravensper

Starting point is 05:46:53 coolly demanded to know what it was all about. The man is mad, Mrs. May screamed. He is a dangerous lunatic. Those are the black bees of Tibet. They are the most fearsome of insects. Ah! One of the droning objects dropped on her hand, and she yelled again. She was a picture of abject and pitiable terror. I am doomed, doomed, she moaned, killed by a careless madman.

Starting point is 05:47:30 Is there any danger? Jeffrey demanded. only the life led among so many perils caused the family to wait calmly for the next and most dramatic development perhaps the way in which chigorski was behaving gave them confidence if he was a madman as mrs may asserted then the madman was wonderfully calm and placid you are alarming yourself unnecessarily he said see here he reached over and took the bee from mrs may's arm the insect had become entangled in her sleeve and was buzzing angrily the little creature is furious he said as a matter of fact they are always more or less furious if there is any danger there is danger now he held the bee lightly in his hand then he released it the stings have been removed he said i bred these myself and i know how to treat them i am sorry to have caused a disturbance he spoke with serious earnest politeness but there was a mocking light in his eyes as he turned upon mrs may nobody had a thought or a glance for anybody else and the spectacle of marion lying back half fainting in her chair passed unnoticed then they are usually dangerous vera asked my dear young lady they are dreadful chigorski explained

Starting point is 05:49:16 they invade other nests and eat the honey as they might have invaded your hives by way of experiment i tried one of these on your hives to-night and your bees seem to recognize an enemy at once they all deserted their hives hives, and not one of them has returned. As some amends for what I have done, I am going to send you two of the finest swarms in England. Vera shuddered. I shall never want to see a bee again, she said. Once more the eyes of Tregorsky and Mrs. May met. She knew well that Tegorski was talking at her through the rest,

Starting point is 05:50:02 and that in his own characteristic way he was informing her that the last plot had failed. With a queer smile on her face, she proceeded to peel a peach. You are so horribly clever, she said, that I feel half afraid of you, but I don't suppose we shall meet again. Not unless you come to Russia, said Chagorsky, whither I start tomorrow. But I am leaving my affairs in competent hands. Again was the suggestion of a threat.

Starting point is 05:50:41 Again Mrs. May smiled. The smile was on her face long after the three most interested in the tragedy had left the dining hall and gone to the billiard room for a smoke. Are you really leaving us? Jeffrey asked. i want mrs may to imagine so said chigorsky in a day or two her spies will bring her information that i have left england as a matter of fact i have succeeded in tapping a vein of information that has baffled me for a long time still i am not going away and my disguise will be the one you saw me in if luck goes well i shall be attached to mrs may in the character of a note goes well i shall be attached to mrs may in the character of a night native servant before long. So, if you see any suspicious-looking Asiatic prowling about, don't put a bullet into him, for you may kill me by mistake.

Starting point is 05:51:43 Jeffrey smiled and promised. That was a rare fright you gave Mrs. May over the bees, he said. How did you manage it? Chigorsky smiled as he lighted a cigarette. i stole them from the woman's spare supply he said i have been all over her possessions to-day i almost suffocated the horrible little things and removed their stings of course they won't live many hours i did it in a spirit of mischief intending to release them in my lady's own sitting-room i couldn't resist the temptation to try her nerves to-night you are getting near the truth geoffrey asked very near it we want certain evidence to bring the whole gang into the net and then we shall strike if they don't murder us first but the speaker paused as vera entered the room where is mrs may geoffrey asked she has gone to her room vera explained her first her first her first her first

Starting point is 05:53:00 is so painful that she has decided to accept an invitation to spend the night here. Good, Chigorsky muttered. It could not have been better. End of Chapter 28. Chapter 29 of the Mystery of the Ravenspurs by Fred M. White. This Libravox recording is in the public domain. Chapter 29. Mrs. May at Ravenspur. the woman known as mrs mona may had lost no time in adapting herself to circumstances that she had found her way on to the terrace for no good purpose was known to three people although in all probability she imagined that shigorsky alone was acquainted with her designs

Starting point is 05:53:58 he had laid a trap for her and to a certain extent he had forced her hand but she was too brilliant and unscrupulous a woman not to be able to turn misfortune to her own advantage and was she not here here a guest among those who for some reason she hated from her soul why it matters not for the present from mrs may's point of view chagorski alone knew and chigorsky was going away ere long but whether chigorsky remained or not mrs mona may could defy him to prove that she was in any way connected with the misfortunes of the ravenspurs once the man she had most reason to dread had withdrawn to the billiard-room the adventuress lost no time in ingratiating herself with her involuntary hosts this was the woman with whom geoffrey had died mind. Vera regarded her curiously. She was very beautiful and fascinating. She had a manner that attracted. Her conversation was bright and interesting. "'You must not mind me,' she said to Vera, and you must not grudge me a little of your lover's company. Vera blushed divinely.

Starting point is 05:55:24 "'How did you guess that?' she asked. oh there are signs my dear i have had my own romance and i know but women of my age can never really rival young girls like yourself we lack the one great charm i should not have thought so said vera mrs may patted the girl playfully on the cheek that is a very pretty compliment she replied but it does not alter facts a woman of forty may be fascinating she has the brilliant parts but alas it is only once that she can possess youth the speaker turned away with a gentle sigh and began to discuss the art treasures in the drawing-room with mrs gordon all the time marion had held coldly aloof from the stranger you are not like yourself to-night vera murmured marion's dark eyes were lifted there were purple rings under those eyes and a hunted expression on the white face it was the face of one who has seen a terror that it is impossible to forget am i not she said indifferently perhaps so don't you like that woman vera asked frankly i don't i don't marion admitted but there are reasons. Strange that you don't recognize the likeness between us. Jeffrey did at once.

Starting point is 05:57:09 Vera started. Strange indeed that she had not noticed it before. And now that Marion had spoken, the likeness was surprising. Making allowance for the disparity of years, the two faces were the same. Is there another mystery? asked. Marion smiled like her old self. Indeed there is, she confessed. But it is a poor, vulgar little thing beside your family mystery. Mrs. May is a connection of mine. As a matter of fact, she is closely related to my mother's family. She is not a good woman, and I hope you will see as little of her as possible. But I suppose she came to see you?

Starting point is 05:58:02 Oh, dear, no. She would never have done that. She knows perfectly well that I should strongly oppose her coming here. Beyond question, her taking up her residence for the benefit of her health in this village was simply a coincidence. Vera looked closely at the visitor. Mrs. May doesn't look like an invalid, she said. she doesn't it is her heart any sudden excitement might be fatal to her is it not strange that i have the seeds of the same complaint you marion i never heard that before and you are here oh yes i am here a bad place for heart troubles you would say

Starting point is 05:58:55 but i am young and strong i merely made the remark perhaps it would have been better had i not said anything about it mrs may was talking she protested gently against the trouble she was causing she protested gently against the trouble she was causing indeed there was no reason why she should not have gone back to her farm still her kind friends were so very pressing she would stay the night but she must be up and away early in the morning she had pressing business tiresome law business to see to in york and now i am not going to keep you up any longer she said with a brilliant smile who will help me upstairs will you dear she had risen to her feet and approached marian the girl seemed to shrink back it looked as if she was being dragged into some painful undertaking then the natural sweetness of her disposition conquered her dislike if you think i can manage it she said mrs may hobbled upstairs leaning on marion's shoulder chatting gaily the latter helped her into the room set apart for the involuntary guest and at a sign closed the door all her smiles and pretty feminine blandishments vanished her eyes were dark and hard her manner was cold and stinging you fool hissed mrs may this is a nice thing you have done marion smiled wearily she seemed to have suddenly fallen under the mantle of years she dropped into a chair like somebody old and weary

Starting point is 06:00:50 what have i done she asked fallen in love with geoffrey ravenspur the words came like a blow marion staggered under them i deny it she said weakly it is false it is true you idiot you are blushing like a rose and to-night when that fiend chigorsky played that fool's trick upon us you had no eyes you had no eyes for anyone but Jeffrey. Frightened as I was, I could see that. Your looks betrayed you. What are you going to do about it? Marion shook her head, sadly. Never had anyone at Ravenspur ever seen her look so forlorn and dejected as she did at this moment.

Starting point is 06:01:46 I don't know, she said hopelessly. I know what I ought to do. I ought to kill you. you and throw myself into the sea afterwards. Why should I go on leading my present life? Why should I shield you? What are you? What are you to me? You dare ask me that question? Oh, I dare anything in my present mood. Still, I am in your power. You have only to say the word, and it is done. Then why do you take every means of thrift? warning me.

Starting point is 06:02:26 Marion rose and crossed over to the door. Her eyes were shining. There was a certain restless motion of her hands. Take care, she whispered. Don't drive me too far. Oh, if I could only live the last four years of my life over again. End of Chapter 29. Chapter 30 of the Mystery of the Raven Spurs.

Starting point is 06:03:01 by Fred M. White. This Liprovok's recording is in the public domain. Chapter 30. A Leaf from the Past Ralph Ravenspur, with Chigorsky and Jeffrey, sat smoking in the billiard room until Vera came in to say good night and drive them off to bed.

Starting point is 06:03:23 As they were about to separate at the head of the stairs, Ralph gave them a sign to follow him. Come to my room for half an hour, he said. The others complied. Tregorski slipped away for a while, and on his return he laid the end of a long silk thread on the white table cover. Part of a little scheme, he said. This is one end of the silk thread. Where the other end is matters nothing for the present. Ralph, everybody has retired? Everybody, Ralf, Rolf.

Starting point is 06:04:02 replied as he filled his pipe. I fancy you said that no servants sleep in the house. They have not done so for a long time, Jeffrey explained. Not that we entertain the least suspicion of any of them. We merely made the change for safety's sake. Chigorsky nodded his approval. He arranged the silk thread neatly on the table, coiling the end round a daisy pattern,

Starting point is 06:04:32 worked into a damask cloth. For Mrs. May's benefit? Jeffrey asked. Precisely, Tegorski said gravely. I take a great interest in her. Jeffrey smoked a whole cigarette before he spoke again. By the way, he exclaimed, Who and what is Mrs. May?

Starting point is 06:04:58 The devil fairly disguised, Ralph croaked. A beautiful Mephistopheles, a fascinating Bialzab, a dark-eyed fiend, a—a—he pulled up choking with all-consuming rage. His arm was sawing the air as a feeling for the white throat of his lovely foe. "'Steady there,' Tegorsky muttered. "'Steady, Ralph, my friend. "'Shall we enlighten Master Jeffrey a little as to the kind of? woman she is?

Starting point is 06:05:35 Ralph nodded over his pipe. If you like, he said, only the tale shall be yours. When I come to think of it, I go out of my mind, as I did that night in the Black Valley. Tell him, Chigorsky. Tell him by all means, but not all.

Starting point is 06:05:56 I, I, I shall know where to leave off. I'll sit here where I can watch the table. I am interested in that silk thread. So long as it remains simply coiled up there, I can go on talking. When it moves. You're wasting time, Jeffrey suggested. True, but to make amends, I am going to interest you from the very outset. Doubtless, you are curious to know the meaning of those scars on my face, and on the face of your uncle. lately he has managed artistically to disguise his for reasons that will appear later there was nothing to gain by hiding mine and pretty ugly they are these scars were branded on us both at the same time by the priests of the great temple in the hills beyond lasse three of us had penetrated there but the other one knew nothing of the mysteries of buddha for the simple reason that he was the servant of your uncle

Starting point is 06:07:03 one elphick by name elphick is doing good work for us elsewhere but you shall see him in time now these two men who had decided to him who had disguised themselves as buddhist priests and had penetrated all the mysteries of that most mysterious creed had made a boast two years before at lehor of what they meant to do and the words of their vapourings were carried to the ears of a woman who was a brahman though it appeared as if she had abandoned her religion and had married an englishman this englishman had been to lasse himself and when a girl, his wife had fallen in love with him, and he married her. There was a good deal of scandal about it at the time, but there are so many scandals in India that this one was quickly buried under a layer of other slanders. Some said that that officer had managed to pick up some of the holiest mysteries of Buddha, and that the lovely native had married him to close his lips.

Starting point is 06:08:10 certainly he would never speak of Lhasa, and when the place was mentioned, he always showed signs of agitation. Well, we went. We were not afraid. Both of us knew the East. We spoke many languages. We could assume any disguise. And in a short time, as honored pilgrims from a far land, we were free of the Holy Temple in the hills beyond Lassa. soon we were picking up all the mysteries are there any mysteries geoffrey asked ralph gave a quick barking laugh like the snap of a pistol shot all this time his grave wooden smile never relaxed ay chigorsky went on mysteries the things we saw and the things we learned would have driven many a strong man mad. Occult sciences. What do we know of them? I tell you the greatest man who walks the earth, a whole regiment of the finest scientists in Europe, would be a set of chattering monkeys alongside a Buddhist priest. We have seen the dead rise from their graves and heard them speak.

Starting point is 06:09:35 We came near to learn the secret of eternal life. And yet everlasting life and the unveiling of the future would not tempt me there again." Chigorsky's voice had fallen to a harsh whisper. As Jeffrey glanced at Ralph, he saw that the latter's face was bathed in a profound perspiration. We were thus situated for some months, Chigorsky resumed. Gradually every mystery connected with life and death was opening up before us, and the secret of universal knowledge was within our grasp then one day there was a commotion in the city and we found that there was to be a great feast in honor of a princess of the royal blood who had come back to lasse after a long pilgrimage we were bidden to that feast and had places of honor near to the seat of the princess she came in presently gorgeously attired in flowing robes and strobes and stricken

Starting point is 06:10:40 of diamonds and emeralds in her hair she was a magnificent creature i have seen many a native queen on her throne but none to compare with that woman who sat flashing her lovely eyes round the table as i looked at her again and again i had an odd feeling that i had seen her before i turned to speak to ralph here and beheld with distended eyes and dropped job that he was regarding the princess. What is it? I asked. Do you know her too? Ralph whispered a few words in my ear. A few pungent words that turned me cold. And what he saw was this. In the princess we had the woman from Lahore, the woman who had forsaken her tribe to marry an English officer. We had heard before that she was in the habit of going away for long periods, and we knew that her husband must have possessed himself of Buddhist secrets,

Starting point is 06:11:47 perhaps sacred Buddhist script, or that woman would never have been allowed to come and go like this. Had she married an Englishman in the ordinary way, and subsequently returned to Lassa, she would have been torn to pieces. She had been granted absolution on purpose to rest those secrets from the Englishman who had stolen them. And we, too, had boasted in the hearing of this woman that we were going to learn those secrets for ourselves. Would she recognize us? That was the question.

Starting point is 06:12:24 Remember that we were most carefully disguised. We spoke the language without flaw. We had the same tale to tell, a tale that we had rehearsed over and over again. There was no reason why we should. not pass muster. Hope began to revive. Then I looked up and caught that woman's eye, and she smiled. I dream of that smile sometimes at night, and wake up cold and wet and shivering from head to foot. Not that I have more fear than most men, but then I had seen men put to death in Tibet.

Starting point is 06:13:05 The torture of the wheel would be a pleasant recreation alone. alongside of death like that. We were recognized. No need to tell us that. Doubtless that woman had followed us step by step, giving us all the latitude we required, and now she had come to teach us the pains and penalties attaching to our office.

Starting point is 06:13:30 She favored us with no further glance until the feast had concluded and what passes from music had begun when she honored both of us with a summons to her side. Of course we went. In the circumstances there was nothing else to do. She made room for us. She smiled dazzingly upon us,

Starting point is 06:13:55 and then, slowly and deliberately, as a cat with a mouse, she began to play with us. I speak to you thus, she said, because there are others who seek for the same. secrets of the faith. There were two Christian dogs who came up from Lahore. One was called Chigorsky. The other was called Maeton. Maiton was your uncle Ralph pseudonym, Jeffrey. And they boasted what they were going to do. They knew the language, they said. And behold, the one called Chigorsky was very like you, holy man. It was coming. I bowed

Starting point is 06:14:38 as if the comparison was not pleasing to me. A wild yell of hysterical laughter came to my lips, but I managed to suppress that. There were no knives on the table, and I had not dared to use my revolver. Had there been a knife on the table, I should have stabbed that woman to the heart and taken the consequences.

Starting point is 06:15:03 But your revolver, Chigorsky, Jeffrey suggested. my dear boy holy fathers and shining lights of the buddhist's faith do not carry regulation army revolvers chigorski said grimly all i could do was to wait did you know those english at lehor the princess asked i disclaimed the knowledge saying that at that time i was in kanpur then being closely questioned i proceeded to give it to give a detailed history of the movements of myself and my companion for the last year or so. I was lying glibly and easily, but I had no comfort from the knowledge. It was easy to see that not one word was believed, and that I was walking into the trap. "'At Darjeet you were,' said the princess. "'What are the five points of the temple there?' "'For the life of me, I could not tell you.

Starting point is 06:16:08 her. As a matter of fact, I had never been near Darjei in my life, and the question was one that any Buddhists who had been there would have answered offhand. I have forgotten, I answered as calmly as possible. I have a bad memory. I forget all kinds of things. Those dark eyes seem to look me all through. You will forget your own name next, the princess said. I'll remember that, I replied. I am Rane Eldon at your service. Then came the reply in excellent English.

Starting point is 06:16:50 Your name is Sergius Tregorsky, and your companion is Ralph James Maeton. I have found you out. I have only to raise my hand, and your fate is sealed. It was all over. I said nothing. I asked no pity. Pity! You might as well strive to soften the heart of the wounded tiger

Starting point is 06:17:16 that has you down with a handful of nuts. Then I... Chigorsky paused. His eyes were on the table. He pointed to the silken thread that was slowly moving in the direction of the door. Hush, he said softly. Blow out the light.

Starting point is 06:17:40 End of Chapter 30. Chapter 31 of the Mystery of the Raven Spurs by Fred M. White. This Libervox recording is in the public domain. Chapter 31 The Silk Thread Intensely interested as he was in the story that Cigorsky had to tell, Jeffrey nevertheless watched the slowly moving thread on the table. Gradually and very slowly, the silk and tensely, began to draw away from the pattern on the tablecloth, Chigorsky following it with grim eyes.

Starting point is 06:18:24 "'You find it strange?' he asked Geoffrey. "'Strange and thrilling,' Jeffrey replied. "'It appeals to the imagination. Some tragedy may be at the other end of that innocent-looking thread.' "'There may be. There would be if I were not here. We are dealing with a foe whose cunning and audacity know no bounds. You see, I have been among the foe and know something of their dealings. A passionate anger rose up in Geoffrey as he watched the gliding thread.

Starting point is 06:19:03 Then why not drop upon them, he cried. Why not produce your proofs and hand the miscreants over to the police? What good would that do? Chigorsky replied. Could we prove that the foe had had a direct hand in the tragedies of the past? Could we demonstrate to the satisfaction of a jury that Mrs. May and her confederates were responsible for those poisoned flowers, or the bees? And if we get them out of the way, there are others behind them.

Starting point is 06:19:37 No, no, they must be taught a lesson. They must know that we are all powerful, and they must feel the weight of our hands. Then the painful family scandal... You are going too far, Ralph interrupted warningly. Chigorsky checked himself after a glance at Jeffrey. I am not to be told everything, he said. Why? Because we dare not, Ralph murmured.

Starting point is 06:20:08 It is not that we cannot trust you, but because we dare not. with this geoffrey was fain to be content by this time the thread had left the table and was lying on the floor the other end is tied to mrs may's door chigorsky explained when that door was cautiously opened of course the thread moved geoffrey you stay here ralph will you go up by the back staircase and get up to the corridor wait there is there danger geoffrey whispered not now said georgsky but this audacity passes all bounds that woman had planned to strike a blow at the very moment when she was enjoying the hospitality of this roof the boldness of it would have averted all suspicion from her one of the family mysteriously disappears and is never heard of again in the morning the morning Not one lock or bolt or bar is disturbed, and yet the member of the family is gone. England would have been startled by the news tomorrow. You heard all this, Jeffrey cried.

Starting point is 06:21:29 Yes, Chigorsky said quietly. That disguise I showed you was useful to me. It is going to be more useful still. But the danger! It must be averted! Jeffrey whispered. Already, Chigorsky was leaving the room. The lamp had been extinguished, after taking care to place a box of matches close beside it.

Starting point is 06:21:55 In the darkness, Jeffrey waited, tingling to his fingertips with suppressed excitement. Meanwhile, Chigorsky felt his way along in the darkness. He was counting his steps carefully. He reached a certain spot, then stopped. Ralph strolled down the back staircase and thence down a flagged passage into the hall where he climbed the stairs. Light and darkness, it was all the same to him. There was nobody in the house who could find his way about as well as he. Then he waited for the best part

Starting point is 06:22:35 of half an hour. He could hear queer sounds coming from one of the bedrooms, a half-cry in light feminine tones, a smothered protest, and then the suggestion of a struggle. Yet Ralph never moved toward it. Under cover of the darkness, he smiled. Then he heard a door creak and open. He heard footsteps coming along in his direction. The footsteps were stealthy, yet halting. There was the suggestion of the swish of silken drapery. on and on that mysterious figure came until it walked plump into ralph's arms there was a faint cry a cry strangled in its berth mrs may ralph said quietly i am afraid i startled you the woman was gasping for breath iron nerved as she was she stammered out some halting stumbling explanation she was suffering from nervous headache she was subject to that kind of thing and there was a remedy she always carried in her jacket pocket and the jacket was in the hall

Starting point is 06:23:56 go back to your room said ralph i will fetch it for you there is no occasion the woman replied the shock of meeting you has cured me but what are you doing sleeping on the stairs ralph said in his dullest most mechanical way sleep sleeping on the stairs why i frequently do it i suffer from insomnia the accident that deprived me of my sight injured my reason this is one of my lucid intervals for years i slept in the open air the atmosphere of a bedroom stifles me, so I am here. And here you are going to remain all night? Yes, I presume you have no objection. Mrs. May was silent. Did this man know the terrible position he had placed her in?

Starting point is 06:24:59 Was he telling the truth, or was he spying on her? Was he dangerous enough to be removed? Or was he the poor creature he represented himself to be? you should get your clever friend chigorsky to cure you she said chigorsky has gone away i don't know when i shall see him again that was good news at any rate mrs may stooped to artifice there were reasons why this man should be got out of the way at present he had brought danger by his stupid eccentricity but the bold woman was not going to change her plane but-ixtrity but the bold woman was not going to change her plane for that. Be guided by me, she said. Go to your room.

Starting point is 06:25:48 I am here till the morning, Ralph said doggedly. Go to yours. We are a lost, doomed race. What does it matter what I do? It was useless to combat sullen obstinacy like this. Mrs. May uttered a few clear words in a language that not one in a million would understand.

Starting point is 06:26:10 stand, certainly not three people in England. It never occurred to her for a moment that Ralph Ravensper might be one of the three, but he was. He listened grimly. No doubt the mysterious words had nothing to do with the matter, but a door in the corridor opened, and Marion emerged, carrying a light in her hand. She came swiftly down the corridor, her long hair streaming behind her. her. As she saw Ralph, she gave a sigh of relief.

Starting point is 06:26:46 Come quickly to Vera's room, she said. I want your help. In her intense excitement, she seemed not to notice Mrs. May. The latter stood aside while the other two passed along. She slipped into her own room and closed the door. Foiled, she hissed, and by that poor meaningless idiot. Is it possible that he suspected anything? But no, he is only a fool. If I had only dared, I might have removed him at the same time. On the whole, it was a good thing that Marion did not see me. Without the least trace of excitement and without hurry, Ralph followed Marion.

Starting point is 06:27:35 A light was burning in the room, and Vera, still dressed, was lost. lying on the bed. She was fast asleep, but her face was deadly cold, and her breathing was faint and nothingness. Ralph's fingers rested on her pulse for a minute. "'How long has she been like this?' Ralph asked. "'I don't know,' Marian replied. "'I was just dropping asleep when I fancied I heard Vera call out. In this house the mere suggestion sufficed. I crept quietly along and came in here.

Starting point is 06:28:17 The room was empty, save for Vera, and there was no sign of a struggle. I should have imagined it to be all fancy, but for the queer look in Vera's face. When I touched her, I found her to be deadly cold. Is—is it dangerous? Ralph shook his head. Mysterious as ever, he said. The miscreant is by us, almost in our hands, and yet we cannot touch him.

Starting point is 06:28:49 Vera has been rendered insensible by a drug. The effect of it will pass away in time. She will sleep till morning, and you had better remain with her. Of course, I should not dream of leaving the poor child alone. alone. Ralph just touched Marion's cheek. You are a good girl, an angel, he murmured. What we should do without you, I cannot say.

Starting point is 06:29:21 Stay here and have no fear. I shall not be far away. I am going to sleep for the rest of the night on the floor outside. On the floor, my dear uncle? Bah, it is no hardship. said Ralph. I have had far less comfortable quarters many a time. I am used to it and like it, and I sleep like a hair.

Starting point is 06:29:48 The slightest noise or motion, and I am awake instantly. Marion raised no further protests. This singular individual was in the habit of doing as he pleased, and nothing could turn him from his humor. He bade Marion good-night. and softly closed the door. But he did not lie down at the head of the stairs.

Starting point is 06:30:13 On the contrary, he crept quietly down to his room again. There, Chigorsky and Jeffrey waited him. The lamp was once more lighted. Chigorsky had a grin in his face. Foyled her? he asked. I heard you. For the present, at any rate. Ralph replied.

Starting point is 06:30:39 That charming woman does me the honor to regard me as a benighted idiot. Chigorsky dropped into a chair and rocked to and fro, shaking with noiseless mirth. End of Chapter 31. Chapter 32 of the Mystery of the Raven Spurs by Fred M. White. This Librevox recording is in the public domain. More from the past. Jeffrey looked from one to the other for explanation. Won't you tell me what has happened? he asked.

