Classic Audiobook Collection - The Sacred Herb by Fergus Hume ~ Full Audiobook [mystery]

Starting point is 00:00:00 the sacred herb by fergus hume the latest sensation lord prelis felt desperately bored like heiress he longed for some new pleasure yet knew not where to look for one this was the result of being surfeited with the sweets of extraordinary good fortune born to a title endowed with passable good looks gifted with abilities above the average and possessed of admirable health he should have been the happiest of men the more especially as his income ran well into five figures and he had the whole wide world to play with certainly he had played with it and with life up to his present age of thirty-five years perhaps this was the reason of his acute boredom if all work and no play makes jack dull all play and no work must necessarily make him blasé therefore in spite of the excellent breakfast spread before him on this bright summer morning when london was looking at its best the young man was ungratefully wondering what he could do to render life endurable he ate from habit and not because he enjoyed his food he read the morning papers since it was necessary to be abreast of the times for conversational purposes although very little was new therein and still less was true. By the time he arrived at the marmalade stage of the meal, he was again considering the possibilities of the next four and twenty hours. In this contented frame of mind, he was discovered by

Starting point is 00:01:47 his aunt. Lady Sophia Haken bustled into the pleasant room, exasperatingly cheerful, and very pleased with life in general, and with herself in particular. She was an elderly woman of a somewhat masculine type, who lived a simple out-of-door existence, and who proclaimed loudly that it was necessary for humanity to return to the Stone Age for true enjoyment. Having men riding in the row for the last two hours, she entered in her habit, filled with the egotism of the early riser. As a near relative, she could not do less than scold Prelis for lingering over a late breakfast, and told him, also as a near relative, that she scolded him for his good. She had done so very often before, without result, and but that she loved to lay down the law

Starting point is 00:02:43 would have long since given over the attempt to improve her nephew. Nevertheless, anxious to achieve the impossible, she attacked him with pristine vigor, as though aware for the first time of his bad habits. nine o'clock and still at breakfast said lady sophia significantly and slapped her skirts with a whip which she would have dearly liked to lay across her lazy nephew's broad shoulders prelis looked indolently at the clock then at the table and finally at his fuming aunt i cannot deny it he said with a yawn is that all you have to say she asked much disgusted prelis heaved a sigh it was necessary to say something if only to stem the coming tide of burbose speech how well you are looking because i have been up since six o'clock how unwise you will probably sleep all the afternoon lady sophia snapped tartly i shall do nothing of the sort oh very well he assented you will do nothing of the sort anything for a quiet lot even agreement with the improbable his aunt grasped her whip dangerously how exasperating you are i was just thinking the same about you confessed prelis good-humoredly

Starting point is 00:04:12 it is so disagreeable for a late riser to be reminded of the time and having folded his napkin he lighted a cigarette how long is this going on demanded lady sophia fiercely his imperturbability made her long to shake him thoroughly how long is what going on asked prillis provokingly this idle idiotic insane sensual foolish wicked dilatory existence seven adjectives murmured the young man opening his eyes waste waste oh what waste how long is this going on inquired his relative again and whipped her skirts instead of preliss's back with renewed vigor. He was forced to answer, as long as I do, no doubt, what else is to be done? I should like to know. You shall know, serve your country. What, and be abused in the penny press?

Starting point is 00:05:15 No thank you. You can surely help your brother, man. Surely only to learn how much ingratitude exists in the world. Lady Sophia stamped, bit her lip, and looked like a ruffled cockatoo in a bad temper. She wanted to quarrel, and it annoyed her that Prelists would not meet her halfway, by supplying a reason. She had to invent the quarrel and bring about the quarrel and carry on the quarrel and finish the coral without assistance. Mary was the one word which suggested itself, and she hoped that it would be like a red rag to a bull. oh jerusalem prilus shook his closely cropped fair head i would much rather serve brother man than marry sistered woman you offer me a choice of unoriginal evils

Starting point is 00:06:10 you never will face the truth declared lady sophia irreverently and forthwith according to an old established custom she proceeded to recount the family history that is she picked out the worst traits of prelis's ancestors and debited them to his account he smoked through two cigarettes and nodded at intervals not very much interested since he had heard the same oration at least a dozen times lady sophia having worked her way from the reign of elizabeth down to that of edward the seventh ended with a lurid any sensational picture of what would befall her listener in the near future unless he worked like a nigger such a bad illustration interposed prelis placidly "'Niggers don't work. As I have just returned from the West Indies, I ought to know.' Lady Sophia snorted down the interruption, and seeing that he was still unimpressed, tried to goad him into industry by mentioning several of