Starting point is 06:31:26 As a matter of fact, nothing has happened, Ralph replied. A little time ago, Chigorsky outlined a bold stroke on the part of the foe. He suggested that it was possible, without removing a single bolt or bar, to spirit away one of the family, who would never be heard of again. Tregorsky was making no prophecy. He was speaking from knowledge. Well, the attempt has been made, and it has failed.

Starting point is 06:31:59 Who was the victim, uncle? Your cousin, Vera. Sit down, my boy. If you go plunging about like that, you will ruin everything. Did I not tell you that the attempt had been made and had failed. Vera is safe for a long time to come. Jeffrey dropped into his seat again.

Starting point is 06:32:24 How did you manage it, Uncle? he asked. Ralph gave the details. He told the story dryly. So I not only prevented the dastardly attempts to carry Vera away, he concluded, but I baffled the foe altogether. There was not only. not the slightest suspicion that I was on the stairs except by the merest accident. But you say that Marion was with Vera?

Starting point is 06:32:56 She was. That nimble wit of hers led her to suspect danger. But Marion could not have averted the tragedy. A slender girl like her could have done nothing against a strong and determined foe. If necessary, she would have been carried off, and they would have killed two birds with one. stone. Jeffrey shuddered. He was sick of the whole business. For the moment he was a prey to utter despair. It seemed hopeless to fight against a foe like this, a foe striking in the dark and

Starting point is 06:33:34 almost moving invisibly. Someone ought to watch that room, he said. It is unnecessary. I am supposed to be sleeping close by. Already the foe has learned that I slumber with one eye open. Don't be cast down, Jeffrey. Two more of the enemy are still on their way to Yorkshire, and when they are here, the mouth of the net is going to close. I pledge you my word that no further harm shall come to anybody, and Chigorsky will say the same. "'On my head be it,' Chigorsky muttered. He twisted a cigarette dexterously with his long fingers. "'There is nothing to fear,' he said,

Starting point is 06:34:25 "'nothing with ordinary vigilance. "'The danger will come when the time for defense has passed, "'and it is our turn to attack. "'Then there will be danger for the three of us here. "'Shall we go to bed?' i could not sleep for a king's ransom said geoffrey then we will chat and smoke awhile said chagorski if you like i will go on with the history of our adventures in lasse geoffrey assented eagerly chigorsky proceeded in a whirl of cigarette smoke we knew we were doomed we could see our fate in those smiling merciless eyes that woman had lived among civilized people she knew western life she had passed in society almost for an english woman but she was native at heart all her feelings were with her people

Starting point is 06:35:26 all the past could not save us she meant us to die and die with the most horrible torture under her very own eyes her life in india was a masquerade this was her real existence You fancy you are the first, she said. Did you ever know a Russian traveler, Voski, by name? He was very like you. I recollected the man. I had met him years before and had discussed this very Lasset trip. Yes, I said, for it was useless to hold up our disguises any longer. What of him?

Starting point is 06:36:08 He came here, the princess said. He learned some of our secrets. Then it was found out, and he had to walk the Black Valley. He died. All this was news to me. So astonished was I that I blurted out the truth. Only a year before, long after Voski was supposed to be dead, I had met him in London.

Starting point is 06:36:37 When I mentioned Lossack. he changed the subject and refused to continue the conversation i fancied that he suspected me of chaffing him now i know that he had been through the horrors of the black valley and escaped the eyes of the princess blazed when she heard this she was a wild devastating fury it seemed almost impossible to believe that i had seen her in a tea-gown at simla chattering society platitudes in a white sahib's bungalow and i bitterly regretted betraying myself because i knew that wherever he was vaski would be hunted down and killed as they were seeking to kill me as they would slay ralph ravenspur only they have not recognized him hence the changed face and the glasses geoffrey asked you have guessed it said ralph i did not want to be known i am only a poor demented idiot a fool who cumbers the ground i had betrayed voski without doing any good to myself jegorski resumed if any harm has come to him i am as murderer presently the prince's calm down and the old cruel mocking light came back to her eyes we were speaking english by this time a language utterly unknown to the awestruck open-mouthed priests around us let us pretend that this is my drawing-room in india and that i am entertaining you at tea she said later you shall know something of me in my real character i suppose he recognized the real

Starting point is 06:38:32 risks that you ran perfectly i replied we are going to be done to death in barbarous fashion because we have come here and learned your secrets as your husband did i could afford this shot i could afford to say anything we were going to perish by a death the horror of which is beyond all words and had i pulled the nose of the princess had i strangled her as she sat there the punishment could have been made no worse take care she said you are in my power what do you mean i mean that your husband penetrated the secrets of buddha and that you married him so as to regain those secrets there were papers and the like or he would merely have been assassinated in the ordinary vulgar manner and there would have been an end to the business your husband has got an inkling of this and that is why he has hidden the documents and refuses to give them up he would be murdered if he did you are a bold man the princess said not at all i replied a man can only die once would you say that the condemned murderer was rash for attempting to pick the pocket of the jailer even for attempting to murder him? What I say and what I do matters nothing, and you know that I am telling the truth. The princess smiled. My friend Ralph here will remember that smile.

Starting point is 06:40:17 I could see then, Ralph muttered, and I do remember it. Very well, the princess replied, you are candid, and I will be the same. What you have said about my husband, is perfectly true. I did marry him to recover those papers, and when I accidentally let out the truth that I was not outcast of my tribe, he saw his danger. He is safe till those papers are mine, and then I shall kill him. And yet I love that man. I shall be desolate without him. But my religion and my people come first, for this. them I lose my caste. For them I degrade myself by becoming the wife of a white sahib. For them, I shall eventually die. And yet I love my husband. Aye, you cannot command the human heart.

Starting point is 06:41:20 At this I laughed. The princess joined me. You think I have no heart, she said, but you are mistaken. You should. shall see. For the present I have my duty to perform. I do it thus. She rose to her feet and clapped her hands and spoke in terse, vigorous sentences. A minute later we were bound and our disguises slipped from us. And there for the present you must be content to leave us. Tomorrow I shall tell the rest. Chigorsky rose and yawned. but geoffrey would fain have had more the princess he said at least tell me if i know her of course you do princess zara is the woman who calls herself mrs mona may end of chapter thirty two chapter thirty three of the mystery of the ravenspurs by fred m white this librivox recording is in the public domain chapter thirty three vera sees something it was nearly dawn when vera came to herself out of an uneasy slumber the darkest hour that precedes the faint flush in the eastern sky was moving away there was a light in the room vera rubbed her eyes wondering it was one of her fancies to have no light in her room better to lie with horrors she could not see than have the room

Starting point is 06:43:07 better to lie with horrors she could not see than have the glimmer from a nightlight filling every corner with threatening shadows vera sat up in bed forgetting for the moment that she had a racking headache something had happened while she slept something was always happening in that house of fears so that vera was conscious of no new alarm in a big easy-chair at the foot of the bed marian recline recline recline reclined fast asleep. Vera checked an impulse to wake her. In that miserable household, sleep was the most blessed of all luxuries. Why then should Marion be disturbed? Doubtless she had come there to protect, and doubtless the girl would know all about it in the morning. I will not wake her, Vera murmured. But she could not sleep herself. The splitting blinding headache was very much in evidence just now. Vera felt that she would give anything for a glass of cold spring water.

Starting point is 06:44:18 She poured out that in her own bottle, but it was flat and tepid. She would go down into the stone-flagged outer kitchen, where the pump was, and get some fresh. In any case, she had not the least idea of going to bed again. Vera partly dressed herself, doing up her hair in a big shining knot, and then, in slippered feet, crept down to the kitchen. She had no need of a light, there was already enough to show the way. How cool and refreshing the water was! She drank a glass and then laved her face in the crystal fluid.

Starting point is 06:45:01 All headache was gone by this time, though Vera had a curious trestress. of her lower limbs that she could not account for. She opened the side door leading into a green quadrangle, and from there made her way to the terrace. For a few minutes she stood in a dark angle facing the house, just picked out as it was from the gloom. Along the dim corridor, someone was advancing with a light. What could it mean? What was going on?

Starting point is 06:45:35 Vera crouched close into the dark corner. She had an idea that she was going to witness something. The light in the corridor stopped and grew brighter. From the black shadow of the house, a human figure crept out and slid along the terrace to a spot where it was just possible for a man of strong courage and cool head to make his way down to the beach at low tide. At high water the sea swept the foot of the cliff. Vera strained her eyes to make out the figure.

Starting point is 06:46:12 It passed so close to her that she might have touched the hem of the white diaphanous garment about it. A faint, sour kind of perfume was in the air. These swiftly flying feet made not the slightest noise. Vera guessed at once that this was one of the Orientals, whom she and Jeffrey had seen along the cliffs on a memorable occasion. She was not far wrong. If not the same, they belonged to the same noisum band. Almost before Vera could recover from her surprise, another figure followed.

Starting point is 06:46:52 Vera watched with intense eagerness. Slight and frail though she was, she was not in the least afraid. She came from the wrong race for that. She made up her mind to know what was going on, even if she ran into some danger in obtaining the knowledge. And what did that light mean? She was soon to know. Presently, another figure came along,

Starting point is 06:47:20 a tall figure which in the gloom bore a strong resemblance to Chigorsky. The figure wore boots and a European dress. and did not seek concealment. By its side was yet another figure, also clad in European dress. You say this is the place? The latter man whispered in indifferent English. Yes, yes, was the reply, in still more indifferent English. It is to this place that my master, Dr. Chigorsky, made me bring you.

Starting point is 06:47:58 And there is the signal. the light in the corridor waved again i am not satisfied the stranger muttered i am in great danger but not here the other said eagerly nobody knows you are here the princess has not the least idea of your presence and dr chigorski my master bade me hunt for you until i found you and i have done it oh yes you have done it right enough and dr chigorski would not have sent for me unless there had been danger but why not meet him in daylight in a proper and natural manner the other spat gravely on the pavement the doctor is a great man he said he knows would you have your enemies to guess that you have seen my master that is why i bring you here at night that is why there is the great secret the tall man muttered something that sounded like an acknowledgment of the force and cogency of this reasoning i dare say it is all right he said fetch your master the servant salamed and departed in the direction of the house he returned presently with the information that chagorski had gone along the terrace. There was a summer house a little way off, where Chigorsky waited.

Starting point is 06:49:36 Vera felt her heart beating faster. There was no summer house along the terrace, nothing but a broken balustrade that Rupert-Ravenspur was always going to have mended. Over this, there was a sheer drop to the sea below. As the pair moved on, Vera followed. then what followed seemed to happen in the twinkling of an eye a white-robed figure emerged and flung himself upon the stranger at the same time the other miscreant who had acted as chagorsky servant attacked him from behind you rascals the stranger cried speaking this time in french so i have been deceived you are going to throw me over the cliff there is no escape for me well i don't much mind the agony of suspense has taken all the sweetness out of life for me i knew that sooner or later this was bound to come but i am going to take a toll the stranger's breath was coming rapidly between his teeth vera tried to scream but no sound emerged from her lips she stood rooted to the spot watching what seemed to her a long one-sided struggle as a matter of fact it had not lasted more than ten seconds gradually the stranger was forced back back and back they forced him to the very edge of the cliff

Starting point is 06:51:16 there was no escape for him now he reached out two long and swinging hands he grasped two arms one for each of his would-be assassins and then he jumped backwards two fearful wailing yells rent the air there was a mocking laugh and silence had she really seen this thing or had she dreamed it vera was not sure just for a moment her senses left her when she came to herself again she crept along to the house and thence to her bedroom she locked the door and flung herself upon the bed pressing her hands to her eyes how long will it last she murmured how long can one endure this and live oh heaven is there no mercy for us then the blessed mantle of oblivion fell again end of chapter thirty three chapter thirty four of the mystery of the ravenspers by fred m white this librovoc's recording is in the public domain chapter thirty four exit chigorski it seemed to have been tacitly agreed by geoffrey and marion that nothing could be gained by telling vera of the danger that she had escaped nothing could be gained by a recital of the dastardly attempt on the previous evening and only another terror would be added to the girl's life and heaven knows they all had terrorsy enough on the other hand vera had made up her mind to say nothing to the family generally as to her startling adventures

Starting point is 06:53:18 of course geoffrey and ralph ravenspur would have to know but the rest were to be kept in the dark vera's white face and serious air were accounted for by the headache from which she was palpably suffering some of the others understood and they were full of silent sympathy it is nothing said vera a walk along the cliffs will soon set me right as she spoke she looked at geoffrey significantly he knew immediately that the girl had something important to say to him he slipped outside and vera followed him not till they were out of sight of the house did she speak dr chigorski is still about she asked yes dear geoffrey replied as a matter of fact he is hiding in uncle ralph's room he has his own reasons for so doing but the reasons are to remain a profound secret i ought not to have told you you are not to tell any one vera gave a sigh of relief i promised that she said and i am exceedingly glad to hear that dr jcgorsky is safe i was not sure whether i had not seen his murder jeffrey regarded vera in amazement why you were in your room all night he cried you were-he was going to say drugged but he pulled himself up just a time. Vera told her story without further preamble. It was a thrilling story, and nonetheless so,

Starting point is 06:55:09 because simply told. I don't profess to understand it, Vera concluded. I tell it to you just as it happened. On the whole, I thought it as well to keep the information to myself. I dare say that Dr. Chigorsky can solve the problem. he shall have a chance said geoffrey i'll tell him after luncheon but i should not tell a soul else this vera i had no intention geoffrey and now hadn't we better go back and say good-bye to mrs may she is leaving the house directly mrs may did leave the house in the course of the morning all smiles and blandishments she had a particularly tender word and squeeze of the hand for geoffrey whom she pressed in a whisper to come and see her before long i will geoffrey replied you may rely upon that it was with a feeling of intense relief that he was rid of her it seemed hard to believe that the smiling polished woman of the world the darnier cree of western civilization should be one and the same with the fanatic princess of the fanatical east there was something wild and bizarre about the very suggestion there was one last smile for every one but marion who had not appeared and mrs may was gone

Starting point is 06:56:46 geoffrey made his way up to his uncle's room there he found the two friends smoking chagorsky looked at him from behind a cloud of thin smoke you have news my young friend said chigorsky i see it in your eyes i have the most important news said geoffrey only it does not convey any impression to me it is a discovery of vera's she had a fine adventure last night she was not sure whether or not she had seen your murder chigorsky say on chigorsky said calm say on my boy geoffrey said on accordingly he fully expected to surprise his hearers and he was not disappointed every word he said was followed with rapt attention and now can you explain it geoffrey asked eagerly to me the explanation is perfectly clear chigorski replied last night i told you that there was a little were two other parties to the vendetta now in england and that it was necessary to get them into the net before we close it that is no longer necessary for the simple reason that these two men are dead drowned do you mean that they perished with that stranger last night certainly i do a fine determined fellow whose death i cannot sufficiently deplore and he had his own vengeance upon his foes. If he perished, they perished also.

Starting point is 06:58:35 But who was he, Chagorsky? The other man, my fellow countryman, Voski. Don't you remember me telling you how the princess spoke of him? He has been hunted down at last. They lured him here and destroyed him under the pretense that I wanted to see him. My presumed servant had only to mention my name, and the thing was done. But why bring him here? Because the place is so quiet, because they wanted to give their mistress, the princess,

Starting point is 06:59:12 a pleasant surprise. I don't suppose she knew they were coming. But the light in the corridor? That was a curious and useless coincidence. The light in the corridor was mine. I was looking. for something. Neither of those miscreants was ever in the house at all. At the same time, they had naturally been informed where I was. Today they would have gone to their mistress

Starting point is 06:59:41 with the pleasing news that they had dispatched Vosky. I am certain they were saving the news for her. What shall you do about it? asked Jeffrey. I shall not do anything at present, Chigorsky replied. I have a little idea that may work out to our advantage later. Meanwhile, nobody knows of the tragedy, and nobody is to know. This afternoon, you are going out fishing in a boat, but in reality you are going to look for their bodies. If you can find them all...

Starting point is 07:00:22 We are certain to find them all, Ralph interrupted. They will be carried round gul reef. on the spit of sand under the caves and deposited on the beach, whence the tide ebbs at four o'clock today. I have not lived here all my life or nothing. We shall find those bodies within a yard of where I say. And bring them up the cliff, Geoffrey shuddered. Ugh!

Starting point is 07:00:53 You will do nothing of the kind, Chigorsky said coolly. Bring Vosky, of course, but you were to bury the two ruffians in the sand. It will be easy to do so and pile some rocks over them afterwards. Jeffrey ventured to suggest that such a course might end disastrously, the officers of the law not to know of it. Chigorsky waved the suggestion aside contemptuously. It was no time for nice points like these. Those foul creatures are dead, and there is an end of it, he said.

Starting point is 07:01:34 What can it matter whether there is an inquest held on them or not? If it is, then there will be an end of my scheme. I say you must do this. The future happiness of the family depends upon it. It is also of the utmost importance that Princess Zara does not know of the death of her miscrean. Jeffrey nodded. He began to see daylight, and, after all, the concealment of these bodies was no crime. What do you say, Uncle Ralph? he asked.

Starting point is 07:02:13 Say that Chigorsky is right, Ralph, croaked. Chigorsky is always right. When we get Voski's body, what shall we do with it? Lay it out on the corridor, where I'd say, can get a look at it, said Jogorsky. For the present, I do not exist, at least so far as this house is concerned. All you have to do is to follow my directions. The strange pair set out on their excursion in the afternoon. It was a long pull from the village to the cliffs, but it was accomplished at length. The boat was run aground at the least dangerous spot, and Ralph and

Starting point is 07:02:57 Jeffrey set out along the sands. The former step was as free and assured as that of his younger companion. Ah, Jeffrey cried. You are right, there they are. I knew it, Ralph replied. See if they are injured. Jeffrey steeled himself to his gruesome task. The three men lay side by side, as if they had been placed so by

Starting point is 07:03:27 human hands. As far as Jeffrey could judge, there were no signs of violence on the bodies of either of the two natives. They lay by each other, their faces transfixed with rage and horror. Beyond doubt, these men had been drowned, sucked down by the strong current, and then cast up again by the sea, as if in cruel sport. No hurts on either, Jeffrey mutter. It is possible. Look at the other one. Jeffrey did so. He saw a face fixed with a grim smile, the smile of the man who can meet death

Starting point is 07:04:11 and knows how to punish those who injure them. The face was seared and crisscrossed, just like Chigorskys and Ralph Ravenspurs. Indeed, with its strange disfigurement, the dead Russian would have passed, for Chigorsky. The face was black and swollen from an ugly bruise in the forehead. Had not he known the truth and had anyone told Jeffrey that Chigorsky lay there, he would have believed it. A spade had been placed in the bottom of the boat, and with it two deep graves were dug in the sand.

Starting point is 07:04:52 Into them, the bodies of the Orientals were cast. The sand was made smooth again, again, and a layer of heavy rocks laid on the top. The body of the Russian was conveyed to the boat and thence to the house. There was nobody to see the mournful entry. All the family were on the terrace. A startled servant or two came forward and gave the necessary assistance to convey the body to the dimly lighted corridor. Go to the village and fetch the constable, said Jeffrey. We have found a dead body on the beach. The servant went off. The gallery was deserted.

Starting point is 07:05:37 In a few minutes, the family would be in the house again, and the story would have to be told. Shigorsky looked cautiously from his hiding place. Is the coast clear? he asked. perfectly clear said geoffrey chigorsky came forward for a long time he examined the body the regret on his face was tempered by a gleam of grim satisfaction it is very like you said geoffrey it is me chagorski whispered you are to recognize it as me the idea is that i fell over the cliffs in the darkness and was drowned. I will explain later.

Starting point is 07:06:26 Somebody comes. Chigorsky darted off as Marion appeared. She looked white and agitated. Another horror, she said. Sims just told me. Who is it? I regret to say it is Dr. Chigorsky, said Ralph. He must have walked over the cliff in the darkness.

Starting point is 07:06:52 See here? marion bent over the body with a shudder poor fellow she said tenderly chigorsky beyond a doubt ralph turned away as if in grief but the grin on his face was the grin of mephistopheles end of chapter thirty four chapter thirty five of the mystery of the raven spurs by fred m white this libravox recording is in the public domain. Chapter 35. Mrs. May is pleased. Jeffrey was fain to confess that he couldn't quite follow. He turned to Ralph, who once more had recovered his old expression, an expression

Starting point is 07:07:50 tinged with profound regret. From the hall below came the tones of Rupert Ravenspur, demanding to know what it was all about. Go and tell your ground. grandfather, Ralph said quietly. Everybody who comes near us has faded, it seems. Poor Chigorsky is no more. He was a mysterious man, and wonderfully reticent as to his past life.

Starting point is 07:08:18 But he was the most interesting man I ever met. But I shall never hear anything more about Tibet. He was a very old friend of yours, Marion asked. Not so very old, Ralph replied. And I should hardly call him a friend. We were mutually interested in certain scientific matters. But as to the marvelous side of things, he told me nothing. Speaking by the letter, this was perfectly true.

Starting point is 07:08:52 Chigorsky had told Ralph nothing for the simple reason that they had learned and suffered together. Then why did he come here? Marion demanded. To try to solve the mystery. He declared that Orientalism was at the bottom of it. But we shall never know now. Chigorsky is no more, and such knowledge as he may have possessed

Starting point is 07:09:19 has gone down to the sea with him. Marion turned away with a sigh. Slight as their acquaintance had been, she had been drawn to Chigorsky, she said. strange that whoever tried to help the house of ravenspur should come under the ban but chigorsky was drowned said ralph no indeed marion replied oh i know there are no signs of violence on the body i know how dangerous the broken balustrade is but i have my opinion all the same you are wrong in this case ralph said as he walked away presently other people began to arrive for the first time for many years ravenspur was invaded by strangers a policeman or two a fussily polite inspector a journalist with a colleague pushing everywhere they would have interviewed rupert ravenspur but the cold glitter of his eye awed even though he had been a good glitter of his eye awed even

Starting point is 07:10:30 them. The police let Ralph alone, but Jeffrey was subjected to severe questioning. On the whole, he came out of the ordeal better than Ralph had anticipated. You managed that very well, he said. I feel horribly mean and guilty. All these prevarications. Call them lies, if you like, Ralph put in coolly. It doesn't matter. think of the good cause if ever the end may justify the means it is here you are deceiving only our enemies you are injuring nobody and you are giving chigorski a heaven-sent opportunity i doubt it uncle clever as chigorsky is well as he may disguise himself he will fail did not princess zara pick you both out at lasse that was not quite the same thing remember she knew beforehand that we were going to make the attempt to reach the holy city she allowed us to go so far because she is naturally a cruel woman

Starting point is 07:11:46 moreover all the time her spies had been dogging our footsteps before nightfall she will firmly believe chagorsky to be dead which is a great point in his favor she does not know that her other two miscreants have met with a deserved fate chigorski will go to her passing as one of them and will tell her a wonderful tale as to how he and his ally compassed voski's death he will tell how that death entailed the death of his companion it is a fearfully dangerous position oh it is but chigorski will not mind that he loves danger for its own sake and he will be able to act the character to the life he speaks the language perfectly he is up to all the rites and ceremonies chigorsky will not fail the inquest was appointed for the afternoon it was not likely to last long and the verdict in the minds of most people was a foregone conclusion chigorsky had walked out into the darkness he had stumbled over the cliffs and there was the end of the matter meanwhile the police seemed to have taken possession of the house and all the time chigorsky was seated in a comfortable lounge in ralph's room smoking cigarettes and making plans for the future geoffrey had gone out after luncheon he would not be wanted for a full hour and resented the vulgar curiosity of these strangers already some of the jury had arrived and were critically examining the broken balustrades with an owl-like wisdom which in other circumstances

Starting point is 07:13:43 would have been amusing. Jeffrey walked along up the slope toward Jessop's farm. He met a small governess cart drawn by a donkey coming down the hill. In it was Mrs. May, driving slowly along. She pulled up as she saw Jeffrey and held out her hand. Her face was very clear and bright today. You see, I have already adapted myself. to circumstances, she said when Jeffrey had asked politely and feelingly after the injured foot.

Starting point is 07:14:20 The donkey and I are old friends, and Jessup got the cart for me, so I am all right. By the way, what is it I hear about your finding a body down in the sands? It is quite true, Jeffrey said gravely, the body of Dr. Chigorsky. Dr. Chigorsky? Do you really mean that?" The smooth, velvety voice had risen to a hoarse scream. Disappointment, joy, relief danced across the woman's gleaming eyes. For the moment she seemed to forget that she had a companion. What a dreadful thing, she said, catching her natural voice again.

Starting point is 07:15:09 How did it happen? geoffrey gave her the details without flinching it was a bit of shock for us he said but we are accustomed to them of course it will be brought in that the poor fellow met with an accident but there is not the slightest doubt that the poor fellow was murdered murdered why should you say that i don't know of course i have no evidence but chagorski chose to interest himself in our affairs, and he has paid the penalty. That was exactly what Marion said when she saw the body. So that poor child actually saw the corpse? How terrible! Marion did not seem to mind.

Starting point is 07:16:02 She is small and slender, but has courage and resolution. Mrs. May nodded. She had received information that was a lot. long way from being distasteful to her. She plied Jeffrey with questions as to what Chigorsky had said and done, but Jeffrey evaded them all. Chigorsky had said nothing. He had hinted vaguely at what he was going to do. I knew him years ago, said Mrs. May. Oh, indeed, Jeffrey replied. He never mentioned that. mrs may drew a long breath evidently she had nothing to fear her arch enemy had gone to his account leaving no mischief behind sooner or later the man would have had to be removed now he had gone away saving all the trouble

Starting point is 07:17:02 really it was very considerate of chigorsky you might come to the inquest and say he was a friend of yours said geoffrey mrs may looked at him sharply had she said too much or did he suspect but geoffrey's eyes were clear and innocent of meaning mrs may shuddered these kind of horrors made her ill she said pray do not mention that fact she implored it can do no good and it may cause a great deal of harm geoffrey disclaimed every intention of making mischief besides as mrs may pointed out there was his uncle ralph geoff geoff shrugged his shoulders it is a hard thing to say he murmured but my poor uncle's testimony would not carry much weight. That accident he had some years ago injured his brain, but he is harmless. Mrs. May exchanged a few more or less banal remarks

Starting point is 07:18:15 with her companion and drove on. She had got nothing out of Jeffrey, but he had baffled her, and, what was more, had succeeded in lulling a set of lively suspicions to sleep. The inquest turned out of, as he had anticipated. The suggestion of foul play was never raised. A surgeon testified to the fact that the deceased met his death by drowning

Starting point is 07:18:45 and that the injury to the face was doubtless caused by a fall on the rocks. Beyond that, the condition of the body was normal. Jeffrey's evidence was plain and to the point. He had little to say. He repudiated the third. suggestion that the family enemy had had anything to do with the thing dr. Cigorski was merely a passing visitor he had met with an accident and there was the end of the matter it was impossible to say more than that then to the

Starting point is 07:19:21 manifest disappointment of those who had come prepared to be thrilled with sensational details the inquest was over almost before it had begun directed by the coroner the jury brought in a verdict of found drowned but how the deceased came by his death there was no evidence to show rupert ravenspur rose from his seat and ordered the servants to clear the house see that they are all out at once he said half an hour ago i found two women ladies i suppose they call themselves in the picture gallery with guide-books in the hands really there is no sense of decency nowadays the curious crowd were forced back and once more ravenspur resumed its normal aspect i will see to the burial ravenspur said the poor man seems to have no friends and i feel to a certain extent guilty geoffrey you will see that all proper arrangements are made for the funeral geoffrey bowed his head gravely yes sir he said i will see to that end of chapter thirty five chapter thirty six of the mystery of the raven spurs by fred m white this libervok's recording is in the public domain chapter thirty six mrs may learned something mrs may sat among her flowers after dinner

Starting point is 07:21:15 she had dined well and was on the very best of terms with herself it had been a source of satisfaction to see the body of her worst enemy laid to rest in the village churchyard that afternoon for years she had planned for the death of that man and for years he had eluded her to strike him down fouly had been too dangerous for had he not told her that he was prepared for that kind of death had he not arranged it so that a score of savants in europe should learn the truth within a month of his decease and kindly fate has removed him for me she said as she puffed with infinite content at one of her scented cigarettes. There is no longer any danger. What have I to fear now from those wise men of the East? Nothing. They will see that Chigorsky has died a natural death

Starting point is 07:22:14 and will destroy those packets. I can act freely now. A strange look came over the lovely face, a look that boated ill for somebody. Then the whole expression changed, as Jeffrey entered. She had seen him that afternoon. She had asked him to come, and he had half promised to do so. That Mrs. May hated the young man and all his race with a fanatical hatred was no reason why, for the present, she should not enjoy his society. She was a strange

Starting point is 07:22:52 woman, this Eastern, with a full knowledge of Western ways and civilization. She could be two distinct beings in as many minutes. A moment ago she was a priestess, thirsting for the blood of those who had defiled her creed, for the blood of those to the third or fourth generation, and almost instantly she was the charming hostess she would have been in a country mansion, or a West End drawing room. She waved Geoffrey to a seat.

Starting point is 07:23:26 I hardly dared hope you had come, she said. But now you are here. Make yourself at home. There are some of the cigarettes you liked so well, and the claret purchased from you by a connoisseur. I never touch wine myself, but I know you men appreciate it after dinner.

Starting point is 07:23:48 Jeffrey took a cigarette and poured himself out a glass of the superb claret. The bouquet of it seemed to mingle with the flowers and sent the room. geoffrey mentally likened himself to an italian gallant upon whom lucretia borgia smiled before doing him to death not that he had any fear of the wine mrs may was a criminal but she was not a clumsy one she would never permit herself to take risks like that nevertheless it was very pleasant for when mrs may chose to exercise her fascinations there was no more delightful woman and there was always the chance of picking up useful information mrs may touched lightly on chigorsky to which geoffrey responded with proper gravity had mrs may known that chigorski himself was not more than a mile away she would have been less easy in her mind no more visions lately she asked no more geoffrey replied but they will come again we are hopelessly and utterly doomed nothing can save us it is to be my turn next mrs may started there was an expression on her face that was not all sympathy what do you mean by that she demanded

Starting point is 07:25:21 geoffrey slowly extracted from his pocket a sheet of paper he had discovered it in his plate that morning at breakfast time long and earnestly it had been discussed by himself and ralph and chigorsky and it had been the suggestion of the last named that geoffrey should find some pretext for mentioning it to mrs may this was by my plate this morning he said i don't mind showing it to you because you are a good friend of mine it is a warning it was a plain half-sheet of note-paper the sort sold in general shops at so many sheets a penny the envelope was to match just a few lines had been laboriously printed on the paper take care it ran you are marked down for the next victim and they are not likely to fail you are not to go to the sea till you hear from me once more you are not to venture along the cliffs if you show this to anybody i shall not be able to warn you again and your doom will be sealed one who loves you that was all there was nothing at the top or the bottom mrs may turned this over with a puzzled face and a hand that shook slightly under her smile was another expression the look of one who has been betrayed and is in a position to lay her hand upon the guilty person you are fortunate to have friends with the enemy she said but do you think you are wise to show this to me? She was playing with him as the cat plays with the mouse. It was a temptation she could not

Starting point is 07:27:17 resist, feeling sure that Jeffrey would not understand. But he did, though he did not show it on his face. Why not? he asked innocently. Are you not my friend? Personally, I believe it is a hoax to frighten me. You can keep that paper, if you please. then you are not going to take any notice of the warning asked mrs may there was a note of curiosity sharp eager curiosity in the question geoffrey did not fail to notice it though he shook his head carelessly i am going to ignore it as one should ignore all anonymous letters he said if the writer of that letter thinks to frighten me then he or she is sadly mistaken i shall go on with my life as if i had never received it mrs may's lips framed the sentence the more fool you but she did not utter it it filled her with satisfaction to find that the warning had been ignored as it had filled her with anger to know that a warning had been received and mrs may knew full well who was the author of that letter i don't think that i should ignore it she said it may be a cruel piece of mischief and on the other hand it may be dictated by a generous desire to help you so the moral is that you are to keep clear of the cliffs and the sea

Starting point is 07:28:57 geoffrey flicked the ash off his cigarette and laughed he poured himself out a second glass of the amazing claret it is an unusual thing for me to do he said but your claret is wonderful you speak of the moral i speak of the things as they are going to be to-morrow i shall go out fishing alone as if nothing had happened ah but you have not spoken of this mrs may indicated the letter lying on the table geoffrey looked at her reproachfully have we not trouble and misery enough in our house without making more he asked now i put it to you as a lady of brains and courage if you had been in my position would you have shown that to your family geoffrey lay back in his chair with the air of a man who has put a poser at the same time he had ingeniously parried mrs may's question as a matter of fact nobody but ralph and chagorsky had seen the paper and the latter point-blank refused to give his reasons why the letter was to be disclosed to mrs may she looked at geoffrey with real admiration i shouldn't she said of course you are right and i am wrong and i dare say you will be able to take care of yourself he was going to disregard the warning he was going out alone and nobody knew what was hanging over his head here was a fool of fools a pretty fellow to assist much good that warning had done

Starting point is 07:30:51 geoffrey rose to his feet and now i must go he said still i hope to come again the door closed and she was alone hardly had he departed before a dark figure and a white robe crept out of the gloom of the garden into the room mrs may looked at the ragged-looking stranger fixedly who are you and whence do you come she asked in her native tongue the man salamed almost to the ground i am ben here your slave he said and i bring you great news oh mrs may said slowly and so you have come at last end of chapter thirty six chapter thirty seven of the mr of the ravenspers by fred m white this librivox recording is in the public domain chapter thirty seven diplomacy mrs may crossed rapidly and noiselessly to the door and closed it not that there was any need for caution seeing that the primitive household had been a bed long ago but precaution is never wasted there was coffee in the grate kept hot by means of a spirit lamp mrs may poured out a cup and handed it to her guest she lay back in her chair watching him with a keen glance and the easy natural insolence the cruel cutting superiority of the grate over the small the man stood his hands thrust into the folds of his loose sleeves a picture of patient resignation

Starting point is 07:32:56 How did you get here? the princess asked. At the great house in London I asked, O mistress, Ben here replied. I came over, as thou knowest, to do certain work. There was yet another one with me, and when my work was done, I came on to tell what thy slave had accomplished. You have proofs of what you say? else i had not been here for two years we have followed up the track of the victim it was as if we had searched for one single perch in the hole of a great lake of water but we never tired and never slept both at the same time then at last we got near and it came to the knowledge of the prey that we were upon him that was long before the last cold weather that nearly starved us

Starting point is 07:33:56 the man paused and shivered the princess nodded with careless sympathy she had never tried a winter in england but she could imagine what it was he knew us at last ben here resumed he met us face to face in the public street and he knew that his hour had come a night later he was in paris at the same time we were in paris also he tried rome vienna berlin so did we then he came back to london again when he did so we knew that he had bowed his face before the all-seeing and prayed that the end might come speedily the princess followed all this with impatience but the man was speaking after the manner of his kind and could not be hurried he would go to the end without omitting a single detail and the princess was forced to listen despite the western garb and the evidences of western life and custom about her she was no longer mrs may but princess zara she had only to close her eyes and the droning intonation and passionless voice of the speaker took her back to lasse again and the day was near ah the day was near when the goal would be reached once we had him and once he escaped ben here went on he was a brave man was vossi and nothing could break down those nerves of iron he knew that the end was near it was in a big house a house near to london that we found him there were servants and they were glad to have their fortunes told

Starting point is 07:35:57 it was their evening meal on the table when we got there and the man vaski sahib was out then behold after that evening meal the servants slept till the dawn and at midnight the master returned he came into his study and the bright flash of the lightning came at the touch of his fingers electric light the princess said impatiently go on then he saw us we knew that he had no weapon the door we barred then vaski he sit down and light a cigar smiling smiling all the time when we look at him we see that he moves not so much as a little finger there was no sign of fear except that he looked at a little box on the table now and then ah the princess cried you got it eh ben here made no direct reply he was not to be hurried he meant to describe a sordid murder in his own cold-blooded way probably he did not regard the thing as a crime at all he had been acting under the blessing of the priests you have come for it he asked we bowed low with respect saying that we had come for it he lay back in his chair making a sign for me to approach previously we had told him that it was useless for him to call out to the servants you did not tell those servants their fortunes in your present garb no no my mistress we know such pigs as that sahib vawski bid me approach

Starting point is 07:37:54 my friend had the pie ready on the cloth it was held to the head of the other and so he died peacefully in his chair ah so you say where are your proofs ben here slowly withdrew a white packet from the folds of his dress what better proof could the slave of my illustrious mistress have he asked it is here the precious stone with the secrets of the gods written on it behold with a slightly dramatic gesture a glittering fragment of something that looked like green jade was held on high the princess grasped it eagerly and devoured it with her eyes words were pouring in a liquid stream from her lips she was transformed almost beyond recognition at last she murmured at last but the other one your comrade you're companion. How did he die? You say he is dead. How? Ben here shook his head sadly. I cannot say, he replied. It might have been some scheme of the part of Sahib Voski. When we got back to our room in London, we were both dreadfully ill. For days I lie, and when I get better, they tell me my poor friend is dead.

Starting point is 07:39:29 dead and buried. Then I understood why Voski Sahib smile and smile in that strange way. It was witchcraft, perhaps, or some devil we do not know in the east, but there is the stone.

Starting point is 07:39:47 The princess was regarding the shining stone with a besotted enthusiasm that seemed grotesquely out of place with her dress and surroundings. Perhaps this suddenly flashed upon her, for she carefully locked up the stone. "'You have done well, Ben-here,' she said,

Starting point is 07:40:08 "'and shall not go unrewarded. The worst part of our task is over. The rest is easy.' "'Then the princess goes not back to Lhasa?' Ben-Hir asked. "'Oh, not yet, not till they are destroyed, root and branch to the smallest twig in the tree. I have not spared myself, and I am not going to spare others. Yet there remain those of the accursed race yonder, the raven spurs. They know too much.

Starting point is 07:40:45 They have that which I require. I will kill them off. They shall die. Has my mistress slew her husband when his life was of no more value to her? ah so you know that you would not reproach me benheer does the slave reproach the master who keeps his carcass from the kennel ben here asked as he bowed low my mistress was right her hands were washed whiter than the snow in the blood of the christian it was well it was just then you shall help me for there is much to be done take this ring place it on your finger and go to the others they are outside waiting give them the call thus the princess made a faint noise like the dowsy call of a bird and ben here caught it up at once he had heard it many times before then he slipped out like a cat in the darkness and presently the call came from the gloom

Starting point is 07:41:57 a moment later it was answered and then all was still again mrs may who had discarded the princess for a moment closed her window drew the blinds and lighted a cigarette it was a glad night for her so those two are out of the way she murmured the road is clear at last clear to the vengeance that must be mine and with the vengeance comes the wealth that should make me a feared and dreaded power in the east give me but the wealth and lasa shall be my footstool end of chapter thirty Chapter 38 of the Mystery of the Raven Spurs by Fred M. White. This Libravox recording is in the public domain. Chapter 38. Jeffrey gets a shock. Ralph Ravenspur had wandered along the cliffs, and Jeffrey had followed him. The latter came up to the blind man at the loneliest part of the rugged granite,

Starting point is 07:43:14 and there for a time they sat. ralph was graver and more taciturn than usual till presently his head was raised and he seemed to be listening to something intently what is the matter geoffrey asked somebody is close to us ralph explained somebody is creeping up to us in the gorse nay you need not move we are safe here on this bare ledge there is one thing there is no cause to feel-and-a you need not move we are safe here on this bare ledge there is one thing there is no cause to feel fear in dealing with these miscreants, and that is firearms. Weapons of that description make a noise, and your Oriental hates noise when he is out on the kill. Ah, what did I tell you? Somebody is close by. A figure rose out of the gorse, a slender figure with a ragged beard and brown face. The stranger crept along and dropped by Geoffrey's side.

Starting point is 07:44:18 don't be alarmed he said it is only i chigorski geoffrey was astonished though he had no occasion to be ralph took the matter coolly i expected something like this he said i knew you would desire to see me and that is why we came along the rocks chigorsky lay on his back puffing at a cigarette keep your eyes open he said to geoffrey one can't be too particular not that there is any danger for i've sent those two wretches off on a wild goose chase for an hour or two and the she-devil is down with one of her blinding headaches you wouldn't think she was a woman whose heart is in a weak state eh i shouldn't have supposed she had one said geoffrey have you seen her i was in her company for a long time last night chigorski explained i posed as one of the murderers of vossi i gave her proofs of my success the forged garuda stone ralph chuckled the same chigorsky said gravely it was a magnificent forgery and calculated to deceive these pious murderous old rascals at Lassa? At any rate, I am now deep in the confidence of the princess, and attached to her subordinates, who are pledged to assist in wiping out the Ravenspur family.

Starting point is 07:45:59 Jeffrey sighed involuntarily. He would have liked to know why this vendetta aimed at his family, but he knew that the question would be useless. Still, he felt that a great deal had been gained during the last few hours. have you learned what the latest villainy is ralph asked not yet there is much uneasiness and alarm felt over the recent failures and my dusky allies are getting a little frightened for the next day or two i expect we shall lie low and plan some big coup what i want to secure now are the princess's private papers i know she has them and is in regular communication with the priests at Lhasa. Give me these, and I can expose the whole plot. Let me wipe these three people out,

Starting point is 07:46:57 and then Lassa shall get a hint that will save further trouble from that quarter. A hint from the India office that any more rascality will mean an expedition to Lhasa, and the destruction of their temples will suffice. But first I must have my proofs. Without proofs, I am helpless. Find them, Ralph croaked. Find them.

Starting point is 07:47:24 Never mind the scandal. Never heed what people may say. Bring the matter home. Hang those wretches, and we shall never more be troubled by this plague from the east. If I had my way, I would shoot the whole lot. And be hanged for your pains, Chigorsky replied.

Starting point is 07:47:47 Ah, my friend, there are serious flaws in the criminal laws of this fine country of yours. Patience, patience! I shall find out everything in time. There is one thing I am curious to know, said Jeffrey. I want to know who was the girl on the cliff with Mrs. May that afternoon, the girl who has such an amazing likeness to Marion. Have you discovered that, Chigorsky? That is what I am trying to get at myself, Chigorsky replied with great gravity.

Starting point is 07:48:23 It is one of the mysteries of the campaign. Jeffrey said no more on the point, chiefly because he had no more to say. Yet it was haunting him now, as it had done for some time past. It filled his mind as he made his way down the cliffs after luncheon. And then, to his surprise, as he gained the sands, he saw a figure rise from the rocks

Starting point is 07:48:50 and flit along the beach until it flashed round a distant point. It was the girl who bore that surprising resemblance to Marion. She was dressed, as before, in a blue skirt and red Tamichanter. With a sudden impulse, Jeffrey followed. His feet flew over. over the heavy sands, making no noise. As he turned to the rocky point, he saw no signs of the girl,

Starting point is 07:49:20 but there in the beach, with her sketchbook on her knee, was Marion herself, so deeply interested in manipulating her watercolors that she did not see Geoffrey till he hailed her. Did you see her? Geoffrey gasped. Marion smiled at his excited face. See whom? she asked. Oh, yes, some girl did pass me. But I was so busily engaged that I did not look up.

Starting point is 07:49:52 How do you think my sketch is progressing? I have been at it all the morning. Vera made me a small bet that I should not finish it today, so I am going to win my bet or perish in the attempt. Jeffrey was hardly listening. he recollected that there had been some little chaff at luncheon over some sketch but he had paid little heed to the subject it was the same girl he said the girl so like you oh marian how unfortunate you did not look up it was indeed marion replied she appeared to be deeply interested i would have given anything to see her but it is not too late put my materials in your boat jeff and i will follow up the cliffs i can't be very much use i'm afraid but at any rate i may solve this much of the mystery geoffrey returned to his boat

Starting point is 07:50:58 it seemed very strange to him that marion should not have seen the girl and also that on each occasion these two should have been so close together without meeting geoffrey pushed his boat out got his sails up and then stood out for the bay it was very quiet and no other boats were to be seen one or two of the upper windows of the castle were visible from there but no other signs of habitation the breeze freshened as geoffrey reached the open sea some distance from him a pile of wreckage covered with a mass of seaweed floated on the water i'll anchor here and get my lines out said geoffrey he luffed and as he did so a puff of wind filled the sail the mast gave an ominous crack and the whole thing snapped and went by the board geoffrey stared with widely open eyes the wind was as nothing barely enough to belly the sail then he looked down and saw that the mast had been almost sown away somebody had cut it nearly through so that the first puff would suffice geoffrey felt vaguely alarmed and uneasy he was a good four miles from shore and was an indifferent swimmer the sea was too dangerous and rough for bathing there might be further treachery he sat down and pulled hard at the oars with the idea of returning to the beach again as he bent his back to the work he toppled over the seat with two short stumps in his hands

Starting point is 07:52:50 the oars too had been sawed through and geoffrey was helpless four miles from land in an open boat with no means of progress and nobody in sight the position was alarming there would be nothing for it but to wait until some passing craft came along and picked him up but the time went by without any sign of a boat and starvation might be the result nor was the position improved when it began to dawn upon geoffrey that the boat was filling fast he saw that a large hole had been bored in the bottom and filled with some kind of substance that slowly dissolved in the water with a tin dipper geoffrey worked away with all his might but he could only keep the water from rising higher and knew that the exertion would soon tell upon him help he cried help help help he ceased to call as suddenly as he had begun what was the use of calling so long as nobody could hear him and why waste the breath that would be so precious to him later he could not see that the mass of wreckage and seaweed had drifted close to the boat he saw nothing till a line thrown into the boat struck him smartly on the boat struck him smartly on the boat he saw nothing till a line thrown into the boat struck him smartly on his on the face. He looked up. Can you manage to keep her afloat?

Starting point is 07:54:25 A hoarse voice came from the wreckage. For an hour, perhaps, Jeffrey replied. Why? That will do, said the other. I've got a paddle here. Hitch the rope onto the nose of the boat and bail out for all your worth. This is another of the princess's little tricks. i expected it only it hasn't turned out quite the way that i anticipated now bail away chigorsky geoffrey gasped chigorsky

Starting point is 07:55:03 very much at your service i rigged up this contrivance this morning and pushed off with it not long before you came down but never mind me stick to your dipper and i'll tell you all about it when you're we are ashore. It was hard and weary work for both of them, but it was accomplished at last. Jeffrey was utterly exhausted when the boat was safely beached, and Chigorsky too felt the effect of his exertions. He lifted himself cautiously off his raft and made a dart for one of the caves. inside he had dry clothing long-flowing robes wig and hair for his face pigments that changed the hue of one hemisphere to that of another geoffrey limp and exhausted watched the artistic transformation with admiration it's wonderful he said but then you are a wonderful man tigorsky how did it all happen who did it all happen who did you do you do you do you do you do it all happen who did it. Chigorsky smiled as he touched up his face. It was inspired by a woman and carried out by a woman, he said.

Starting point is 07:56:24 I dared not warn you before you started, and, indeed, I expected further developments. But a woman doctored your boat for you. Jeffrey started as an idea came to him. Was she young and good-looking? he asked dressed in dressed chigorsky smiled in a blue serge dress and a red tamashanter i need not ask if you have met the lady before end of chapter thirty eight chapter thirty nine of the mystery of the ravenspurs by fred m white this lubbervox recording is in the public domain chapter thirty nine princess zara's terms geoffrey had no reason to fear anything from his adventure in the way of catching cold seeing that beyond his feet he was not in the least wet but the exertion had brought the great beads to his forehead and he lay at the entrance of the cave exhausted meanwhile chigorski had appeared again clad in the long oriental robes that suited him so well

Starting point is 07:57:49 even in the strong light that filtered through a crack on to his face geoffrey found it impossible to recognize him are you feeling better he asked all right geoffrey gasped i'm a little bit pumped of course chigorski pointed to the boat pulled over the ledge of rock then oblige me by shoving her off and letting her sink in shallow water he said it is not pleasant and may cause your friends a great deal of anxiety, but for a little while it will be necessary for the world to regard you as one who has met with a watery grave. But surely this does not apply to my family, Jeffrey asked anxiously. To your family most of all, said Cigorsky, coolly. It is all part of the scheme. My dear boy, I am the last man in the world to cause unnecessary suffering.

Starting point is 07:58:53 Goodness knows I have had enough of my own, but one must be cruel to be kind sometimes. I have worked out the scheme. I have seen the enemy's cards, and I am playing mine accordingly. I tell you, the step is imperative. But Vera, Jeffrey groaned. It will kill Vee, in normal circumstances the shock would be great with a girl who has been so awfully tried the news may mean loss of reason i have thought of that chagorsky said at least your uncle ralph and i have worked it out between us miss vera is not to know anything of our scheme but she is to know that you are safe and well come i fancy you can trust ralph ravenspur

Starting point is 07:59:46 Jeffrey nodded. He felt easier in his mind. Not that he was satisfied, but it would be flying in the face of Providence to interfere with the delicate and deeply laid scheme of a man like Cigorsky. All right, he said. I'll do as you desire.

Starting point is 08:00:09 Then push the boat off without further delay. You will understand why I don't want to be seen in the matter. go before any one comes along geoffrey went obediently he had not much fear of anybody passing nevertheless he did not neglect proper precautions as he reached the cave again he found chigorsky lying on a heap of dry seaweed smoking a cigarette i suppose i have to thank mrs may for this geoffrey asked for this and other things chigorsky nodded i knew it was coming in fact very little can happen now that i am not in a position to discount my ruse succeeded capitally behold in me ben here one of the two miscreants who succeeded in destroying voski my colleague perished in the attempt the princess is convinced of that absolutely she is certain that i sergius chigorski have gone over to the great majority besides i have placed proof of my alleged crime in her hand the garuda stone all the fuss was about it is a clever imitation but that is beside the question

Starting point is 08:01:39 so you have been taken into her confidence well not exactly that but every new scheme is relegated so far as details are concerned to some of us and therefore i am in a position to discount the future in ordinary circumstances i should simply have warned you against going fishing to-day and thus checkmated the foe again but that would have been inartistic besides i wanted the princess to regard you as another victim hence the whole of this rather cheap dramatic business you will come to life again in a few hours when we shall have to be guided by events who was it who tampered with the boat you will learn in good time let us meanwhile assume that it was the work of one of my dusky companions for the present you and i remain where we are till dark probably when it will be possible to smuggle you up to your uncle's room i have not been regardless of your creature comforts here are cold meat and a bottle of champagne we dined together geoffrey accepted his portion with resignation and chigorski was an entertaining companion there was no dullness in his presence very well geoffrey said as he lighted a cigarette we are safe here now's the time for a further recital of your thrilling adventures in lasse agreed chigorski cried. Where did I leave off? You had been gagged and bound at the instigation of the

Starting point is 08:03:33 princess. True. It is also true that but for the intervention of the same princess, we should have been torn to pieces on the spot, and, incidentally, I may mention that that would have resulted in the absolute extinction of the house of Ravenspur. The men who a moment before had been grave, reserved priests were transformed instantly into raging fiends. Had they been possessed by devil so they could not have flamed out more suddenly? They were mad to know that the secrets of all ages had passed into the hands of Christian dogs, dogs who had defiled their altars. And yet much the same kind of barbarous fanaticism has been displayed in civilized dominions. they were not any worse than the bigots who burned your english martyrs we should have been torn to pieces on the spot as i told you but for the authority of the princess

Starting point is 08:04:36 so commonplace a death did not suit her ideas of the eternal fitness of things many and many a time afterwards when wracked by agony i deeply deplored that supposed act of clemency it was would have been a far more merciful death. Well, we were spared for the moment and cast into a loathsome dungeon, where we were overrun with vermin, great rats, which we had constantly to drive off, and spiders whose bite was very painful. How long we lay without food, I don't know. Anyway, it seemed days. Perhaps it was only so many hours.

Starting point is 08:05:24 try lying in the pitch dark fighting with nameless unseen terrors and see how many bitter years can be crammed into a minute and yet we knew there was far worse to come but for the fact that we were together and could cheer the black hours with the sound of each other's voices we should have gone mad one moment we were cast down in the depths of gloom the next we prayed for death. Anon, we laughed and sang sketches of gay songs. We were not insane, but were treading perilously near to the borderland. Then, after many years, or so it seemed to us, they fetched us again. We were not led into the banqueting hall, but to a long, low, vault-like place on the floor, of which were two shallow tanks or baths covered over with a frame of iron. And from the frame of iron ran long sliding rods,

Starting point is 08:06:32 for all the world like a bird's cage, only the sliding wires of the cage ran far into the room. Around these cages were glowing charcoal fires, the greater part of the sliding bars or wires growing red and red, Krokes blew from the heat. What did it mean? I wondered. Ah, I was very soon to know.

Starting point is 08:07:01 Chigorsky drew a deep breath, and a shudder passed over his powerful frame. The moisture on his forehead was not due to the heat alone. On a throne of stone, the princess was seated. A few of the higher-grade priests were grouped around her. Evidently they had been discussing us and had made up their minds. We were not going to be tried, even. Stand there, the princess commanded. Dogs, do you want to live?

Starting point is 08:07:37 Ralph Ravenspur said nothing. He was ever a man of few words. We have no desire to die, I replied. Nothing that breathes ever has. Even if I were an old man with one foot in the grave, the desire for life would be as strong upon me as it is now. The princess smiled. I will not try to describe that smile.

Starting point is 08:08:05 If you had seen it, you would have given ten years of your life to forget it again. It is in your hands to live, the woman said. It is for you to say whether or not you return to your people. but you shall not carry our cherished secrets to the west. You shall live, you shall go free, but you shall take no memory of the past with you. I guessed at once what she meant. There were attendance upon the priests,

Starting point is 08:08:38 poor fools who fetched and carried, who would undertake errands one at a time, but who had no reasoning powers, no wits of their own. They were not born idiots. They had been made so. They are put under drugs. A portion of the scalp is removed, and then some small fragment of the brain is destroyed. We could have our liberty if we chose, but at what price? We could go free, but for the rest of our lives, we should never know the blessed light of reason again. I tell you, it came to me like a cold shock, and turned me faint and giddy.

Starting point is 08:09:23 As I glanced at my companion, I saw that he was ghastly as myself. What use was life to us under such conditions? And the fiends were equal to the cruelty of getting us to consent to this operation, and then detaining us afterwards. We should be a mockery among them, and, warning to others. There was no reason to discuss this defined cruelty, this vile offer. We glanced at each other and shook our heads. Far better death than this. We knew how to die. We could have drawn our revolvers and shot each other, then and there.

Starting point is 08:10:07 But we did not. While there was life, there was hope. End of Chapter 39. Chapter 40 of the Mystery of the Raven Spurs by Fred M. White. This Librevox recording is in the public domain. Chapter 40. The Iron Cage. Chigorsky made a long pause before he resumed his story. His nerves appeared to require composing. It was impossible to shake off the horror of the past. At length he went on again.

Starting point is 08:10:54 saw the cruel light flame into the eyes of the princess. I saw that she was pleased and yet sorry to learn our decisions. She gave a sign and we were brought nearer to her. You understand what your refusal means, she said. You have been here long enough to know how carefully our secrets are guarded and also how we punish those who try to read them. Where are those scripts? We had no scripts, and I said so. As a matter of fact, such formula and papers as we had managed to become possessed of had been smuggled beyond Lassa to Ralph Ravenspur's servant, Elphick, who had conveyed them to a place of safety. But my statement was without effect. Strip them, she said, and put them in the baths. We were going to learn then what those cages

Starting point is 08:11:54 were four. There is no need to remove our clothing, I cried. We will do it ourselves. I was afraid our revolvers should be discovered, or the cartridges be rendered useless by immersion. Ralph seemed to understand, for, like myself, he quickly discarded his robes and slippers and professed himself to be ready.

Starting point is 08:12:21 Then the grating was raised, and we were placed on our backs in a shallow bath formed in the shape of a coffin and not more than ten inches deep as first the baths were empty but gradually they were filled with water until we had to raise our faces and press them against the bars to breathe i thought that we were to be suffocated in this shallow water a dreadful idea that filled me with stifling anxiety but there was worse to come again chigorsky paused and wiped his brow the suspense was torture the terrible uncertainty of what was going to happen was agony imagine being drowned with a bare half-inch of water over your lips and nostrils i turned my head a fraction of an inch on one side and then i saw that the water could not rise quite high enough to drown me without overflowing the edge of the bath evidently this was but the first chapter in the book of lessened we could breathe by placing our faces against the bar what next there was no occasion to ask the question though my heart was drumming like the wings of an imprisoned fly and though there was the roar of a furnace in my ears i could make out the crack and rattle of machinery and the bars over the cage began to move my face to escape the water was so closely pressed to the bars that the friction was painful the bars slid along and as they did so i remembered the long projecting ends which were glowing yellow and blue in the braziers

Starting point is 08:14:18 my heart ceased drumming and then seemed to stand still for the moment i had guessed the riddle a second later and the horizontal barrens and then seemed to stand still for the moment i had guessed the riddle a second later and the horizontal bar over my face were white-hot. Here was the situation then. I had either to press my face against those cruel bars or drown in a few inches of water. Could the mind of a man imagine a more diabolical torture? I cried aloud. I believe my friend did also, but I cannot say.

Starting point is 08:14:53 My face flinched involuntarily from the scar of the blistering iron. i held my breath till the green and red stars danced before my eyes flesh and blood could stand it no longer and i was literally bound to raise my head into the flesh as you have seen for yourself those hot barriers pressed while i filled my lungs with a deep draught of delicious air but the agony was so great that i had to go down again the water cooled the burns for the moment but you can imagine how it intensified the agony afterwards when i raised myself again the bars were cool but only for an instant for they came hot once more this time in a horizontal direction the same ghastly business was enacted again there was the sense of semi suffocation again the long long long long draft of pure air and the pain from the bars. And then, while wondering, half delirious, how long it could last, something gave way, and I fainted. That I deemed to be death, but it was nothing of the kind.

Starting point is 08:16:18 When I came to, I was lying on the floor, writhing in agony from my wounds. Fortunately, I had not lost my sight, nor had Ralph, at that time. He was to discover later that the injuries received were fatal to his eyes. He was lying by my side and groaning with pain like myself. A more hideous and more repulsive sight than my companion's face I never wished to look upon, and doubtless he had the same thoughts of me. But I did not think of that at the moment. We were alone. I staggered to him. I staggered to my feet and across to the door. It was fastened, of course. For a time, we were too maddened by pain to take heed of anything, but gradually reason came back to us. My first idea was of revenge.

Starting point is 08:17:16 Ralph had grasped for his robes, and his revolver was in his hand. Heaven help, the first man who comes in, he yelled. Like a drunken lunatic, I applauded the sentiment. For a minute we were both mad as the drugged melee who runs amok. Fortunately, nobody did come in for some time, and gradually, wiser counsel prevailed. We slipped into our garments and hid our revolvers. Then, from raging madmen, we passed to tears.

Starting point is 08:17:54 We were so spent. and exhausted that we cried like little children. But men like ourselves are not easily daunted. The pain was still great, but this only stimulated our desire to live and gain the better of those who had so cruelly used us. Later a priest conducted us into another room, where the princess awaited us.

Starting point is 08:18:20 She smiled as she looked at our faces. That smile was nearly the evening, end of her. Many a time since have I regretted that I didn't finish her career then and there. Had she betrayed the least sign of fear, I should have done so, and by so doing, your people would have been saved many a bitter sorrow. At the expense of your life, Jeffrey said. Chigorsky shrugged his shoulders. What matter, he said.

Starting point is 08:18:54 the few suffer for the many. Well, as I was saying, the speaker paused suddenly as his eye caught something moving along the beach. It was the figure of a woman creeping along, as if in search of some missing object. She proceeded very slowly until she approached the spot

Starting point is 08:19:18 where the boat lay filled and sunk, and then she paused abruptly. for a minute she stood fascinated by the sight, then she flung her hands high in the air, and a bitter wailing cry escaped her. If she had been a fisherman's wife, suddenly brought face to face with the dead body of her husband or lover, her wail of anguish had not been more poignant.

Starting point is 08:19:46 Who can she be? Jeffrey asked. Chigorsky said nothing. the woman stood with her hands raised as she turned and ran toward the cliffs moaning as she went geoffrey started marian he said marian he would have dashed forward but chagorski restrained him that is not your marion he said your marion does not dress like that geoffrey looked again it was marion and yet not marian it was the girl in the blue serge dress and red tamashanter who resembled her so strikingly what did this girl know about him and why did she stand wailing over his boat he felt he must solve this mystery sit down chigorsky said slowly sit down but geoffrey cried i insist upon knowing and spoiling everything sit down i say or i shall have to detain you i don't fancy you would care to measure your strength with mine geoffrey dropped into his seat perhaps not he said i don't believe you want me to know who that girl is

Starting point is 08:21:18 i have heard worse guesses tregorsky said dryly end of chapter forty one of the mystery of the ravenspers by fred m white this libervox recording is in the public domain chapter forty one waiting they were growing uneasy at the castle there was a forced cheerfulness about the small party that testified to the nervous tension that held them for some years now there had been a tacit understanding on the subject of punctuality such a thing was necessary when any moment might precipitate the next catastrophe the mere fact of anybody being late for five minutes sufficed to put the rest in a fever and geoffrey had not come into tea at all the thing was almost in itself a tragedy geoffrey was always so considerate of others nothing in the world would have induced him to stay away without first saying he was going to do so or sending a message and tea had been a thing of the past for a good thing of the past for a good hour. What could have become of him? Nobody asked the question, but it was uppermost in the minds of all. Vera was chattering with feverish gaiety, but there was a blazing red spot on her ghastly white face, and her eyes were wild and restless. Marion had slipped away. The only one who

Starting point is 08:23:07 betrayed no anxiety was Ralph. He sat sick. his chilled tea as if he had the world to himself and there was nobody else in it. Presently, with one excuse or another, all slipped away until Vera was alone with Ralph. He was so quiet that she had almost forgotten his presence. When she thought herself alone, she rose to her feet and paced the room rapidly. She pressed her hands to her throbbing temples. god spare him she whispered spare him to me oh it is wicked to feel like this and so utterly selfish but if geoffrey dies i have nothing to live for the tears rose to her eyes tears of agony and reproach and self-pity ralph crossed the room silently he was upon the girl ere she had heard the soft fall of his footsteps

Starting point is 08:24:12 he laid a hand on vera's arm geoffrey is not going to die he said vera suppressed a scream she might have cried out but something in the expression of ralph's face restrained her are you sure of that she asked as sure as one can be certain of anything child we are alone there is nobody else here uncle one cannot be too careful ralph muttered then geoff is safe thank heaven you have sent him somewhere uncle no i have not sent him anywhere and you are not to ask any questions i have told you so much to spare you the agony and suspense that will overtake the others i tell you because had you not known the mental strain might have broken you down continued ralph before long it will be proved almost beyond a demonstration that geoffrey has become a victim to the family foe there will be evidence to convince a jury but all the time geoffrey will be safe vera said nothing she could only gasp ralph's hand lay on her shoulders with a grip that was not devoid of pain you are not to show your feelings to any one he croaked you are not to betray your knowledge by a single sign ah if i could tell you how much depends upon your courage reticence and your silence i think you can trust me uncle ralph i think i can dear i like the ring of your voice you are to be quiet and subdued as if you were unable to comprehend the full force of the disaster

Starting point is 08:26:18 much if not everything depends upon the next few hours now go please ralph slipped away into the grounds a little later he was making his way along the cliffs toward the village for a brief time vera stood still she was trying to realize what ralph had said what did it mean she asked herself again and again but she could find no answer to the puzzle still geoff was safe whatever sensation the next few hours might produce jeffrey's Jeffrey had come to no harm. It would be hard to see the others suffer, hard to witness their grief, and not lighten it by so much as a sign. But Ralph had been emphatic on this point.

Starting point is 08:27:16 Had he not said that everything hinged upon her reticence and silence? Vera went slowly to her room, her feet making no sound on the thick pile carpet. A flood of light streamed through the stained glass windows into the corridor. In the big recess at the end, a white figure lay face downward on the cushions. Vera approached softly. She saw the shoulders rise and fall, as if the girl lying there were sobbing in bitter agony. It was Marion, Marion, the ever cheerful.

Starting point is 08:27:57 Surely her grief must be beyond the common. Marion, Vera whispered, dear Marion! She bent over the prostrate figure with heartfelt tenderness. Marion raised her face at length. It was wet with tears, and her eyes were swollen. At first she seemed not to recognize, Vera. Go away! he said hoarsely.

Starting point is 08:28:29 Why do you intrude upon me like this? Am I never to have a minute to myself? Am I always to carry the family troubles on my shoulders? She spoke fiercely with a gleam in her eyes that Vera had never seen before. She drew back, frightened, and alarmed. It seemed incredible that gentle Marion could repulse her like this, But she did not go.

Starting point is 08:28:59 Marion was beside herself with grief. She did not know what she was saying. It was impossible to leave her in this condition. You're grieving for Geoffrey, she said. He will come back to us. Jeffrey is dead, Marion wailed. He will never come back, and I... She paused.

Starting point is 08:29:25 She had not lost control of herself entirely. but the look in her eyes, the expression of her face, the significant pause, told Vera a story. It burst upon her with the full force of a sudden illumination. "'Marion,' she whispered, "'you love him as well as I do.' So her secret was known at last, and Marion was only a woman, after all. The selfishness of her grief drove away all other emotions. As you do, she cried,

Starting point is 08:30:06 What do you, with your gentle nature know of love? You want the wild, hot blood in your veins to feel the real fire of a lasting, devouring affection. I tell you, I love him ten thousand times more than you do. Look at me. I am utterly lying. and abased with my grief and humiliation am i not an object of pity geoffrey is dead i tell you i know it i feel it love him as you do and you stand there without so much as a single tear for his dear memory vera flushed the word stung her keenly how cold and callous marion must thank her and yet marian would have been equally cold and self-contained had she known and it was impossible to give her a single hint my heart and soul are wrapped up in geoffrey she said if anything happens to him i shall have nothing to live for

Starting point is 08:31:15 but i am not going to give way yet there is still hope and i shall hope to the end marion sat up suddenly and dried her tears you are a reproach to me she said with a watery smile not one word of reproof has passed your lips and yet you are a reproof to me and to think that you should have learned my secret i could die of shame Vera kissed the other tenderly. Why, she asked. Surely there is no shame in a pure and disinterested affection. From your point of view, no, said Marion. But if you could place yourself in my position, you would not regard it in the same light.

Starting point is 08:32:08 I have cared for Geoffrey ever since I came here. All along I have loved him. I knew that he was pledged to you, and knew that he could never be anything to me, and still I loved him. Who shall comprehend the waywardness of a woman's heart? And now he is dead. Once more the tears rose to Marion's eyes. She rocked herself to and fro, as if suffering from bitter anguish. I do not believe that Geoffrey is dead, said Vera.

Starting point is 08:32:43 Something tells me that he will be spared. But why go on like this? Anybody would imagine that you had something to do with it from the expression of your face. Marion looked up suddenly. Something to do with it? She echoed dully mechanically. I wasn't speaking literally, of course, Vera went on. But your curious expression.

Starting point is 08:33:13 What is curious about my expression? It is so strange. It is not like grief so much as remorse. Marion broke into a queer laugh, a laugh she strangled. As she passed her handkerchief across her face, she seemed to wipe out that strange expression. I hope remorse and I will remain strangers for many a long day, she said more composedly.

Starting point is 08:33:45 It is so difficult to judge from faces, and I must try to be brave like yourself. I have never given way before. I believe you are the bravest of us all, Marion. And I, that I am the greatest coward. I have even been so weak as to allow the secret of my life to escape me. Vera, I want you to make me a most sacred promise.

Starting point is 08:34:14 A dozen, if you like, dear. Then I want you to promise that Jeffrey shall never know of your discovery. At no time are you to tell him. Promise. Marion looked up eagerly and met Vera's eyes. They were clear and true and honest. They were filled with frankness and pity.

Starting point is 08:34:38 I promise from my heart, she said. said, "'Not now, nor at any time, shall Geoffrey know what I have learned today?' Marion blessed this speaker tenderly. "'I am satisfied,' she said. "'He will never know.' End of Chapter 41. Chapter 42 of the Mystery of the Ravenspurs by Fred M. White. This Librevox recording is in the public domain.

Starting point is 08:35:19 The Search Mrs. May sat out on the lawn before the rose garlanded windows of her sitting room. A Japanese umbrella was over her dainty head, a scented cigarette between her lips. For some time she had been long and earnestly sweeping the sea with a pair of binoculars. She rose at length and made her way down the garden.

Starting point is 08:35:47 There was a rugged path at the bottom, terminating in a thicket that overhung the cliffs here it would be possible for a dozen men to hide without the slightest chance of being discovered nobody ever went there by any chance shaded from the house mrs may paused a softened whistle came from her lips and then there came from the ground the dusky form of the man who called himself ben here he salaamed profoundly well the woman demanded impatiently well indeed my mistress the sham ben here replied calmly it fell out as you arranged behold a puff of wind carried away the masts and behold the oars came into fragments then the boat began to fill and now lies bottom up at the foot of the cliff. But he might have been a powerful swimmer. He was no swimmer at all.

Starting point is 08:36:58 I saw everything. It was not possible for him to be picked up? Not possible, my mistress. There was no boat, no sail to be seen. The boat foundered, and there was an end of it. I waited for some time and I saw no more. mrs may nodded carelessly she might have been receiving the intelligence of the drowning of a refractory puppy she betrayed neither regret nor satisfaction of course they will guess she said when they come to examine the boat and the oars they will see at once that there has been foul play once more they will know that the enemy has struck a blow

Starting point is 08:37:48 my mistress is all-powerful ben here murmured they will try to trace us once more ben here the sham asiatic shrugged his shoulders carelessly and they will fail he said they know not the powers arrayed against them the dogs know not my gracious mistress meanwhile thy slave can see through the bushes that somebody away your presence mrs may glanced in the direction indicated by ben here on the lawn rupert ravenspur was standing the woman smiled there was the head of the hated house actually seeking out the foe your eyes are sharper than mine she said well you have need of them meanwhile you had better discreetly disappear for the time. Mrs. May advanced to greet her guest. He bowed with his old-fashioned grace. "'This is an unexpected honor,' the woman said. "'I can claim nothing of the score of politeness or gallantry,' Rupert replied. He was quiet and polished as usual, but there was a look of deep distress on his face.

Starting point is 08:39:15 I came here not to see you, but in the faint hope of finding my nephew, Jeffrey. I have ascertained that he came to see you sometimes. He has been so good, Mrs. May murmured. I assure you I appreciate the company of a gentleman in this deserted spot. Then he has not been here today? I have not had the pleasure of seeing Mr. Jeffrey today. ravensburgh groaned he turned his face away ashamed that a woman should see him in a moment of weakness out of the corner of her eye she regarded him there was not a drop of pity in her heart for him i hope you don't anticipate anything wrong she said mr geoffrey is not a boy that he cannot oh you do not understand it is not understand it is a man

Starting point is 08:40:15 not that at all in ordinary circumstances i could trust geoffrey to the end of the world he is a good fellow and capable of taking care of himself and upholding the family honor but others as strong and more cunning have fallen before the dreaded foe until all confidence has left us i fear much that harm has come to geoffrey but surely in the broad daylight daylight or darkness it is the same you know nothing of the boy nothing save that he was going fishing to-day raven spur started oh he cried then i shall soon know the worst i am sorry to have troubled you i will go down to the beach the others are searching in all directions nobody will return to the house until we know the lad's fate ravenspur bowed and was gone mrs may smiled after him so the castle was going to be left for the time being this is a chance not to be lost she murmured the full run of the castle fate is playing into my hands with a vengeance full of the wildest apprehension full of the wildest apprehension ravenspur made his way to the beach it was no easy task for a man of his years but he made light of it as he used to half a century ago two fishermen coming up touched their hats have you been out to the west of gull point to-day ravenspur asked no sir was the reply not one of us the man of us the man

Starting point is 08:42:08 mackerel came in from the east, and there were so many we had every bottom afloat. I did hear as Mr. Jeffrey had gone out in the West Bay, but I can't say for sure. Again Ravenspur groaned. No longer had he the least doubt about what had happened. There had been more foul play, and Jeffrey had gone down under the dark waters. The old man's heart was full to bursting. but his grief was for vera more than for himself i am afraid there has been another one of those tragedies that are so mournfully identified with our name he said wasse and watkins will you come with me the fisherman dropped the brown tangled nets upon their shoulders and followed they were all tenants vassals almost of the raven spurs and ready to do their bidding

Starting point is 08:43:08 the foe would have had a hard time did he fall into the clutches of these veterans i am going down to search the beach ravenspur explained i know that my nephew went out fishing this afternoon i shall know his fate soon it was some time before anything was found wos came stumbling over the rocks and there in a clear pool he saw the boat bottom upward at the cry of dismay that came from him watkins hurried up give a hand with the painter bill wasse said hoarsely there's the boat right enough with a good round hole under the gunwale raven spur watched in silence he saw the boat beached he saw the hole in her side wasp pointed to the mast where it had been sawn off poor young gentleman he exclaimed with the hearty outburst of grief and to think that we shall never see him again look at this sir the mast seems to have been sawn off said ravenspur almost off sir said watkins enough to give if a puff of wind came and that hole has been plugged with soft glue or something of the kind if i could only lay a hand on him he shook his fist in the air in impotent rage tears filled his eyes raven spurs stood motionless he was trying to bring the force of the tragedy home to himself trying to shape words to tell vera without cutting her to the heart he was long past the more violent emotions

Starting point is 08:45:04 he turned to was like a man in a dream go up to the castle he said see my son gordon and bid him come here they must all come down all aid in the search not a word more please go end of chapter forty two chapter forty three of the mystery of the raven spurs by fred m white this librivox recording is in the public domain chapter forty three nearer to geoffrey the position was a strange one there was something unreal about the whole thing nor was it pleasant to remember that by this time the family had missed him and were doubtless bewailing him for dead i am afraid there is no help for it said chigorsky i could not see my way to certain conclusions and ends without inconvenience something more than inconvenience geoffrey murmured anxiety troubles what you like chigorsky replied coolly it is necessary i want to have the castle cleared for a time and i can think of no better and less suspicious way of doing it the anxiety and suspense will not last long and by daylight your people shall see you again and the one who is most likely to suffer has been already relieved so geoffrey was fain to wait in the cave listening to chigorski's piquant conversation and waiting for the time to come for action

Starting point is 08:46:58 there will be plenty to do presently the russian said meanwhile i am going to leave you to yourself for a space the woman who regards me as her servant may need me and remember you are not to leave the cave in any circumstances else all my delicacies likely laid plans will be blown to the winds. So saying, Chigorsky disappeared. It seemed hours before anything happened. It was safe in the cave. Nobody was likely to come there, and if they did, there was not the slightest chance of discovery, for the cave went far under the cliff

Starting point is 08:47:41 and was dark as the throat of a wolf. By and by there came the sound. of voices on the beach, and Rupert Ravenspur, followed by the two fishermen, appeared. Jeffrey's heart smote him as he saw his grandfather. Then they found the boat, and directly afterwards, the two fishermen rushed away, leaving Ravenspur behind. It was only the strongest self-control that prevented Jeffrey from making his presence known to the figure gazing so sadly at the boat.

Starting point is 08:48:19 But he remembered Chigorsky's warning. After all, he reflected, it would only be for a little time, and the head of the family knew nothing of the great conspiracies working themselves out around him. His open, honorable nature would have shrunk from the subtle diplomacy and cunning that appeared so powerfully to Chigorsky. rupert ravenspur would not have tolerated the position for a moment he would have insisted upon going to mrs may and having the matter out at once or he would have called in the police and that course would be fatal so geoffrey was constrained to stay and watch presently he saw the fisherman return followed by the family there was a gathering about the foundered boat and then geoffrey turned to his own

Starting point is 08:49:14 his eyes away, ashamed to witness the emotion caused by what they regarded as his untimely death. He had seen them all, and beheld their grief. He could see Marion bent down with a handkerchief to her streaming eyes, and the head of the family comforting her. He saw Vera apart from the rest, gazing out to sea. Beyond, a fleet of boats were coming round the point. they were small fishing smacks in search of the drowned ravenspur geoffrey pinched himself to make sure he was awake it is not often that a live man sits watching people search for his dead body but there was comfort in the knowledge that vera was aware of everything geoffrey could see that she had been told that was why she kept apart from the rest

Starting point is 08:50:13 she walked along the sands past the mouth of the cave her head bent down flesh and blood could stand it no longer in the mouth of the cave geoffrey stood and called vera softly by name the girl started and half turned don't be alarmed geoffrey whispered i am in the cave it is safe here watch your opportunity and come in for i have been alarmed geoffrey whispered i am in the cave it is safe here watch your opportunity and come in for i must have a few words with you only do it naturally and don't let anybody suspect vera had turned her back to the cave and appeared to be sadly gazing over the sea gradually she slipped back watching the others who apparently had forgotten her until she was lost in the gloom of the cavern a moment later and geoffrey had her in his arm a moment later and geoffrey had her in his arms it was good to feel her heart beating against his to feel her kisses warm on his lips did chagorsky tell you he asked no uncle ralph oh i am so glad to see you again geoffrey i knew you were not lost that you would be safe after what uncle said and yet all the time there was a strange void in my heart but my darling i am safe vera laid her head restfully on his shoulder i know i know she said but i have had a foretaste of what might have been when wassen watkins came and told me that your overturned boat had been found i began to realize what it might be to live without you dear jeff will it be long before all this anxiety is disposed of

Starting point is 08:52:11 geoffrey kissed her trembling lips not long so chigorsky says and i have implicit faith in him the present situation is all part of the plot of our salvation and the others our heart-broken my poor grandfather looks ten years older you know how entirely he has been wrapped up in us i feel sure that if he could have saved us by-i can save us by you know how entirely he has been wrapped up in us i feel sure that if he could have saved us by sacrificing the rest himself included he would have done so i know geoffrey said hoarsely i know dear and marian marion is sorely disturbed i hardly know what to make of marion for the first time she positively appears to be frightened and marian is not the girl who cries i was alarmed about her a little time ago replied vera ah well it won't be very long geoffrey said consolingly to-morrow morning tigorsky has promised me that i shall be safe and sound in the bosom of the family again. What are they going to do now? They are going to search until they find you.

Starting point is 08:53:33 All the boats from the village are out. Even the servants are assisting. You can understand how I should feel if I did not know everything. I could not stay in the house. I could do no more than wander along the shore, feeling that I was helping. It would be impossible to remain in the house, and that is what they all feel.

Starting point is 08:53:56 There is a full moon tonight, and they will be here till they are exhausted. Jeffrey nodded. He was wondering how he was going to account for his absence and for the manner in which he was finally to turn up safe and sound again. He would have to concoct some story of being picked up by a passing boat and landed some way down the coast. They guess I am a victim to the vendetta, he asked.

Starting point is 08:54:28 Of course. They say the mast and oars were partly sawn away. It will be the talk of the country in a few hours. Jeffrey, I must go. Don't you see that they have missed me? Vera had been missed. Already Marion was calling her. There was just a chance that she might be yet another victim.

Starting point is 08:54:55 vera slipped out of the cave walking backwards as if she were looking for something you won't betray yourself said geoffrey i'll try not to dear i understand how necessary it is that the truth should be concealed and yet it is hard not to be able to ease their minds vera was clear of the cave by this time and her voice ceased a few yards farther on and marion came up to her she was looking pale and ghastly there were rings under her eyes her nerves had had a terrible shock i couldn't imagine where you had got to she said i looked round and you had disappeared i feared you had been spirited away by the cruel foe marian one by one by one One by one we go. It may be your turn next." "'Wood to heaven that it was,' Marian whispered vehemently. A little time ago I fancied that I was strong enough to bear up against anything.

Starting point is 08:56:10 Now I know what a feeble creature I am. Before this happened I would have a thousand times been the victim myself. And I—' she paused and beat the air, Vira wondered. Could this really be the strong, self-reliant Marion who had uplifted them in so many troubles? This the girl who always had a smile on her face and words of comfort on her lips? This was a weak, frightened creature, with eyes that were haunted. Be brave, said Vera, and be yourself. What should we do without you? Why, you are so full of remorse you might have been responsible for Jeffrey's death yourself. Marion looked up swiftly, and then her eyes fell. It is because I love him, she said.

Starting point is 08:57:09 And I love him, too, but I try to be brave. Marion was silent under the reproof. Vera was calm and collected. What a reaction there would be. later, Marion thought. You have not given up all hope, she asked. No, I cannot. It would be too cruel.

Starting point is 08:57:34 I cannot imagine that anything really serious has happened to Geoffrey. I cannot feel anything for the present, save for you. And my heart is full for you, Marion. Aye, Marion said drearily, it need be. vera turned and walked swiftly across the sands she wanted to be alone now that no danger threatened then presently the moon rose and shone upon the people gathered on the fringe of the sea

Starting point is 08:58:08 to the impatient geoffrey came ralph ravenspur with the cloak and slouched hat over his arm end of chapter forty three chapter forty four of the mystery of the ravenspurs by fred m white this libervox recording is in the public domain chapter forty four still nearer he entered as coolly and easily as if he had been doing the kind of thing all his life, as if he had the full use of his eyesight. I can't see you, but of course you are there, he said. Chigorsky sent me because he cannot come himself. The jade, he calls his mistress, has need of him. Muffle yourself and follow me. Not too closely.

Starting point is 08:59:10 Jeffrey was only too glad of the opportunity. He passed under the shadow of the rocks. until he gained the path to the head of the cliffs, and here Ralph paused. We are safe now, he said. You can remove your disguise and cross the terrace. There is not a living soul in the castle at present. All the servants are on the beach, then? Every one of them, both male and female,

Starting point is 08:59:42 which is a flattering testimony to your popularity, Geoffrey. i opine that they will be pleased to see you in the morning by the way have you concocted a plausible story to account for your escape i haven't geoffrey admitted with a smile i preferred to leave it to the greater talents of chigorsky and yourself i have no genius for fiction ralph muttered that the matter might be safely left in their hands and then they entered the deserted castle and made their way to ralph's room here the two doors were closed and ralph sat down silently over his pipe is anything going to happen geoffrey asked a great deal during the next hour or two ralph replied but it is impossible to forecast and you will see it all for yourself in good time i can't do anything until i have heard further from our friend chigorsky half an hour passed in dead silence and then there was a wrapping on the window when the casement was thrown open the head of chigorski appeared he was clad in oriental robes and had made his way upwards by climbing the thick ivy that grew on that side of the house he nodded to geoffrey i told you we should meet again he said i have just ten minutes to spare a cigarette please geoffrey handed over the cigarette

Starting point is 09:01:26 have you discovered it all ralph asked i have discovered nothing jigorsky said calmly from behind the cloud of smoke at present i have not the remotest idea which way she will strike ah she is in one of her suspicious moods when she trusts nobody quite right all i can tell you is that she is coming here presently she is well aware that there is not a soul in the house she knows that this state of things is likely to last for some time she will come by and by and with her she will bring some great danger to the house of ravenspur what formed that dangerous to take i cannot say but i shall find out the last words came from chigorsky's lips with a snap but she will want confederates said geoffrey she may or she may not she is a woman of infinite resource nobody knows what mischief she is capable of if she brings me along i may be exceedingly useful if she leaves me behind i shall be more usefully employed in going over her papers and documents you see i know the language but be that as it may this is going to be an eventful night chigorsky finished his cigarette and rose to go he had few instructions to leave behind him and these few were of an exceedingly simple nature all that geoffrey and ralph ravenspur had to do was to watch they were to keep their eyes open and be largely guided by events and there were to be no lights

Starting point is 09:03:24 half an hour passed before ralph rose and softly opened the door for a little time he threw the casement open wide as geoffrey drew a match from his box ralph laid a restraining hand on his arm no more smoking he said i purposely opened the casement to sweeten the air of the room my dear boy you do not want to betray us with the smell of fresh tobacco The enemy would take alarm at once. I had forgotten, Jeffrey murmured. How stupid of me! Again silence and painful tension on the nerves. Presently below came the soft fall of a foot, and then a noise as if a human body had come in contact

Starting point is 09:04:17 with some object in the dark. There was the scratch of a match and a ball of flame flickered in gregers. ghastly fashion in the hall. The foe is here, Ralph whispered. Go and look over. Your rubber-souled boots are in the corner. Put them on.

Starting point is 09:04:38 Jeffrey did as he desired. He crept along the corridor until he could look down into the hall. There he saw a woman, a woman who wore short skirts and a closely fitting jacket. She had a small lantern. in her hand, the light of which she seemed to lower or heighten by pressing a stud. Behind her came the two orientals, who carried a small but heavy brass-bound box between them. This, at a sign from the woman, they deposited on the floor. As far as Jeffrey could judge, neither of these two men was Chigorsky.

Starting point is 09:05:21 He could catch the sound of whispered conversation, but the words conveyed no meaning to his ears the two discoursed in a language he did not understand a hand was laid on geoffrey's arm he turned to see ralph by his side the ladder bent over the balustrade listening with all his ears down below the brass box was being opened and the contents were placed upon the floor the contents looked like machinery, but it was machinery of a kind that Jeffrey had never seen before. There was a small disk of hammered copper, and to this was attached a number of what seemed to be Indian rubber snakes. At a sign from the woman, the two Asiatics picked up the box and its contents and started away toward the kitchen. Noiseless as they were, Ralph heard them. He clutched his.

Starting point is 09:06:24 companion's arm. They have gone, he whispered. In which direction? They had moved off towards the kitchen, said Jeffrey. Good, this thing is turning out exactly as I expected. They had something with them? Yes, a thing like a copper octopus with India rubber tentacles. They have taken it with them, a most extraordinary,

Starting point is 09:06:54 fair it will be more extraordinary still before it is finished said ralph grimly follow them and report what you see take good care not to be seen unless i am mistaken they are going down to the vaults and are planning a coup to do for us all to-night geoffrey crept silently down the stairs then he made his way swiftly along the passages until he came to the cellars. Then the steady blowing of a current of fresh air told him that Ralph's suggestion was right. Down he went until he came to the channel leading to the vaults. But he was cautious. He peeped down.

Starting point is 09:07:44 Below him were three figures, and once more they had spread out their queer apparatus. By the side of it were two large glass-stopped, bottles, such as one sees in a laboratory, receptacles for acids and the like. They were tightly tied over the stoppers. The woman picked up one of them and removed the parchment. Before she drew the stopper, she donned thick glasses and a mask for her face, the two orientals doing the same.

Starting point is 09:08:20 They were evidently dealing with some very dangerous poison. the stopper was removed and a few spots of the acid dropped on the copper disk a white smoker rose which small as it was filled the air with a pungent odor almost immediately the acid was wiped off and the odor ceased only just a whiff of it reached geoffrey's nose but it turned him faint giddy for an instant what was going to happen next end of chapter forty four chapter forty five of the mystery of the ravenspurs by fred m white this libervox recording is in the public domain chapter forty five baffled geoffrey had not long to wait from where he was standing he could see down into the vault perfectly well He would have been better satisfied had he understood what those people were talking about, but their words conveyed nothing to him. On the floor of the vault, the queer-looking machinery was spread out,

Starting point is 09:09:46 and to the ends of the India rubber tubes, wires were attached. No sooner had this been accomplished than the woman, after giving some rapid instructions to her allies, left the vault. She was so quick that Jeffrey barely had time to conceal himself behind a pillar before she passed him. The woman was masked and disguised beyond recognition, but Jeffrey had no need to be told who she was. He knew that he was in the presence of Mrs. May, and, despite his knowledge of her cleverness and resource, he found himself marveling to see her display so fine a knowledge of the house. the woman passed along dragging a number of fine light wires after her the other end of the wires were attached to the queer-looking apparatus in the vault

Starting point is 09:10:42 mrs may went along the passages along the corridor and up the stairs as if she had been accustomed to the house all her life surely she must have been here many times before or she would not have exhibited such fearless conflict The idea of the black gliding figure creeping about the house in the dead of night filled Jeffrey with loathing. All the same, he did not neglect his opportunities. He followed swiftly and silently until he came to the main corridor on the first landing. Here, to his surprise, the woman turned into one of the bedrooms, the room used by the head of the house. house. She closed the door behind her. What to do next? But Jeffrey was not long in doubt. Ralph was standing by his side, a dark lantern in his hand. Where did she go? he whispered.

Starting point is 09:11:47 You heard her then? asked Jeffrey. Of course, I heard everything. I see with my ears. Naturally, you guessed who she was, but what room did she go into? My grandfather's. So I expected, but she means to visit all the rooms in turn. You need not be afraid. She will be there for some minutes. What do you see outside? Jeffrey made a close examination with the lantern.

Starting point is 09:12:24 I see a tangle of small, wires on the floor, he said. They come up from the vaults. Where they are attached to a queer-looking instrument? Yes, yes. I see you know all about it. One of the wires runs under the door into the room where Mrs. May is engaged. And where she will be engaged for some time, said Ralph. Move that book ladder and look over the fan light. there were books on high shelves in the corridor and a light librarian's ladder close at hand geoffrey propped this against the door and looked in through the open fan light all the bedroom doors had fan lights at ravensborough the lantern inside was on the dressing-table and standing on a chair by a fireplace was mrs may she had pinned the thin wire to the wall cunningly and had turned the end of it into a plate that stood on the mantel shelf from a flask she poured a little white powder into the plate

Starting point is 09:13:38 this done she seemed to be satisfied geoffrey whipped the ladder away and the woman emerged from the room once more she went along the corridor with firm resolute step and the air of one who knows what she is doing and has a definite object in view from one bedroom to another she went leaving a wire in each until every room occupied by one of the ravenspur family had been visited geoffrey's room was the last when she had finished here she took up a pair of scissors and tapped the wire outside the door geoffrey and ralph could hear the noise distinctly ralph's jaws came together with a click the key is outside your room door he whispered turn it geoffie wondered but he hastened to comply the key turned with an ease and silence that testified to the fact of its having been carefully oiled what does it all mean geoffrey whispered she is going to test her machinery said ralph with a chuckle and she is going one step farther to her own destruction listen again came the faint tap and then down from far below the purring jar of a electrical apparatus in motion. There was silence inside the room for a moment,

Starting point is 09:15:15 and then Jeffrey saw the handle turn. It was turned softly at first, then more quickly, and finally it was tugged as an angry child snatches at a toy. Ralph chuckled. The diabolical mirth seemed to come deep from his throat. She is trying to get out, Jeffrey was. whispered. Of course she is, Ralph replied, but not quite yet.

Starting point is 09:15:46 The lock was rattling loudly by this time. There was a half-angry, half-frightened muttering from within, and then there came a long, piercing, wailing scream, as of a woman in the last agony before death. Jeffrey would have started back, but Ralph restrained him. no no he whispered violently it's all right everything is turning out splendidly but she is a woman and in deadly peril uncle i know it lad five minutes more and that fiend will be beyond further mischief she has been trying the effect of her infernal contrivance and will be hoist with her own pittard she is scared to death she imagine she has fastened herself in and can't get out but this is murder geoffrey cried i dare say some people would call it so ralph replied coolly

Starting point is 09:16:53 as a matter of fact there never could be homicide more justifiable than to let that woman perish there still we are not going to do anything of the kind when those cries cease and you hear yonder wretch fall to the ground, then opened the door and drag her out. The cries were coming wildly from behind the door. There was a hammering on the panels. The cries rang through the house. They reached the asiatics in the vaults, and the latter fled in terror into the night. Something had happened, but what it was they did not care. They had only themselves to think of. in spite of his strong nerves geoffrey shuddered it was horrible to be alone in that grim house of tears waiting in the darkness opposed by grim horrors and above all to have that note of agony ringing in his ears would it never stop would the time to act never come geoffrey would have interfered in spite of everything but for the fact that ralph was gripping his shoulder

Starting point is 09:18:08 in a grasp that at any other time would have been painful. Suddenly the noise ceased. There was a moan and the soft crushing fall of a body. Ralph's face blazed up instantly. Now, he cried, there is no time to be lost. Jeffrey darted forward. He had the door opened in an instant. Mrs. May lay still and warm.

Starting point is 09:18:38 white on the floor. The atmosphere of the room seemed to have vanished. It was intolerable to breathe there. Air, there was none. As the door fell back, the room filled as with a sudden strong draft. Jeffrey dragged the unconscious figure into the corridor. "'Will she die?' he gasped. "'No, she will not die,' Ralph said. Cooley. Had I intended her to die, I should not have allowed you to open the door. Pick her up and throw her on one of the beds in a spare room. She will require no attention, but she will not attain consciousness for some hours, and after that she will be useless

Starting point is 09:19:28 for a day or two. You need not worry. Our scheme is working out splendidly. Pick her up. ralph indicated the still figure with brutal indifference he would have shown more consideration to a sick dog geoffrey complied and presently made the woman as comfortable as circumstances allowed geoffrey had hardly done so before there was a light footfall in the corridor and chigorski appeared still in disguise i gather that things are well he said just now i met that she-devil's accomplices fleeing as if the father of lies was behind them she was trapped eh ralph nodded and chuckled in geoffrey's room he explained when she was testing her apparatus i had the key turned on her and she could not get out i let her remain there as long as i considered it safe to do so and her yells must have alarmed her confederates probably they have fled leaving things intact probably said chigorski i will go and see he was back again presently a pleased expression on his face nothing has been touched he said i have removed the wires in case of danger we have the lady more or less under our thumb what was she doing geoffrey asked it is an appliance for exhausting air shigorsky explained you take a powder and place it on a hot plate directly it begins to burn it draws up all the air

Starting point is 09:21:23 the thing has been known in the east for thousands of years mrs may applied electricity to give her greater scope a plate of the plate of the powder was to be heated in the room of everybody in the castle when asleep. A few minutes, and the thing is done. Then the wires are withdrawn, and gradually the different rooms are filled with air again. The burnt powder leaves no trace. Then you are all found dead in your beds, and nobody knows how it is done. The wires are easily drawn back to the battery, and the whole thing is destroyed. Jeffrey shuddered.

Starting point is 09:22:06 What a fiend! End of Chapter 45. Chapter 46 of the Mystery of the Raven Spurs by Fred M. White. This Libervox recording is in the public domain. Chapter 46. Nearing the End It was some time before anyone spoke. Jeffrey was turning the whole matter over in his mind. he was still puzzled i don't understand it he said of course i follow all you say and i see the nature of the plot intended to end us all at one fell swoop but why do you want to have that woman under the roof

Starting point is 09:23:00 because so long as she is under the roof she is comparatively harmless chigorski explained the princess is hot and vengeful and passionate But she has her vein of caution and will take no unnecessary risks. She will be bewildered and will not know whether she has been suspected or not. The more cordial you are to her, the more suspicious she will be. Of course, she will make up some plausible tale to account for her intrusion, and, of course, you must pretend to believe it. It will be impossible to move her for a day or two, and here I come in.

Starting point is 09:23:44 In what way? Jeffrey asked. In the way of having a free hand, Chigorsky said with a smile. The princess will be cut off from her allies, and I shall be able to ransack her private papers for one thing. Jeffrey nodded. He began to see the force of Chigorsky's clever scheme and then the cold solitude of the house. struck him. For a moment he had forgotten all about the family still on the beach and the agony

Starting point is 09:24:17 they were suffering on his account. I suppose you can do no more tonight, he asked. I am not so sure of that, Chigorsky said dryly. Meanwhile, I can safely rest for an hour or so. I am going to lie hidden in Ralph's bedroom for the present and smoke his tobacco. do you want anything i should like to relieve the minds of my friends said geoffrey that of course chigorski responded go at once you were picked up by a passing boat or yacht that landed you at manby you walked back and when you got home to change your clothes you found the place deserted don't say anything as to mrs may your uncle ralph will have that story to tell when you return you are not to know anything about mrs may all right geoffrey said cheerfully now i'll be off he made his way down the cliffs unseen there were lanterns flitting about the shore. He could see the flash of Marion's white dress and Vera by her side. He came gently alongside them.

Starting point is 09:25:41 Vera, he said. What is all this about? Vera turned and gave a cry. She was acting her part as well as possible, and the cry seemed genuine. But the tears in her eyes were tears of thankfulness that the sufferings of those dear to her, were ended. She clung to her lover, her lips pressed his. Marion stood there white and still as a statue. The girl seemed to be frozen. Jeffrey's touch thawed her into life again. Jeffrey, she screamed. Jeffrey, thank God, thank God. Never again will I... With another scream that rang high and clear,

Starting point is 09:26:30 the girl fell unconscious at his feet he raised her up tenderly as the others came rushing forward there was a babble of confused cries hoarse cheers and yells of delight the villagers were running wild along the sands scores of men pressed eagerly round to shake geoffrey's hand i was picked up by a yacht he said of course i know there was foul play I know all about the broken mast and the sawn oars. You may rest assured I will take more care another time. And I was... Jeffrey was going to say that he had been warned, but he checked himself in time. His progress toward home was more or less a royal one.

Starting point is 09:27:23 It touched him to see how glad people were. He had not imagined a popularity like this. vera clung fondly to his arm rupert ravenspur walked proudly on the other side not once had the old man showed the slightest sign of breaking down but he came perilously near to it at the present time marion held to him trembling she felt it almost impossible to drag herself along you are quaking from head to foot said ravenspur i am marion admitted and at the risk of increasing your displeasure i should say you are very little better dear grandfather i fear the shock of seeing geoffrey after all this fearful suspense has been too much for you ravenspur admitted the fact he was glad to find himself at home again glad to be rid of the rocking cheering crowd outside and glad to see geoffrey opposite him marian pale as death had dropped into a chair i am going to give you all some wine said geoffrey you need it please do not let us discuss my adventure any more let us drop the sun subject. Ralph glided in, feeling his way into the room. He congratulated Jeffrey as

Starting point is 09:28:57 coolly as he would have done in the most trite circumstances. He was acting his part in his own wooden, stupid way. I also have had my adventures, he croaked. I hope the castle is all right, Ravenspur observed. The same idea occurred to me. Ralph went on. One so afflicted as myself could not be of much service on the beach, so I came back to the castle. It occurred to me as possible

Starting point is 09:29:30 that our enemy would take advantage of the place being deserted. So I passed the time wandering about the corridors. A little time ago, I heard a violent commotion and screaming outside Jeffrey's room. I got to the spot as soon as possible

Starting point is 09:29:48 but when I arrived, the noise had ceased. Then I stumbled over the body of a woman. Woman, Raven Spur cried. Impossible. Not in the least, Ralph said coolly. I picked her up, she was unconscious. My medical knowledge, picked up in all parts of the world, told me that the woman was suffering from some physical shock,

Starting point is 09:30:17 that she was not in any danger her steady pulse showed i placed her on the bed in the blue room and there she is now marian exclaimed so far as i know ralph replied what she was doing here i haven't the slightest idea and you don't know who she is mrs gordon asked how should i i am blind i should say that the woman was up to no good here but i dare say it is possible that she has some decent excuse on the other hand she might be one of our deadly foes anyway there she is and there she is likely to be for some time to come marion rose to her feet uncle ralph she said i feel that i could shake you have you no feeling We can't all have your tender heart, Ralph said meekly. Marion ignored the compliment. She took up the decanter and poured out a glass of wine. I am going upstairs at once, she said.

Starting point is 09:31:36 Enemy or no enemy, the poor creature cannot be neglected. You need not come, Vera. Vera too had risen to her feet. she was not going to be put aside. But I am coming, she said. I will not allow you to go up those stairs alone, and Jeffrey shall accompany us. Marion said no more.

Starting point is 09:32:02 She seemed strangely anxious and restless. Jeffrey followed with the lamp in his hands. Mrs. May lay quietly there, breathing regularly and apparently in a deep silence. sleep. Marion bent over the bed. As she did so, she gasped, and the color left her face. She fell away with a cry like fear. Oh, she shuddered. Oh, it is Mrs. May. Vera bent over the bed. She unfastened the dress at the throat.

Starting point is 09:32:41 What does it matter, she said. I know you don't like the woman. but she is suffering. Marion, where are your tender feelings? Marion said nothing, but she came directly to Vera's side, and Jeffrey, glancing at Marion's rigid white face, wondered what it all meant. End of Chapter 46. Chapter 47 of the Mystery of the Raven Spurs by Fred M. White. This Librevox recording is in the public domain. Chapter 47. Chigorsky further explains,

Starting point is 09:33:28 I don't quite follow it yet, said Jeffrey. And yet it is simple, Chigorsky replied. Here is a form of electric battery in the vault connected by tiny wires to every sleeping chamber occupied by a raven spur. In each of these bedrooms, a powder is deposited somewhere, and the wire leads to it. at a certain time when you are all asleep the current is switched on the powder destroyed without leaving the slightest trace and in the morning you are all as dead as if you had been placed in a lethal chamber as a matter of fact they would have been lethal chambers almost directly by means of the chimneys etc the rooms would begin to draw a fresh supply of air and by the time you were discovered by the time you were discovered

Starting point is 09:34:24 everything would be normal again then the battery would be removed and the wires withdrawn without even the trouble of entering the rooms to fetch them then exit the whole family of ravenspur leaving behind a greater mystery than ever now do you understand what it all means geoffrey nodded and shuddered what do you propose to do he asked leave the battery where it is and unless i am mistaken the battery is removed already said the russian he was correct investigation proved that the whole thing had been spirited away as i expected chigorski muttered done from the vaults under the sea doubtless that woman's servants keep very close to her it is wonderful how they managed to slip about without being seen they have ascertained that an accident has happened to their mistress, and they have removed signs of the conspiracy. But for the present, they cannot remove their mistress. Chigorsky chuckled as he spoke.

Starting point is 09:35:40 You seem pleased over that, said Jeffrey. Of course I am, my boy. It enables one to do a little burglary without the chance of being found out, and you are to assist me. But I am not going to start on my errand before midnight, so till then I shall stay here and smoke. At that hour you will please join me. I am to accompany you then?

Starting point is 09:36:10 Yes, you are going to be my confederate in crime. Jeffrey joined the others downstairs. Delight and thankfulness were written on every face. Never had Jeffrey found his family so tender and loving. Usually, Marion had had her feelings under control, but tonight it seemed as if she could not make enough of her cousin. She hung over him, she lingered near him, until Vera laughingly proclaimed that jealousy was rendering her desperate.

Starting point is 09:36:44 I cannot help it, Marion said, half tearfully. I am so glad! And if you only know, knew but that does not matter i am beside myself with joy i suppose that woman upstairs is all right ravenspur said coldly he was by no means pleased that mrs may should have intruded twice in that way and each time there had been some accident with so much sorrow weighing him down and with a shadow of further disaster ever haunting him ravenspur was naturally suspicious. It seemed absurd, no doubt, but that woman might be taking a hand against the family fortunes. The last occasion was bad enough, but this was many times worse. In the circumstances, as he pointed out, nothing could exceed the bad taste of this intrusion into a deserted house.

Starting point is 09:37:46 She may not have known it, Mrs. Gordon said quietly. Who knows but that she had discovered some plot against us and had come to warn us? Perhaps the enemy divined her intentions, hence the accident. But was it an accident? Gordon asked. Something mysterious, like everything that occurs to us, his wife replied. At any rate, she is breathing regularly and quietly now, and her skin is moist and cool. ralph said he had seen something like it in india before he is convinced that she will be all right in the morning don't be angry father

Starting point is 09:38:31 rupert ravensburg constrained himself to smile i will not forget what is due to my position and my hospitality my dear he said after geoffrey's miraculous escape after the heavy cloud of sorrow so unexpectedly raised i cannot feel it in my heart to be angry with anybody how did you manage to get away geoffrey geoffrey told his tale again it was not nice to be compelled to invent facts in the face of an admiring family but then the truth could not have been told without betraying chigorski and blowing all his delicate schemes to the winds he was not sorry when he had finished marian wiped the tears from her eyes it was providence she said nothing more nor less little doubt of it gordon murmured jeff have you any suspicions i know who did it if that is what you mean geoffrey said and so does marian the girl started her nerves were in such a pitiable condition that any little thing set them vibrating, like the strings of a rudely handled harp. If I did, I should have spoken, she said. Then you have not guessed, Jeffrey smiled.

Starting point is 09:40:04 The masts and the skulls were sawned by a girl in a blue dress and red Tamashanter cap. The girl who is so like— He did not complete the sentence. There was something in Marion's speaking eyes. that asked him not to do so. Why, he could not tell, but there was nothing to be gained by what was little less than a breach of confidence.

Starting point is 09:40:31 What does it mean, Marion? Ravenspur asked. Jeffrey and I saw such a girl not long before Jeff set out on his eventful voyage, Marion explained quietly. All the fear had gone out of her eyes. She met the gaze of the spruce, her tranquilly. She passed me as I was painting. I have been close to her once before,

Starting point is 09:40:57 but I don't understand why Jeff is so certain that the mysterious visitor tried to drown him. I've no proof, Jeffrey replied. It is merely an instinct. As a matter of fact, he had plenty of proof. Had he not seen the girl hastening away from his boat? Had he not seen her return after the boat had been beached, and mourn all over the wreck, like some creature suffering from deep remorse? But of this he could say nothing. To speak of it would be to betray the fact that Chigorsky was still alive and active in pursuit of the foe.

Starting point is 09:41:40 "'That woman can be found,' Ravenspur said sternly. "'I doubt it,' said Geoffrey. "'She has a way of disappearing that. is remarkable. You see her one moment, and the next she has vanished. But I am certain that she is at the bottom of the mischief. And Geoffrey refused to say more. As a matter of fact, nobody seemed to care to hear anything further. They were worn out with anxiety and exertion. They had had little food that day. The weary hours on the beach had exhausted them. For the present we can rest and be thankful,

Starting point is 09:42:24 Raven Spur said as he rose to go. We can sleep with easy minds tonight. They moved off after him, all but Jeffrey and Vera. Mrs. Gordon could still be heard moving about one of the drawing rooms. Marion had slipped off, unobserved. She hardly felt equal to bidding Jeffrey good night. The tender smile was satisfied. still in her face as she crept upstairs.

Starting point is 09:42:55 Then when she reached her room, it faded away. She flung herself across the bed and burst into a passionate fit of weeping. And then gradually she sobbed herself into a heavy yet uneasy slumber. Well, I suppose I must go too, Vera said, tired out, yet reluctant to leave her lover. Tell me what it means, Jeff. have i not already explained to you darling yes but i don't believe one word of it vera replied a kiss sufficed to watch the bitterness of the candor away i don't believe you were picked up by a yacht i don't believe that you were in any danger i don't understand it then we are both in the same state of benighted ignorance geoffrey smiled you are right not to believe me dearest but i had to tell the story and i had to play a part it is all in the desperate game we are playing against our secret foe

Starting point is 09:44:04 for the present i am a puppet in the hands of abler men than myself what i am doing will go far to set us free later vera sighed gently she sidled closer to her lover mrs gordon was coming to her out of the drawing-room, a sign that Vera would have to go. I feel that I don't want to part with you again, she whispered, her eyes looking into his and her arm about him. I feel as if I had nearly lost you. And if I did lose you, darling, what would become of me? Jeffrey kissed the quivering lips tenderly. Have no fear, sweetheart, he said.

Starting point is 09:44:50 all is coming right see how those people have been frustrated over and over again they have come with schemes worthy of satan himself and yet they have failed and it has been so arranged that those failures seem to be the result of vexatious accident but they are not and they will fail again and again until the net is around them and we shall be free darling you are to sleep in peace tonight with the last fond embrace vera slipped from her lover's side she smiled at him brightly from the doorway and was gone geoffrey lighted a cigarette that presently dropped from his fingers as his head fell forward he started suddenly the cigarette smelt pungently as it singed the carpet somebody was whispering his name Somebody was calling him from the stairs. Then he recognized Ralph's croaking voice. Chigorsky, he muttered sleepily. I had forgotten that Chigorsky wanted me.

Starting point is 09:46:07 End of Chapter 47. Chapter 48 of the Mystery of the Ravenspers by Fred M. White. This Librevox recording is in the public domain. Chapter 48 More from the past Chigorsky was waiting The room was pregnant with the perfume of Turkish cigarettes and coffee Ralph handed a cup to his nephew

Starting point is 09:46:41 Drink that, he said You want something to keep you awake Jeffrey accepted the coffee gratefully It had the desired effect He felt the clouds lifted from his brain and the drowsy heaviness of limb leaving him. Are you coming with us? he asked. Ralph shook his head.

Starting point is 09:47:07 There was a strange gleam on his face. I stay here, he said. You are going to be busy, but I also have much to do. Don't be concerned for me. Blind as I am, I am capable of taking care of myself. I shall have a deal to tell you in the morning. A minute or two later, and the two conspirators slipped away. It struck Jeffrey as strange that they should not leave the house in the usual way,

Starting point is 09:47:39 but Chigorsky grimly explained that he much preferred using the ivy outside Ralph's window. Always on the safe side, Chigorsky muttered. Come along. Jeffrey followed. Where Chigorsky could go, he felt competent to follow. They reached the ground in safety, and later were in the road. The moon had gone, and it was intensely dark, but Jeffrey knew the way perfectly. Straight to Jessop's farm, he asked. As far as the lawn, Chigorsky replied, it will be a good hour yet before we can venture to carry out our burglary.

Starting point is 09:48:25 I can run no risks until I know that those two asiatics are out of the way. What time is it? About ten minutes to twelve. Chigorsky muttered that the time was not quite suitable for him. He drew a watch from his pocket. There was a stifled whirer of machinery, and the repeater's rapid pulse beat twelve with the silvery chime of a quarter after the hour you are wrong he said you see it is between a quarter and half-past twelve we will lie on jessup's lawn until one o'clock and then all will be safe they lay there waiting for the time to pass the minutes seemed to be waited

Starting point is 09:49:16 tell me some more of your lasso adventures geoffrey asked very well georgsky replied where did i leave off ah we had just been tortured in that awful grill and we had been offered our lives on condition that we consented to be hopeless idiots for the rest of our days well we were not going to live in these circumstances you may be sure for the next few days we were left to our own resources in a dark dungeon with the huge rats and vermin for company we were half starved into the bargain and when we were brought into the light once more they naturally expected submission but they didn't get it they did not realize the stuff we were made of and they had no idea we were armed we had our revolvers and concealed in our pockets were some fifty rounds of ammunition if the worst came to the worst we should not die without a struggle well there was a huge palaver over us before the priests in the big temple with zara on her throne and a fine impressive scene it was or at least it would have been had we not been so interesting as to our own immediate future at any rate it was a comfort to know that there were no more tortures for the present for nothing of the kind was to be seen we were going to die we could read our sentence in the eyes of the priests long before the elaborate mummery was over i tell you it seemed hard to perish like that just at the time when we had penetrated nearly all the secrets we had come in search of

Starting point is 09:51:10 and it was no less hard to know that if the princess had postponed her visit another week she would have been too late by that time we should have left lasse far behind the trial or ceremony or whatever you like to call it came to an end at length and then we were brought up to the throne of the princess you know the woman you have looked upon the beauty and fascination of her face but you have no idea how different she was in the home of her people she looked a real queen a queen from head to foot we stood awed before her you have been offered terms and refused them she said it is now too late we could not trust you i replied boldly we had nothing to gain by politeness better anything than the living death you offered us and we can only die once the princess smiled in her blood-curdling way you do not know what you are talking about she said ah you will find out when you come to walk the black valley she gave a sign and we were led away unbound a quaint wailing music filled the air the priests were singing our funeral song i never fully appreciated the refined cruelty of reading the burial service to a criminal on his way to the scaffold till then it made me shudder to think of it even now they led us out into the open air still crooning that dirge they brought us at length to the head of a great valley between huge towering mountains as if the alps had been sliced in two and a narrow passage made between them

Starting point is 09:53:11 at the head of this passage was a door led into the cliff and down through this door they thrust us it was dark inside for the first part of the first part of the cliff and down through this door they thrust us it was dark inside for the first part of the way till we reached the floor of the valley we were to be accompanied by four priests a delicate attention to prevent us from breaking our necks before we reach the bottom but our guides did not mean us to perish so mercifully listen to me zara cried listen for the last time you are going into the black valley of its horrors and danger of its horrors and danger you know nothing is yet but you will soon learn take comfort in the fact that there is an exit at the far end if you can find it when you are out of the exit you are free thousands have walked this valley and over their dry bones you will make your way out of these thousands one man escaped perhaps you will be as fortunate farewell the door clanged behind us and we were alone with the priest we could not see we could only feel our way down those awful cliffs where one false step would have smashed us to pieces but the priests never hesitated down down we went until we reached the bottom there we could just see dimly you could guide us through i asked one of the priests nodded he could save us if he liked not that i was going to waste my breath by asking him they were priests of a minor degree there were thousands of them about the temple all alike as peas in a pod

Starting point is 09:55:08 if these men failed to return they would never be missed a desperate resolution came to me in a few english whispered words i conveyed it to ralph ravenspur we still had a priest on either side of us at a given signal we produced our revolvers and before the priests had the remotest idea what had happened two of them were dead on the ground shot through the brain when the thousand and one echoes died away we each had our man by the throat what did we care if the plot was discovered or not we were both desperate listen dog i cried you have seen your companions perish if you would escape a similar death you will bear us to safety you shall walk ten paces in front and if you try to evade us you die for our weapons carry farther than you can run in the space of two minutes well are you going to convey us to a place of safety or shall we shoot you like the others chigorsky paused and pulled at his watch he drew back the catch and the rapid little pulse beat one then he rose to his feet to be continued in our next he said the time has come to act follow me and betray no surprise at anything you may see or hear you can rely upon me geoffrey whispered lead on end of chapter forty eight chapter forty nine of the mystery of the ravenspers by fred m white this libravox recording is in the public domain chapter forty nine ralph takes charge

Starting point is 09:57:18 the troubled house had fallen asleep at last they were all used to the swooping horrors they could recall the black times spread out over the weary years they could recall the black times spread out over the weary years they could vividly recollect how one trouble after another had happened and it had been an eventful day for the last few hours they had lived a fresh tragedy true the tragedy itself had been averted but for some time there had been the agony of the real thing the raven spurs exhausted by the flood of emotion had been glad of rest they were presumably asleep now all but ralph long after deep silence had fallen on the house he sat alone in the darkness the glow of his pipe just touched his inscrutable features and a faint halo of light played about his grizzled head a mouse nibbling behind the panels sounded clear as the crack of a pistol shot the big stable clock boomed two ralph laid aside his pipe and crept to the door he opened it silently and passed out into the corridor a cat would not have made less noise yet he moved swiftly and confidently as one who has eyes to see familiar ground he came at length to the room where mrs may was lying she had been made fairly comfortable her dress had been loosened at the throat but she had been loosened at the throat but she had been loosened at the throat but she had been but she still wore the clothes in which she had been dressed at the time of her accident later she would perhaps find it difficult to account for masquerading in the castle in that strange guise

Starting point is 09:59:09 that she would have some ingenious plea to put forward ralph felt certain but the dress was another matter ralph grinned to himself as he thought of it there was a light in the room he could tell that by the saffron glow that touched lightly on his sightless eyeballs he knew the disposition of the room as well as if he could see it he felt his way across until he came to the bed on which the woman lay his hand touched her throat a gentle touch yet his fingers crooked and a murderous desire blossomed like a rose in his heart nobody was about and nobody would know Who would connect the poor blind man with the deed? Why not end her life now? Far better, Ralph muttered. It would have been no crime to shoot her like a dog. Yet fancy hanging for such a creature as that.

Starting point is 10:00:14 The grim humor of the suggestion restored Ralph to himself. His relaxed fingers just touched the cold throat and face. He could hear the sound of regular breathing. From a tiny file he took two or three drops of some dark cordial and brushed them over the woman's rigid lips. She stirred faintly. Just as well to hasten events, he muttered, one cannot afford to play with the thing.

Starting point is 10:00:47 He replaced the bottle in his pocket. He drew himself up, listening. Other ears could not have heard a sound. Ralph could plainly hear footsteps, but how near they were he could not tell. His brows contracted with annoyance. So soon, he muttered, I did not expect this. He'd dropped down between the bed and the wall.

Starting point is 10:01:16 Then he crawled under the deep valence. He had not long to wait. Somebody had crept into the room. room somebody light of foot and light of body who crossed to the bed and this somebody shook the sleeping figure with passionate force wake up a voice said oh will you never wake up the listener smiled he could hear the figure of his arch enemy stirring uneasily she muttered something and once more was passionately shaken. What is the matter? she muttered. Where am I? Here in the castle, don't you remember?

Starting point is 10:02:03 Pause for a moment. Ralph was listening intently. I begin to recollect. There was an accident. The door refused to open. I fought for my life as long as I could before the fumes overcame me, and I gave my up for lost oh it was something to remember marian muttered mrs may marian for it was she made no reply she was crying quietly what is the matter with the girl the woman asked irritably oh it is good for you to ask me that question said marian after all the bitter trouble and humiliation you have put upon me get up and follow me i cannot the thing is impossible you forget that i have been almost dead my limbs are paralyzed i shall not be able to walk for at least two days i must remain like a dog here but there is no hurry what happened i can't tell i don't know you were found in the corridor i am told insensible when they came back to the castle they found you lying here they had all been down on the beach searching for geoffrey the woman laughed it was a laugh to chill the blood i hope they found him she said oh yes they found him marion said quietly drowned with a placid smile in his face after the fashion of the novel

Starting point is 10:03:53 no very much alive you've failed geoffrey ravenspur is here safe and sound on my knees i have thanked god for it the woman muttered something that the listener failed to catch she seemed to be suppressing a tendency to a violent outburst i will not fail next time she said and you are a love-sick soft-hearted sentimental fool. All this time I have to remain here. But at any rate, I have you to do my bidding. Put your hand in my breast pocket, and you will find a key. Well, what am I to do with it? You are to go to my rooms at Jessop's farm at once. They will be fast asleep, so that you need not be afraid. jessips people have the slumber that comes of a tired body and an easy conscience but there are foes about and it is not well to trust to anybody if i am to remain here for a day or two i must have certain things in my sitting-room by the side of the fireplace is a black iron box open it with the key i have given you and bring the casket to me

Starting point is 10:05:18 you can get into my sitting-room by gently raising the window which is not fastened they are so honest in these parts that people don't fasten their windows now go you are sure you cannot get up certain i have been drugged and it will be some time before i am able to get about that is why i am anxious to have the box young ravenspur would never have got away had he had no friends to assist him or a simple fool to give him warning the fool you speak of does not regret it perhaps not how did he escape in the simplest possible way he was picked up by a passing yacht well accidents will happen the woman muttered now do my bidding the heavy drugged sleep is coming upon me again and i shall not be able to keep my eyes open much longer go at once as marion crept away ralph could catch her heavy indrawn breath and the sobs that seemed to burst from her overcharged heart then he knew that the woman was asleep again a minute or two later and he was standing in the hall he waited in the shadows silent and patient the stairs creaked slightly and a stealthy footstep came creeping down end of chapter forty nine chapter fifty of the mystery of the ravenspers by fred m white this libervox recording is in the public domain

Starting point is 10:07:17 A Kind Uncle Ralph crept toward the door. Marion came close to him, her hands fumbling nervously with the bolts and bars. Some of the bars were heavy, and Marion was fearful lest they should fall with a clang and betray her. Ralph stretched out his hand and drew back a bolt. "'Allow me to assist you,' he said. "'I am used to this kind of work.' a scream rose to marion's lips but she suppressed it the effort set her trembling from head to foot yet it seemed to her that there was no cause to be frightened for she had never heard ralph's voice so kind before uncle she stammered what are you doing here by way of reply ralph opened the door he gave the sign for marion to precede him and then followed her out

Starting point is 10:08:19 into the night the heavy door closed behind him i might with equal justice ask you the same question he said nay more because you are merely a young girl and i am a man and you know i don't sleep like most virtuous people i suffer from insomnia and never sleep for long anywhere perhaps i am like the cat who prowls about all night and slumbers in the daytime but where are you going uncle ralph i cannot tell you it is a secret if you knew everything you would pity me there was a deepening ring in marion's voice ralph caressed her hand tenderly don't trouble he said i know you know where i am going you-you know certainly i do i know everything my dear not everything uncle not of my connection with that woman for instance indeed i do marian you are aware of our relationship you know that my dear child i have known it for years my dear child i have known it for years but your secret is safe with me i am not going to betray you could i have the heart to do so after all you have done for my family angel marian he repeated the last words over and over again in a low caressing voice pressing the girl's hand softly as he did so even then marian was not sure whether he was in earnest or whether he was grimly ironical

Starting point is 10:10:13 i never thought of this marian murmured perhaps not ralph replied mrs may is a bad woman marian the worst in the world marian replied you only know her as mrs may i only know her as she is dear and yet i feel that in some vague kind of way she is mixed up with our family misfortunes oh if i could only see if i could only use my eyes then i might know that woman's still better marion shuddered at the steely murderous tones ralph patted her hand reassuringly but you need not be afraid he said you are all right the brightest angel in the world you are torn by conflicting emotions you fancy your duty lies in certain directions and you are troubled over it and yet it will come right in the end marian we did not lose geoffrey after all thank god no and yet there is plenty of time there is ample time for the right as well as the wrong marian but do not let us talk of the past any more my dear i am not going to pry into your secrets and i know how far to trust you let me walk part of the way with you i can wait by the barn till you return marian raised no objection it was the dead of night now and there was no fear of meeting anybody yet marion started uneasily as ralph began to whistle she ventured to suggest that the noise was not prudent perhaps you are right ralph said amicably

Starting point is 10:12:12 at any rate i will wait here till your return you have not far to go of course i have a very little way to go uncle i am going to jessup's farm ralph nodded the farm loomed up not far off as marion darted off ralph lighted his pipe and whistled again something moved in the bushes meanwhile chigorsky and geoffrey were nearing the window chigorski moved on resolutely and confidently with the air of a man who was sure of his ground he put up his hand and fumbled for the catch it gave at once and the pair of burglars slipped quietly into the room we shall be safe he said as he proceeded to strike a match it is just as well to take every precaution what would the estimable jessup say if he could see into his parlor geoffrey smiled he'd be astonished he said a little dismayed too but he would say nothing so long as i am here jessup would stand on his head for me the strong rays of the lamp lighted up the room there were flowers everywhere dainty china on the table full of blooms bowls filled with choicest fruits wine sparkled in the crystal goblets on the sideboard a silver cigarette-box was conspicuous and on a safe lay an object to which chagorski called his companion's attention what do you make that out to be he asked geoffrey picked up the drapery

Starting point is 10:14:05 on the top of it lay something red with a feather in it it appeared to be a costume of some kind as geoffrey held it aloft a light gradually broke in upon him well chigorsky asked have you solved the problem i have geoffrey replied it is the blue dress and tamashanter hat which have played so conspicuous apart lately but what brings them here has mrs may a companion hidden somewhere a companion who might be mary and sister seems like it chigorsky said with a dry smile but i am not going to enlighten you any further on that question at present mrs may and the girl in the blue dress are two separate people anyway you forgot that i have seen them together said geoffrey i had forgotten that well it won't be long now before the identity of the lady in the smart dress and coquettish hat is established meanwhile we came here in search of something far more important than a woman's costume help me to turn out all those drawers and be careful to replace everything exactly as you find it we have a good three hours before us and much depends upon us and much depends upon us the result of our search keep a keen eye open for papers in any language that is unfamiliar to you for an hour the search proceeded and yet nothing came to light there were plenty of bills most of them emanating from west end establishments accounts for dresses and flowers boxes for theatres and the like but nothing more

Starting point is 10:16:04 chigorsky glanced keenly around the room i am afraid we shall be compelled to show our hand he said mrs may is so clever that i half expected to find private papers in some simple place while an examination of her safe would disclose nothing she has not anticipated burglary and what i am looking for is in the safe dare you open it geoffrey asked and show my hand you mean i fancy so we are so near success now that it really does not matter put the safe on the table replied the heavy iron box slipped as geoffrey raised it and clanged on the floor an exclamation of anger and annoyance came from chigorsky and an apology from the younger man. They both stood upright for a few minutes, listening intently. But the people upstairs were sleeping the sleep of the just. There came no answering sound. Blessings upon the pure air and the high conscience that hold these people, Chigorsky muttered more amicably. It's all right, my young friend. Hoist up the box, and let us see if my little steel

Starting point is 10:17:31 Jimmy will have any effect. I would rather have had the key. It is never well to betray your plans if you can. The speaker paused. From outside, a little way off, there arose a long, shrill scream, the cry of a woman in distress. The sound set Jeffrey's blood leaping.

Starting point is 10:17:56 He pushed for the window, but Chigorsky detained him. where are you going he asked sternly outside geoffrey exclaimed a woman is there she asks for assistance can you stand there calmly and see see you making an assy yourself eh my dear boy on my word of honor there is no woman in danger yonder in a measure i am glad to hear that cry though it proves to me that our alice have not been so artistic over their work as they might have been you will not hear that cry again perhaps not geoffrey said reassured considerably by chigorsky's placid manner but i hear footsteps outside chigorsky smiled he had taken some steel bits from his pocket but he replaced them again if they are then they are the footsteps of a friend he said this being so there will be no need for me to give you lessons in the way not to open a safe are you right it seems as if the window was opening the window was indeed opening it moved half an inch and then there was a hissed and something clanged on the floor chigorski took the matter as coolly as if it had all been arranged beforehand he did not move as the window closed again and stealthy footsteps outside moved away

Starting point is 10:19:40 is it all right geoffrey asked chigorsky smiled broadly splendid he said it could not have been better my boy this is the night's work which is going to crown our endeavors yonder we have the proofs and here we have the means of getting them he picked the metallic object from the floor he fitted it to the lock of the safe and instantly a mass of queer things was discovered chigorski's eyes gleamed as he saw this they positively flamed as he turned out a lot of papers at the bottom was a book in metal covers as chigorsky fluttered it open a cry broke from him found he exclaimed found we have them in the hollow of our hands end of chapter fifty chapter fifty one of the mystery of the raven spurs by fred m white this librivox recording is in the public domain chapter fifty one what does this mean with less courage than she usually felt marion went on her way perhaps there was no more miserable being in england at that moment it is hard to play a double part hard to be thrust one way by cruel circumstances when the heart and soul are crying out to go the other this was marion's position and whichever way she went she was destined to be equally unhappy and miserable she had to help her relations she had to try to shield that infamous

Starting point is 10:21:41 woman at the same time. And now the great secret of her life had come to light. That was the bitterest trial of all. Vera had discovered that Marion loved Jeffrey. Ralph Ravensper had made the same discovery long ago, but it did not matter so very much about him. Vera was different. And here she was in the dead of night, carrying out the errand of the deadliest foe of the house of Raven Spur had ever known. She was half inclined to throw the whole thing to the winds, to disappear and never return again. Why should she?

Starting point is 10:22:23 She stopped. Something was stirring in the bushes on either side of her. Perhaps it was a rabbit or a fox. Probably somebody had dogged her footsteps. Who are you? Marion cried. Speak, or I call for help. the threat was futile considering the time of night the bushes parted and two men appeared marion gave one loud scream but before she could repeat the cry a hand was laid on her lips

Starting point is 10:22:58 whoever they were they were not unduly rough the hand that stayed further clamor was hard but it was not cruel you are not to cry out again a voice whispered i will not injure you if you promise not to call out marion indicated that she would comply with this suggestion immediately the hand fell from her lips this is an outrage she said who are you that is beside the point was the reply it is an outrage but we are not going to treat you badly we are unfortunately compelled to keep you for some four-and-twenty hours from the custody of your friends but you may rest assured that you will be treated with every consideration i am your prisoner then since you like to put it that way yes marian was properly indignant she pointed out that the course these men were pursuing was a criminal one and that it was likely to lead them into trouble but she might have been speaking to the winds if she could only see these people she had not the remotest idea what they were like the man who spoke was evidently a gentleman his companion seemed like a working man a sailor by his walk and yet it was impossible to see the faces of either where are you going to take me marion asked we are going to conduct you to one of the caves was the reply unfortunately no house is available for our purpose or we should not put you to this inconvenience

Starting point is 10:24:53 but we have made every preparation for your comfort and you are not likely to suffer for want of food or anything of that kind and i pledge you my word of honor that you shall not be detained a minute beyond the specified time he touched marion on the arm to indicate a forward movement i suppose it is of no use to ask your name marion said coldly i have no objection said the other the time is coming when it will be necessary to speak very plainly indeed my name is george abel and i am secretary to dr sergius tigorski my friend's name is elphick he was at one time a servant in the employ of one of your family chigorsky marion cried but he is dead that seems to be the popular impression abel said gravely the words appeared to strike a chill in marion she began to comprehend that all her sacrifices had been made in vain chigorsky not dead she said hoarsely no said abel i saw him a little time ago it will perhaps not surprise you to hear that I am acting under his orders. But he could not know that I...

Starting point is 10:26:27 Dr. Chigorsky seems to divine matters. He seems to know what people will do almost by instinct. He is a wonderful man and does wonderful things, but I cannot tell you any more. I am merely acting under orders. He indicated the way, and Marion proceeded without further protest. She felt like a condescending. criminal when the sentence is pronounced certain things were coming to an end a long period of suspense and anxiety was nearly finished

Starting point is 10:27:04 how it was going to end marian neither knew nor cared but she did know that the woman who was known as mrs may was doomed not another word passed until the foot of the cliffs was reached it was no easy matter to to get down in the dark, but it was managed at length. It was near the lonely spot where Jeffrey's stranded boat had been found. For days together, nobody came here, and Marion could not console herself with the fact that she would be rescued. Not that she much cared, indeed, it was a matter of indifference to her what happened. Albelle was polite and attentive. He indicated a pile of rugs and wraps. If Miss Ravensper wanted anything, she had only to call out and it would be supplied immediately.

Starting point is 10:28:03 I wanted nothing but to rest, Marion said wearily. I am tired out. I feel as if I could sleep for a thousand years. I am so exhausted mentally that I have no astonishment to find myself in this strange situation. A bell bowed and retired. The night was warm and the cave, being above any, even the high spring tides, was dry. Marion flung herself down upon the pile of wraps and almost at once fell fast asleep. When she came to herself again, the sun was shining high.

Starting point is 10:28:45 Outside, Abel was pacing the sands. Marion called to him. I want some breakfast, she said. And then I should like to have a talk with you. If only I had a looking-glass. You don't need one, Abel said respectfully, if admiringly. Still, that has been thought of. There is a looking-glass in the corner.

Starting point is 10:29:15 Marion smiled despite herself. She found the glass and propped it up before her. There was no cause for alarm. She looked as neat and fresh as if she had just made a dew and elaborate toilet. Jeffrey was fond of saying that, after a football match, Marion would have remained as neat and tidy as ever. She ate her breakfast heartily, good tea with eggs, and bread and butter and strawberries.

Starting point is 10:29:47 do you want anything more asked a bell looking in nothing except my liberty marian replied you may come in and smoke if you like how long are you going to detain me here four and twenty hours but i shall be missed they will search for me by this time of course they are hunting all over the place for me they will look for me they will look for me they will be missed they will search for me they will come here." "'I think not,' Abel said politely. "'It is too near home. Nobody would dream of looking for you in a cave close to the castle. We thought of all that. They will not look for you for other reasons.'

Starting point is 10:30:38 Marion glanced swiftly at the speaker. How could you prevent them? she demanded. puffed airily at his cigarette. He smiled pleasantly. There are many ways, he said. You do not come down to breakfast. They begin to be alarmed at your absence. Somebody goes to your room and finds there a note addressed to your grandfather. That note is apparently in your handwriting. It contains a few lines to the effect that you have made a great discovery. You have a very discovery. You have a very

Starting point is 10:31:17 gone at once to follow it up. The family are not to be alarmed if you do not return till very late. When you come back, you hope to have a joyful revelation for everybody. Marion smiled in reply. Abel seemed to be so sure of his ground. What you outline means forgery, she said. So I presume, Abel replied coolly. but forgery is so simple nowadays with the aid of the camera after what i have told you you will be able to see that our scheme has been thoughtfully worked out and when i come back do i bring a joyful confession with me a bell looked steadily at the speaker there was something in the expression of his eyes that caused her to drop hers that depends entirely upon yourself he murmured one thing you may rely upon the confession will be made and the clouds rolled away it is only a matter of hours now surely you do not need to be told why you are detained for some reason best known to herself marion did not need to be told it was a long time before she spoke again

Starting point is 10:32:46 she ought to have been angry with this man she ought to have turned from him with indignation but she did nothing of the kind and if she had her indignation would have been wasted you are in dr chigorsky's confidence she asked a bell shook his head with a smile i know a great deal about him he said i help him in his experiment but as to being in his confidence no i don't suppose any man in the world enjoys that unless it is your uncle ralph marion started in that moment many things became clear to her hitherto she had regarded ralph ravenspur as anything but a man to be dreaded or feared now she knew better why had she not thought of this before they are great friends she said oh yes they have been all over the world together and they have been in places which they do not mention to anybody end of chapter fifty one chapter fifty two of the mystery of the ravenspurs by fred m white this libervox recording is in the public domain chapter fifty two as proof of holy writ chigorski hung over the papers before him as if inspired there was not much apparently in the book with the metal clasps but that little seemed to be fascinating to a degree the russian turned it over till he came to the end you appear to be satisfied geoffrey said satisfied is a poor word to explain to explain to the end

Starting point is 10:34:48 satisfied is a poor word to express my feelings chigorski replied he stretched himself he drew a deep breath like one who has been under water i have practically everything here in this diary he said it is written in a language you would fail to understand but it is all like print to me everything is traced down from the first of the family catastrophe to the last attempt by means of the bees. There are letters from Lassa containing instructions for the preparation of certain drugs and poisons. In fact, here is everything. So that we are rid of our foes at last? Not quite. The princess is cunning.

Starting point is 10:35:41 We shall have to extract a confession from her. We shall have to get her and her two slaves together. it is all a matter of ours but we shall have to be circumspect if the woman find she is baffled she may be capable of a bitter revenge to finish with what are you going to do geoffrey asked we are going back to the castle the same way we came jegorski explained we are going to show your uncle ralph our find for the present it is not expedient that sergius tigorsky should come to life again the box was locked once more and replaced and then the two burglars crept from the house they had not disturbed anybody for the upper windows of the farmhouse were all in darkness a brisk walk brought them to the castle upstairs a dim light was still burning in ralph raven's burglings window. The light flared up at the signal, and a few minutes later, the three were seated around the lamp, while the window was darkened again. Ralph sat stolidly smoking, as if he had not

Starting point is 10:37:01 moved for hours. He evinced not the slightest curiosity as to the success of his companions. Chigorsky smote him on the back with unwanted hilarity. So you have been successful, he croaked. Oh, you have guessed that, Chigorsky cried. It was a mere matter of time, Ralph replied. It was bound to come. I knew that from the first day I got here. All very well, Chigorsky muttered,

Starting point is 10:37:39 but it was only a matter of time till the ravenspurs were wiped out, root and branch. you knew the day you got here geoffre exclaimed ralph turned his unscrutable face to the speaker i did lad he said i came home to ascertain how the thing was worked before i slept the first night under the old roof i knew the truth and i came in time guided by the hand of providence to save the first of a fresh series of trash You wonder why I did not speak. You have asked me before why I did not proclaim my knowledge, and I reply that the whole world would have laughed at me. You would have been the first to deride me, and the assassin would have been warned. I kept my counsel. I worked on like a mole in the dark, and when I had something to go on, Chigorsky came. Before you are many hours old,

Starting point is 10:38:45 the miscreants will stand confessed. Tegorski nodded approval. He was deftly rolling a cigarette between his long fingers. Ralph is right, he said. We have only to fire the mine now. By the way, Ralph, you were clever to get that key. Easy enough, Ralph croaked. I knew the woman would be uneasy about her papers, so I gave for a touch of the cordial on her lips and brought her to her senses. A certain messenger, who shall be nameless, was sent off with the key. The messenger was detained, is still detained, according to arrangements, and her pocket was picked. Elphick dropped back and gave me the key, which I passed on to you. Jeffrey followed in some bewilderment. The messenger business was

Starting point is 10:39:45 all strange to him. Did you know that diary existed? he asked. Of course I did, Ralph growled. In a measure, I might say that I had seen it. Many a time at night have I lain in a flower bit under that woman's window and heard her reading from the diary or writing in it. That is why I asked no questions when you came in. i knew you had been successful and now princess zara it is my turn ralph's voice dropped to a whisper an intense burning whisper of hate and vengeance

Starting point is 10:40:29 he rose and paced the room like a caged bird what will be her fate asked geoffrey burn her slay her hang her ralph cried no good death is too painful, too loathsome for a creature like that. I could forgive her fanatical cruelty. I could forgive the way she fought for her creed. But when it comes to those allied by ties, the speaker paused and sat down. Who talks too fast says too much, he remarked sententiously. What is the next move?

Starting point is 10:41:11 Jeffrey asked. bed i should say chigorsky suggested dryly as far as one can judge we are likely to have a busy day before us to-morrow and don't you be surprised at anything you see or hear it will be all in the day's work as you english say i'm going to lie up in hiding here but i shall turn up when the time comes good night it was late when geoffrey rose the following day and the family had long had breakfast when he came downstairs most of the family were still in the breakfast room or on the terrace in the sunshine how is the visitor he asked mrs may seems very queer mrs gordon explained she complains of a sort of paralysis in her lower limbs at the same time she refuses to see a doctor saying that she has had something of the kind before does she account for her presence here said geoffrey oh yes of course she had heard you were missing and been informed that everybody from the castle was on the beach it was getting dark when she saw two strange suspicious-looking men coming this way she felt sure that they had designs on the house and followed them she tried to get somebody to assist her but could not see a soul anywhere

Starting point is 10:42:51 then she put on that queer dress and came on here the two men entered the castle and she crept after them they discovered her and one of them gave her a blow on the head that stunned her when she came to her senses again she was lying in bed wasn't it plucky of her very geoffrey said dryly but where is marian marian like yourself seems to be lazily inclined to-day it is so very unlike her indeed i feel the poor child is anything but well those quiet people always feel the most and poor marion was greatly upset yesterday vera came in at the same moment she had a merry word or two for geoffrey as to his late appearance she had not seen marian as yet run up to her room there is a dear girl said geoffrey this sort of thing is not like marian i fear something has happened to her i wish you would ravenspur observed vera disappeared only to come back presently with the information that marian's room was empty and that her bed had not been occupied she held a little envelope in her hand i can only find this she said ravenspur snatched the letter and tore it open extraordinary he exclaimed marion says she has found a clue to the troubles and is following it up at once if she does not come back till late we are not to worry about her strange

Starting point is 10:44:50 but I have every confidence in the girl. May she not come to harm, Vera said fervently. Oh, I hope not, Mrs. Gordon cried. But will this mystery and misery never end? End of Chapter 52. Chapter 53 of the Mystery of the Raven Spurs by Fred M. White. This Libervox recording is in the public domain. chapter fifty three a little light mrs may princess zara the brilliant mystery who wielded so great an influence over the destiny of the house of ravenspur

Starting point is 10:45:42 lay on her bed smiling faintly in the face of mrs gordon ravenspur who stood regarding her with friendly solicitude mrs gordon had no suspicions whatever she would have trusted any one all the lessons of the years had taught her no prudence in that direction a kind word or an appeal for assistance always disarmed mrs gordon i hope you are comfortable she asked mrs may smiled faintly she appeared a trifle embarrassed she was acting her part beautifully as usual her audacity and assurance had carried her through great difficulties and she had confidence in the future in my body perfectly she said but i am so uneasy in my mind and you will not have a doctor not for worlds there is nothing the matter with me i have suffered like this before i have a weak heart you know and excitement troubles me thus but i don't want a doctor then why should you worry mrs gordon asked i am ashamed of myself the woman confessed with a laugh i have been wondering what you must think about me this is the second time you have had to detain me as an involuntary guest under your roof the first time i was the victim of idle curiosity the second time i did try to do you a good turn i hope you will remember that It was kind and courageous of you, Mrs. Gordon said warmly.

Starting point is 10:47:33 How many people would have done as much for strangers? And please do not talk about it any more, or I shall be distressed. Mrs. May was by no means sorry to change the conversation. A thousand questions trembled on her lips, but she restrained them. She was burning to know certain things, but the mere mention of such matters might have aroused suspicions in a far simpler mind than that of mrs gordon so long as you are all well it doesn't matter she said this afternoon i shall make an effort to get up meanwhile i won't keep you from your household duties could i see one of those charming girls miss vera or marion i have taken such a fancy to them vera shall come presently she has gone to the village mrs gordon explained as to marion she could say nothing marion has been an enigma to us lately she explained

Starting point is 10:48:39 i need not tell you of the dark shadows hanging over this unhappy house or how near we have been to the solution of the mystery on more than one occasion and now marian has an idea queer child she went out presumably last night leaving a note to say she had really got on the track at last and that we were not to worry about her even if she did not return to-day so strange of mariam mrs may had turned her face away she was fearful lest the other prattling on in her innocent way should see the rage and terror and despair of her features queer she muttered hoarsely did she write to you no to my husband's father her note was given to me even now i don't know what to make of it would you like to see the letter you are so clever that you may understand it better than i do i should like to see the letter it was an effort almost beyond the speaker's powers to keep her voice steady even then the word sounded in her ears as if they came from somebody else from her pocket mrs gordon produced the letter mrs may appeared to regard it languidly if i knew the girl better i could tell you she said it sounds sincere but my head is beginning to ache again mrs gordon was all solicitude she drew down the blinds she drew down the blinds and produced Oda Cologne, and fanned the brow of the sufferer, after drenching it with the spirit.

Starting point is 10:50:31 Mrs. May smiled languidly, but gratefully. At the same time, it was all she could do to keep her hands from clutching the other by the throat and screaming out that, unless she was left alone, murder would be done. Now I really can leave you, Mrs. Gordon said. It would be the greatest kindness, the invalid murmured, gratefully. The door softly closed. Mrs. May struggled to a sitting position. Her eyes were gleaming, yet a hard despair was on her face.

Starting point is 10:51:10 She ought to be up and doing, but her lower limbs refused their office. A forgery, she said between her teeth. marian never wrote that letter if they were not blind they could see that for themselves marian has been decoyed away and if so somebody has that key if i only knew chigorsky is dead and ralph ravenspur is an idiot who then is the prime mover in this business the woman did not know and for the life of her she could not guess Chigorsky was out of the way, dead and buried. Ralph Ravensper and Jeffrey were antagonists, not worthy of a second thought. But somebody was moving,

Starting point is 10:52:03 and that somebody, a skilled and vigorous foe. For once, the arch-conspirator was baffled. The foe had the enormous knowledge of knowing his quarry, while the quarry had not the least notion where or how to look for the hunter and the fish was fast to the line unless it got away at once the landing net would be applied and there would be an end of all things but she could not move she could do nothing but lie there gasping in impotent rage there was only one person in the world who could help her now and that was marian and where was marian only the man on the other side of the chess-board knew that she wished she knew oh she wished she knew a score of things did the people of the castle suspect her hardly that or mrs gordon had not been so friendly what had become of the coat and glass mask she was wearing at the time things went wrong in geoffrey ravenspur's room had her subordinates heard her

Starting point is 10:53:19 cry? Had they fled, or had they been taken? If they had fled, had they removed the instruments with them? Mrs. May would have given five years of her life for enlightenment on these vital questions. Even she could not read the past and solve the unseen. Tears of impotent rage and fury rose to her eyes. While she was lying there, wasting the diamond minutes, the foe, was at work. At any time, that foam might come down with the most overwhelming proofs and crush her. Marion had been spirited away. Why?

Starting point is 10:54:03 So that the key of the safe might be stolen and used to advantage. Once more, the woman tried to raise herself from the bed. It was useless. She slipped the bedclothes into her mouth to stifle the cries. that rose to her lips. She was huddled under them when the door opened and Vera stepped in. Did you call out? she asked. I was passing your door and fancied I heard a cry. Are you suffering from a headache? Mrs. May's first impulse was to order the girl away. Then an idea came to her. The headache is gone.

Starting point is 10:54:49 she said sweetly. It was just a twinge of neuralgia. I wonder if you would do me a favor. Certainly. Then I wish you would get me some paper and envelopes. I have a note to write. There is a child in the village I am fond of. She comes and sits in the tangle at the bottom of the Jessup's garden and talks to me.

Starting point is 10:55:15 I am afraid she thinks more of my chocolates than me, but that is a detail. You want to write the child a note. How sweet of you! Oh, no, Mrs. May said. She was going to embark on a dangerous effort and was not quite certain as yet, but desperate diseases require desperate remedies.

Starting point is 10:55:41 It is nothing, and I don't want anybody to know. I am sure you can trust to me. of course i can my dear child and i will please get me the materials vera brought the paper and essentials with a smile on her face mrs may wrote the letter inside the envelope she placed something she had taken from the bosom of her dress a cake of chocolate she explained smilingly see i do not address the envelope but place something she had taken from the bosom of her dress a cake of chocolate she explained smilingly see i do not address the envelope but place on it this funny sign that looks like an intoxicated problem in euclid the child will understand and now i am going to ask you to do me a favor will you please take the letter without letting anybody know what you were doing and put it at the foot of the big elder in the tangle i dare say it sounds very stupid of me but i don't want the child to be disappointed vera professed herself ready and also to be charmed with the idea she would go at once she said and mrs may raised no obstacle. At the end of the corridor, Vera was confronted with her uncle Ralph.

Starting point is 10:57:05 He held out his hand. I was listening, he said. I knew beyond all doubt that something of the kind would be attempted. I want that letter. But, Uncle, I promised... It matters nothing what you promised. It is of vital importance that the inside of that should be seen chocolate for a child indeed death to us all rather you are going to give me that letter and i am going to open it afterwards it shall be sealed again and you shall carry it to its destination the letter dazed and bewildered vera handed it to him it was not a nice thing to do but then nice methods were not for me Mrs. May. Ralph grasped the letter and made off towards his room.

Starting point is 10:58:04 Wait here, he said. I shall not be a few minutes. I am merely going to steam that envelope open and master the contents. Don't go away. Vera nodded. She was too astonished for words. Not that she felt compunction any longer. Presently, Ralph returned.

Starting point is 10:58:25 There you are, my child, he said. If I seemed harsh to you, forgive me. It is no time for courtesies. You can take the letter now and deliver it. It has been a good and great discovery for us. End of Chapter 53. Chapter 54 of the Mystery of the Raven Spurs by Fred M. White. This Librevox recording is in the public domain.

Starting point is 10:59:04 Chapter 54. Exit the Asiatics Chigorsky, Ralph Ravensper, and Jeffrey sat smoking in the blind man's room. It was late the same afternoon, and from the window could be heard the thunder of the incoming tide. Chigorsky appeared to be in excellent spirits, puffed his cigarette with gusto, and came out in the new role of a raconteur. We have them all now, he said. Today we'll settle everything. It was a pretty idea of Ralph's to hang about the corridor,

Starting point is 10:59:43 under the impression that the woman would try to send some kind of message to her familiars. Real genius, I call it. Not a bit of it, Ralph said doggedly. T, a child would have done the same. The woman was bound to try to send a letter. She lies there helpless, but knows that somebody is moving in her tracks. And, to add to her suspense, she hasn't an idea who is following her up. Don't you see she is in the dark?

Starting point is 11:00:17 Don't you understand that she suspects she has been trapped? She wants to know all about her infernal apparatus. She wants her information all at one fell swoop. And when she found that Marion was missing, she felt certain that her time was near. What is her hold over Marion? Jeffrey asked. And why has Marion gone away?

Starting point is 11:00:46 Chigorsky said evasively. We shall come to a full understanding about that presently. Let us begin to unravel the skein from the start. I read that letter which Ralph gave to me, the letter which by this time is in the hands of that woman's familiars they have instructions to come to the castle at dusk and enter it by way of the vaults when the family are at dinner the orientals will make their way up to their mistress but can they geoffrey asked of course they can many a night have they been here but we have already stopped any danger that way by locking the door of the vault, the one below sea level.

Starting point is 11:01:36 Then we shall go down the cliffs presently and take the chaps like rats in a trap. They will be arrested and hand it over to the police because the time has come when we can afford to show our hands. The end is very near. But the evidence against Mrs. May? Jeffrey suggested. Chigorsky tapped his breast ponder. significantly.

Starting point is 11:02:03 You have forgotten the diary, he said. I have evidence enough here to hang that vile wretch over and over again. I have evidence enough to place in the hands of the government which will convince those gentry in the temples beyond Lhasa that they had better be content to leave us alone in future, unless they desire to have their temples blown about their ears. this diary clinches the whole business the house of ravenspur is free god grant that it may be so geoffrey said fervently we have only to wait till dusk tell me the rest of your adventures in the black valley chigorski nodded as he proceeded to make a fresh cigarette there is not much more to tell he said some day when i have more leisure on my hands i will give the whole business chapter and verse i have only told you enough for you to know the class of foe you have to deal with well as i told you we shot two of the priests whose business it was to guide our stumbling feet to the bottom and then leave us there we knew that these men would never be missed so that we hadn't much anxiety on that score the others despite their sacred calling, were just as anxious to live as anybody else.

Starting point is 11:03:36 To prevent any chance of escape, we took off our flowing robes, tore them into strips, and bound our guides to ourselves. It was a good thing we did so, for before long we plunged into darkness so thick that its velvety softness seemed to suffocate us. You will hardly believe me, But for two whole days and nights we stumbled on in that awful darkness without food or rest, except now and again when we fell exhausted. All that time we could see nothing,

Starting point is 11:04:14 but there were awful noises from unseen animals, roars and yells and cries of pain. Loathsome greasy reptiles were under our feet. The clammy rocks seemed to be alive with them. yet they did us no harm. Indeed, their sole object seemed to be to get out of our way. Sometimes great eyes gleamed at us, but those eyes were ever filled with a terror greater than our own.

Starting point is 11:04:46 After a bit, this sense of fear passed away. Had we been alone, had we possessed no hope of ultimate salvation, the unseen horrors of the place would have driven, us mad we should have wandered on until we had dropped hopelessly insane and perished even a man utterly devoid of imagination could not have fought off the mad terror of it all as for me i will never forget it chigorsky paused and wiped his forehead glancing at ralph geoffrey could see that the latter was trembling like a leaf we came to the end of it at length chigorsky went on we came to light and a long desolate valley whence we proceeded into an arid desert here we found our latitude and dismissed our guides we ought to have shot them but we refrained it would have saved a deal of trouble they were not less dangerous than mad dogs we got into communication with our guides and servants in a day or two and there ended the first and most thrilling volume of our adventures how the princess zara has persecuted us ever since you know and how we are going to turn the tables on that fiend of a woman you also know

Starting point is 11:06:17 there was a long silence after chigorsky had finished and dusk began to fall geoffrey looked out of the window toward the sea suddenly he started blabber rock he gasped covered not a vestige of it to be seen it is high spring tide to-day the highest of the month and i had forgotten all about it what difference does it make tigorsky asked it fills the underground caves geoffrey cried we have locked the doors of the lower vault and in that vault are the two asiatics waiting the orders of their mistress a spring tide fills that vault with water if those men got that letter as they are pretty sure to have done by this time then they are dead men Once they get into the cave, the tide would cut them off, and they would be drowned like rats in a sewer. Of course, they would have no idea the vault was closed to them, and...

Starting point is 11:07:30 Quite right, Chigorsky interrupted. I never thought of that, and I had no knowledge of the state of the tide, and there are other caves where... He was going to say, where Marion is, but paused. Ralph seemed to divine what was in his mind. The reply seemed incontinent, but Chigorsky understood.

Starting point is 11:07:56 All the other caves are practically beyond high water mark, he said. What Jeffrey says is correct, and our forgetfulness has saved the hangman a job. But wouldn't it be well to make sure? Chigorsky was of that opinion. no need to alarm the household he said geoffrey shall procure a lantern and i will come and assist in the search i don't want to be seen just yet but it really does not much matter as there is no need for further concealment if these men are drowned they are drowned and there is an end of the matter in any case we have the chief culprit by the heels it was possible after all to reach the vaults without being seen. Jeffrey procured a lantern, and the party set out.

Starting point is 11:08:54 When they were at the bottom of the steps, they could hear the sea slashing and beating on the walls and sides of the vault. A great waves slipped up as the door opened. Jeffrey bent down with the lantern in his hand. For some time he searched the boiling spume without success. can you see anything asked georgsky nothing whatever said geoffrey it is possible that they might not ah he shuddered as he raised the light the spume ceased to boil for a moment then a stiff rigid hand crept horribly from the flood a brown sodden face followed

Starting point is 11:09:42 there lay one of the asiatics past the power of farther harm you have seen one shigorsky shouted and there is the other another face came up like a repulsive picture on a screen a minute later and the two bodies were dripping in the steps of the vault end of chapter fifty four chapter fifty five of the mystery of the raven spurs by fred m white this libervox recording is in the public domain chapter fifty five a shock for the princess it was not a pleasant task but it had to be done fortunately it was possible to do everything discreetly and in order for the vaults were large and there was not the slightest chance that any of the household would come near the bodies were laid out there and the key turned upon them. Jeffrey looked at his companions and inquired what was to be done next. Inform the head of the house and send for the police, Chigorsky said. So far as I can see, it will be impossible to keep the matter a secret. Nor are we to blame. Those men came here for no good purpose, and we took steps to prevent them from entering the house.

Starting point is 11:11:19 Unfortunately, we forgot there would be an exceptionally high tide today, and consequently they have paid the penalty of their folly. But we can't bury these two fellows as we did the others. Hadn't we better search them, Ralph suggested. They came in response to the note sent them by their mistress. The note was opened and read. One of them is sure to have the letter on his person. then let the police find it chigorsky said promptly it will be the link and the evidence that we require when you and i come to tell our story ralph and the police find that letter the net around princess zara will be complete i have only to produce that diary and the case is finished ralph nodded approval five minutes later and the head of the house

Starting point is 11:12:19 house seated over a book in the library was exceedingly astonished to see ralph and geoffrey followed by chigorski enter the room he swept a keen glance over their faces he saw at once they had news of grave import for him i do not understand he said dr chigorski i am amazed i was under the impression that you were dead and buried other people shared the same opinion sir chigorski said coolly the great misfortune of another man was my golden opportunity it was necessary for certain people to regard me as dead your enemies particularly but perhaps i had better explain it would be as well ravenspur murmured chigorsky proceeded to clear the mystery of voski's death he had to tell the whole story beginning at lasse and going on to the end ravenspur listened with the air of a man who dreams to a man used all his life to the quiet life of an english shire it seemed impossible to believe that such things could be and why should these people persecute him why should they come here what did those men mean by drowning themselves in the vaults they came here at the instigation of mrs may chigorski said but i don't see how that lady comes to be in it at all you will in a minute said chigorsky grimly you will when i tell you that mrs may and-i

Starting point is 11:14:10 Princess Zara are one and the same person. Ravensper gasped. The bare idea of having such a woman under his roof filled him with horror. Even yet he could not understand his danger. But why does she come? he demanded. For revenge on you two? Oh, no, my being here was a mere coincidence. Of course the Princess.

Starting point is 11:14:40 would have removed me sooner or later ralph strange to say she does not recognize at all possibly because he has disguised himself with such simple cleverness princess zara came here to destroy your family in the name of heaven why partly for revenge partly for money i told you all about her husband who was an english officer i told you why why why you why i told you all about her husband who was an english officer i told you why she had married him. When she discovered the papers she wanted, then she killed him in return to her own people, giving out that she and her husband had perished up country in a fearful cholera epidemic. She wanted money. Why not kill off her husband's family one by one, so that finally the estate should come to her? Mr. Ravenspur, surely you have guessed who was the English officer or Princess Zara married. Raven Spur staggered back as before a heavy blow.

Starting point is 11:15:48 The illuminating flash almost stunned him. He fell gasping into a chair. My son, Jasper, he said, hoarsely. That fiend is his widow. And Marion's mother, Ralph croaked. Jeffrey was almost as much astonished as his grand. He wondered why he had not seen all this before. Once explained, the problem was ridiculously simple.

Starting point is 11:16:22 Ravenspur covered his face with his hands. Marion must not know, he said. It would kill her. She knows already, Chigorsky said. That woman has great influence over her child, and the idea was for the child to get everything. The others were to be killed off until she was the only one left. With this large fortune at command, Zara meant to be another queen of Sheba, and she would have succeeded, too. Ravenspur shuddered. He was torn by conflicting emotions. Perhaps tenderness

Starting point is 11:17:05 and sympathy for Marion were uppermost. How much did she know? How much? How much? How much had she guessed? Was she entirely in the dark as to her mother's machinations, or had she come resolved to protect the relatives as much as possible? Ravensper poured out these questions one after another. Chigorsky could or would say nothing to relieve the other's feelings on these points. What you ask has nothing to do with the case, he said, i have proved to you i am prepared to prove in any court of law how your family has been destroyed and who is the author of the mischief she is under your roof where she is powerless to move her two confederates lie dead in the vaults yonder i have already explained to you how it came about that the princess is here and how her infernal apparatus failed

Starting point is 11:18:09 it now remains to call in the police there will be a fearful scandal ravensburg groaned chigorski glanced at him impatiently the cosmopolitan knew a great many things that were sealed books to ravensburg in point of knowledge it was as a child alongside a great master but chigorsky knew nothing of family pride which will be forgotten in a week he said emphatically and when the thing is over you will be free again you cannot realize what that means is yet no raven spur said i cannot nevertheless you can see for yourself that what i say is a fact chigorski resumed and as a country magistrate and a deputy lieutenant you would hardly venture to suggest that we should bury those bodies and say nothing to anybody about it." Ravenspur nodded approval. A few minutes later, a groom was carrying a note to the police inspector at Alton. Ravenspur turned to Chigorsky, with a manner more genial than he usually assumed.

Starting point is 11:19:31 "'I have forgotten to thank you,' he said. and you Ralph have saved the house if you can forget the past he said no more but his hand went out Ralph seemed to divine it and pressed it closely there was no word uttered on either side but they both understood and Ralph smiled geoff had never seen his uncle's smile before the expression on his face was genial, almost handsome. His wooden look had utterly disappeared, and nobody ever saw it again. The transformation of Ralph Ravenspur was not the least wonderful incident of the whole mysterious affair. The door opened, and Vera came lightly into the room. "'What does all this mystery mean?' she asked. "'Jeffrey, you are—'

Starting point is 11:20:34 dr chigorski the last words came with a scream that might have been heard all over the house chigorski closed the door and proceeded rapidly to explain but it was not the full explanation he had given to the others there was time enough for that vera was too bewildered to ask questions at a sign from geoffrey she slipped from the room then she recollected that she had come downstairs on an errand of mercy she promised to get a cup of tea for the woman whom she still knew was mrs may she procured the tea from the drawing-room and in a dazed kind of state made her way up the stairs again mrs may was sitting up in bed there was a pink spot on either cheek and her dark eyes were blazing i hope nothing is wrong she said it might have been my fancy but it seems to me that i heard you call chigorski's name at the top of your voice the suggestion was made with a fervent earnestness that the woman could not repress but vera did not notice it i did she said i walked into the library hearing voices there and in a chair dr chigorsky was seen no wonder that i cried out it was a fearful shock and when he began to talk i could not believe the evidence of my senses then who was it that was buried the woman asked the question mechanically she knew perfectly well what the reply would be she knew that she had been discovered at last and that the murder of voski had been turned to good purpose

Starting point is 11:22:33 by chigorsky and she knew now who her new ally been here really was dr vawski vera explained i have been hearing all about lasa and a certain princess zara who seems to be a dreadful wretch but i fear that i am exciting you and you haven't drunk your tea the woman gulped down her tea and then fell back on her bed closing her eyes. She wanted to be alone, to have time to think. Danger had threatened her before, but not living, palpitating peril like this. Vera crept away, and the woman rose again, but she could not get from her bed. Passionate, angry tears filled her eyes. That man has beaten me, she groaned. It is finished for good.

Starting point is 11:23:33 and all. But their revenge will not be of a long duration. End of Chapter 55. Chapter 56 of the Mystery of the Ravenspurs by Fred M. White. This Libervox recording is in the public domain. Chapter 56. Marion comes back. The police had more or less taken possession of Ravenspur. They were everywhere asking questions that. Cigorski took upon himself to answer. As he had expected, the note carried by Vera and

Starting point is 11:24:20 deposited in the farmhouse garden had been found on one of the bodies. The inspector of police was an intelligent man, and he fell in with everything that Cigorski suggested. Of course, you can't read this book, said the Russian, as he handed over the fateful diary for safe custody. But there are one of the one of the one of the first. or two oriental scholars in london who will bear out my testimony have you any doubt personally not the least the inspector replied you say it is impossible for that woman to get away absolutely impossible she is safe for days then in that case there is no need to arrest her that will have to come after the inquest of these men which we shall hold tomorrow. And what a sensation the case will make. If I had read this thing in a book, I should have laughed at it. And now we must have a thorough search for those electrical appliances. It was long past dinner time

Starting point is 11:25:30 before the police investigations were finished. Aided by Chigorsky, a vast amount of mechanical appliances was found, including the apparatus that was to do so much harm to the Ravenna. and which had ended in wrecking the schemes of their arch enemy. In quest at ten tomorrow, sir, the inspector remarked to Ravenspur. I am very sorry, but we shall not trouble you more than we can help. Ravenspur shook his head sadly. He was not particularly versed in the ways of the law, but he could see a long case ahead, and he was beginning to worry about Marion.

Starting point is 11:26:13 it was nearly ten o'clock now and the girl had not returned it would be a sad home-coming for the girl but they would all do what they could for her everybody appeared to be duly sympathetic except ralph who said nothing chigorsky seemed to have obliterated himself entirely geoffrey had retired to the billiard-room where vera followed him they started a game but their nerves were in no condition to finish it queues were flung down and the lover stood before the fireplace what are you thinking about geoffrey asked vera looked up dreamingly she touched geoffrey's cheek caressingly she looked like one who is happy and yet at the same time ashamed of her own happiness of many things pleasant and otherwise she said i am still utterly in the dark myself but those who know tell me that the shadow has lifted forever that in itself is so great a joy that i dare not let my mind dwell upon it as yet to think that we may part and meet again to think but i dare not let my mind dwell upon that but what has mrs may to do with it vera was not behind the scenes as yet still within a few hours the thing must come out what the family regarded as a nurse had been procured for the invalid a nurse who really was a female warder in disguise and Ravenspur had sternly given strict orders

Starting point is 11:28:02 that nobody was to go near that room. He vouchsafed no reason why. He gave the order and it was obeyed. Then Jeffrey told Vera everything. He went through the whole story from the very beginning. Vera listened as one in a dream. Such wickedness was beyond her comprehension. Awful as the clobiles.

Starting point is 11:28:29 was that had long hung over the house of raven spur vera had not imagined it to be lined with such depravity as this and so that inhuman wretch is marian's mother said vera the child of a creature who deliberately murdered a husband and tried to destroy his family so that she could get everything into her hands no wonder that marion has been a changed creature since this mrs may has been about. How I pity her anguish and condition of mind. But had Marion a sister? Not that I ever heard of. Why? I was thinking of that other girl. The girl so like Marion that you were talking about just now. What has become of her? Jeffrey shook his head. He had forgotten that most mysterious personage. It was a little. It was a little bit of her. It was a was more than likely he explained that chigorski would know not that it much mattered the two were silent for some little time then a peal of laughter from the drawing-room caused them to smile my mother said vera i have not heard her laugh like that for years does it not seem funny to realize that before long we shall be laughing and chatting and moving with the world once more

Starting point is 11:29:59 Jeff. I should like to leave Ravenspur and have a long, long holiday on the continent. Jeffrey stooped and kissed her. So you shall, sweet, he said. We can be married now, and when we come back to Ravenspur, it will be the dear old home I recollect in my childhood's days. Vera, you and I shall be the happiest couple in the world. They went back to the drawing-room again. Here the elders were conversing quietly, yet happily. There was an air of cheerful gaiety upon them

Starting point is 11:30:39 that the house had not known for many a long day. Gordon Ravenspur was impressing upon his father the necessity of looking more sharply after the shooting. The head of the family had before him some plans of new farm buildings. it was marvellous what a change the last few hours had wrought and the author of all the sorrow and anguish was upstairs guarded by eyes that never tired how bright and cheerful you look vera said it only wants one thing to make the picture complete you can guess dear grandfather marian ravenspers said marian of course she will come back ralph murmured marian will return we know now that no harm could come to the girl i should not wonder if she were not on her way home this very moment half an hour passed an hour elapsed and yet no marian they were all getting uneasy but ralph

Starting point is 11:31:52 who sat doggedly in his chair. Then there was a commotion outside. The door opened, and Marion came in. She looked pale and uneasy. She glanced from one to the other with frightened eyes. It was easy to see that she was greatly moved, and, moreover, was not sure as to the warmth of her reception. But she might have made her mind easy on that score.

Starting point is 11:32:21 all rose to welcome her. My dear, dear child, Vera cried. Where have you been? Vera fluttered forward and took off Marion's cloak. All seemed to be delighted. Marion dropped into a chair with quivering smile. Ralph had felt his way across to her and stood by the side of her chair.

Starting point is 11:32:49 I fancied I had made a chair. a discovery, she said. It occurred to me, perhaps. But don't let us talk about myself. Has anything happened here? Much, Ralph cried. Great things. The mystery is solved. Solved, Marion gasped. You have found the culprit? The culprit is in the house. She is Mrs. May. I prefer to call her Princess Zara, and yet again I might call her Mrs. Ravenspur, wife of the late Jasper Ravenspur. Marion, we have found your mother. Marion said nothing.

Starting point is 11:33:37 Her head had fallen forward, and she sat swaying in her chair. There was a hard, yet pleading look in her eyes. Ralph bent down and drew her none too. tenderly to her feet. The she-wolf is yonder, the cub is here, he cried. Are you going to speak, or shall I tell the story? Speak or let me do it. Ravenspur sprang forward angrily.

Starting point is 11:34:08 What are you doing, he cried. To lay hand on that angel... Aye, said Ralph, an angel truly but a fallen one. lucifer in the dust end of chapter fifty six chapter fifty seven of the mystery of the ravenspurs by fred m white this librivox recording is in the public domain chapter fifty seven hand and foot what did it mean why was there all this commotion in the house and why did everybody leave her so severely alone these were the questions that princess zara otherwise mrs may otherwise mrs jasper ravenspur asked herself and why had marian not returned oh it was bitter to lie there fettered hand and foot at the very moment when activity and cunning and action were most imperatively needed and chigorski was not dead how she had been tricked and fooled fate had played against her who would have anticipated that voski would have come to ravenspur and met his death there by this time the sham ben here had all necessary proofs in his hands

Starting point is 11:35:42 the door opened and a resolute-looking woman came in her garb was something of the hospital type yet more severe and plainer she came in and took her place with the air of one who was something of the hospital type yet more severe and plainer she came in and took her place with the air of one who watches a prisoner i do not require your services the adventurous said coldly it is immaterial madam was the equally cold reply i am sent here to do my duty whether you require my services or not indeed am i to regard myself as a prisoner then the other bowed the bolt had fallen there was nothing for it but to submit quietly by this time chigorski's proofs were in possession of the police the prisoner smiled grimly as she thought how she could escape her foes yet what is the confusion in the house she asked what is your name my name is simmons i was fetched here by the inspector of police the bodies of two asiatics have been found drowned in the vaults and they are getting ready for the inquest to-morrow once again the defeated murderess smiled fate was all against her those men had come to do her bidding and had perished doubtless the note sent by vera ravenspur would be found on one of them and this would be no more than another link in the long chain she tried to rise but she could not she lay in the bed fully dressed her brain was as quick and as clear as ever but the paralysis in her lower limbs fettered her

Starting point is 11:37:39 a blind fury shook her for the moment if she had only been free to move she would have triumphed even yet chigorski might have been a clever man but she would have shown him that he was no match for her and now she had walked into the trap he had laid for her doubtless she had been watched into the castle doubtless the enemy had seen her lay those wires and had arranged to give her a taste of that deadly stuff she had prepared for others then marion had been spirited away and the key of the sun safe taken from her. Subsequently, Chigorsky had ransacked the box. Oh, she saw it all. The family of Ravenspur saw it all by this time, too. She was no longer a guest in the house of Ravensper, but a prisoner in charge of a female warder. In a day or two, she would be cast into prison in due course she would undergo her trial and finally be hanged by the neck until she were dead it was this last thought that caused her to smile she was too clever a woman not to accept the inevitable a great many people in her position would have protested and lied and blustered she saw the folly of it i should like to see mr ravenspur she said will you tell him so you need not fear i am helpless i could not move

Starting point is 11:39:22 mrs simmons stepped into the corridor and gave the message to a passing servant after a time a slow step came shuffling along up the stairs it was ralph who presently came into the room you can leave us for a little time he said he said he was ralph who presently came into the room you can leave us for a little time he said simmons discreetly disappeared she passed into the corridor the woman in the bed opened her mouth to speak but stopped in astonishment ralph's glasses were gone and the smooth ungence had disappeared from his face those cruel criss-crossed lines stood out with startling distinctness you wanted to see my father he said my father declines to see you in any circumstances perhaps i shall do as well you you are one of the men i saw at lasa the words came from the woman's lips with a gasp she had never been so astonished in all her life yes i was the other one ralph said coolly i had had been so astonished in all her life yes i was the other one ralph said coolly i had to disguise myself when i found out you were in england there is no longer any need for disguise i hope you are delighted to see me my dear sister-in-law oh so you know that also you may take it for granted that i knew everything there was a long pause before the woman's spoke again i need not ask what opinion you have formed of me you are perhaps the most depraved wretch who ever drew the breath of life said ralph slowly and without emotion

Starting point is 11:41:19 to your ambition and what you call your religion you are prepared to sacrifice everything you deliberately murdered the man who loved you your brother jasper i admit it perhaps you will find it impossible to believe that i loved him but i did with my whole heart and soul i loved him and i killed him does it not sound strange but this is the fact i had to do it for the sake of my people and my religion i had to do it when i recovered those papers i slew him and i slew him as he knew i would he was the only thing on earth that i had to care for oh had you not a daughter the woman made a gesture of contempt a poor creature she said but i brought her up in the strong faith i follow and so she has not been without her uses not that she knows anything of the holy temple and the ceremonial there i never told her about the two men who escaped along the black valley if i had i should have known you to be a worthy antagonist instead of a half-witted fool and then you would never have brought me to you to be a worthy antagonist instead of a half-witted fool and then you would never have brought me to you to be a worthy to this pass. Oh, if I had only told her that! There was a passionate ring in the woman's voice. It was the first time during the interview

Starting point is 11:42:57 that she had displayed any humanity. You didn't, and there is an end of it, Ralph said. Go on. Is there any need to go on? I have failed, and there is an end of the matter. when my husband died my feelings were turned to rage and hatred of you all why should you all live and prosper while he was dead said mrs may with your money i could do anything among my own people i could found a new dynasty did i not possess the occult knowledge of the east with a thorough knowledge of what you are pleased to call western civilization i could not possess the occult knowledge of the east with a thorough knowledge of what you are pleased to call western civilization i could could do it. A little longer, and your wealth would have come to my child. In other words, it would have come to me. Do you understand what I mean? Perfectly. I have understood for some time. Before I returned to England, I had an idea of what

Starting point is 11:44:04 was at the bottom of the vendetta. But you would not have succeeded. Chigorsky and myself made up our minds. that if we could not bring the crimes home to you, we would shoot you. Ralph spoke with a grim coldness that was not without its effect upon the listener. Hard as she was, the sentiment was after her own heart. That would have been murder, she said. Perhaps so. In the cold, prosaic eyes of the law,

Starting point is 11:44:39 we might have been regarded as criminals of the type you must. mention, but we did not propose to pay any deference to the law, nor would our deed have been discovered. You would simply have disappeared. We should have shot you and thrown your body into the sea, and I don't fancy that the deed would have weighed very heavily on the conscience of either of us. The woman smiled. Nothing seemed to disturb her. She was full of passionate fury, against the decrees of fate, but she did not show it. I suppose you planned everything out, she asked. Everything. Chigorsky and myself between us.

Starting point is 11:45:28 It was Chigorsky who rescued my nephew, after you're familiar in the blue dress and red hat, had cut the mast and skulls. We guessed that the search for Jeffrey would empty the house and that you would take advantage of the fact. Jeffrey and I watched you laying those wires. It was I who saw that you had a taste of the poison. I wanted to lay you by the heels here, while Cigorski overhauled your possessions.

Starting point is 11:45:59 Your messenger was waylaid and robbed of your key. Also, I opened the letter you sent by my niece, so that your confederates might be summoned to your assistance. Marion has come back again? Within the last hour, yes. You will see her presently. The woman smiled curiously. Not tonight, she said. Not tonight.

Starting point is 11:46:29 I am tired and fancy I shall sleep well. I shall be glad of a long, long rest. Shall I see your father? No, Ralph said sternly. you certainly shall not then good night do not be surprised if i beat you yet it was late and the family were retiring marion had already gone in the drawing-room a group had gathered round the fire they were silent and sad for they had heard many things that had moved them strangely there was a knock at the door and simmons looked in my prisoner is dead she said coldly and unmoved i suppose she managed to secret some poison and take it but she is dead it is well ravenspur replied it might have been worse it was the best she could do to lift the shadows of disgrace from this unhappy house

Starting point is 11:47:39 end of chapter fifty seven chapter fifty eight of the mystery of the ravenspurs by fred m white this libravox recording is in the public domain chapter fifty eight lenvoi marion had bowed her head before the coming storm she asked no mercy and expected none yet she looked the same pure unaffected saint she had ever appeared ravenspurb would have taken her hand but she drew it away it is true she said i am a fallen angel i have never been anything else put it down to my mother's training if you like but i came here to my mother's training if you like but i came here here is her friend not yours my religion is hers my feelings are hers i am of her people with all the wicked knowledge of the east i came here to cut you off root and branch why ravenspur said brokenly in the name of heaven why because for years i have been taught to hate you because i am at heart in Asiatic. It would be grand to have all your money, so that I might be a great person in my own country some day. Then I came and brought the curse with me. It never seemed to strike any of you that the curse and I came together. Three deaths followed. In every one of these I played a part.

Starting point is 11:49:27 I was responsible for them all. Shall I tell you how? No, no, said Ravensburg. Heavens, this is too horrible. To think of you looking so sweet and so fair and good. To think that you should have crept into our hearts, only to betray us like this. We want to hear nothing beyond your confession. Have you a heart at all, or are you a beautiful fiend?

Starting point is 11:49:59 I did not imagine that I had a heart at all until I came here, marian replied she had not abated a jot of her sweetness of expression or angelic manner then gradually i began to love you all when i met my cousin geoffrey i recognized the fact that i was a woman more than once i have been on the point of betraying myself to him but the more passion for him filled my heart the worse i felt i was going to kill you all off and keep Jeffrey for myself. If Vera had died, he would have come to care for me in time. I know he would. Then my mother came. I was not getting along fast enough for her. Her keen eyes saw into my breast and discovered my secret at once. For that reason, she marked Jeffrey down for her next victim. I tried to warn him. I tried to warn him. i wrote him a letter and i had to do him to death myself it was i who cut the mast away it was i who sod the skulls i was the girl in the blue dress

Starting point is 11:51:17 amazing geoffrey murmured to think of it marian marian there were tears in his eyes he could not be angry with her there were tears in the eyes of every other everybody. Vera was crying softly, and all the grief was as so many daggers in the heart of the unhappy girl. Go on, she said. Cry for me. Every look of pity and every sign of grief stings me to the quick. Perhaps I am mad. Perhaps I am not responsible for my actions. But I swear that all the time I have been plotting against your lives, i have cared for you only my training and my religion forced me on call me insane if you please as you say of the fakir who sleeps upon a bed of sharp nails i could explain all the mysteries you need not ralph said i can do that in good time from the first i knew you from the first i have do you from room to room at night and front you from the first i have doged you from room to room at night and front frustrated your designs. Then came Chigorsky, who finished the task for me.

Starting point is 11:52:40 Need I say more? Marion moved towards the door. The imploring look had gone from her face. Her eyes had grown sad and hopeless. And yet, in the face of her confession, in the face of the knowledge of her crimes, not one of them had the slightest anger for her. I am going, she said.

Starting point is 11:53:06 In the event of this happening, I had made my plans. It may be that I shall have to take my trial. It may be that I shall be spared. One thing you may be certain of. My mother will never stand in the dock. Ralph rose and slipped quietly from the room. If she dies, if anything happens to her, marion went on it may be possible to spare me nobody knows anything to my dishonor outside the family but dr chigorski and you can rely upon his silence

Starting point is 11:53:46 if my mother is no more there need be no scandal farewell farewell to you all oh if heaven had been good to me and sent me here as a little child then what a happy life might have been my She passed out of the room, and nobody made any attempt to detain her. It was a long, long time before anybody spoke, and no voice was raised above a whisper. The shock was stupendous. In none of their past sorrows and troubles had their feelings been more outraged. The cloud lay heavy upon them all. It would be a long while. before it passed away.

Starting point is 11:54:35 Ravensper rose at length, his face white and worn. We can do no good here, he said. Perhaps sleep will bring us merciful relief. It was at this moment that Simons looked in with her information. It was no shock, because all were past being shocked. Vera cried on Jeffrey's shoulder. i am glad of it she whispered it's an awful thing to say but i am glad it saves marian we shall never see her again but i am glad she is saved a young couple were looking down in the mediterranean from the terrace of an old garden filled with the choicest flowers the man looked bronzed and well the girl radiantly happy

Starting point is 11:55:32 for grief has no abiding place in the eyes of youth doesn't it seem wonderful geoffrey the girl said positively i cannot realize that we have been married three weeks i shall wake up presently and find myself back at ravenspur again wondering what dreadful thing is going to happen next geoffrey touched a letter that lay in vera's lap here is the evidence of our freedom he said read it to me please vera picked up the letter there was no heading then she read i am near you and yet far off i hear little things from the world from time to time and i know that you are married to geoff i felt that i must write you a few lines i am in a convent here in a convent here in a convent from whence I can never emerge again. Heaven knows how many human tragedies are bound up in these gray old walls, but of all the miserable wretches here, there is none more miserable than myself. Still, in my new faith, I have found consolation. I know that there is hope even for sinners as black as myself. Will it sound strange to you to hear that I long and you,

Starting point is 11:57:01 yearn for you always, that I still love those whom I would have destroyed? I meant to write you a long letter, but my heart is too full. Do not reply, because we are not allowed to have letters here. Heaven bless you both, and give you the happiness you deserve. Marion Jeffrey took up the letter and tore it into minute fragments. The gentle breeze carried. over the oleanders and lemon trees like snow down below the blue sea sparkled and the world seemed full of the pure delight of life

Starting point is 11:57:45 geoffrey vera said after a long pause are we too happy is it possible to be too happy geoffrey replied well too selfishly happy i mean it seems awful to be so blissful when marion is full of misery i shall never feel anything but affection for her it seems a strange thing to say but i mean it poor marian geoffrey stooped and kissed the quivering lips poor marion indeed he said marion was two distinct persons of all the shocks we ever had her confession hurt me most of all a creature so sweet and pure and good a veritable angel it is sufficient to utterly destroy one's faith in human nature it would if i hadn't got you the end end of chapter fifty eight end of the mystery of the ravenspurs by fred m white

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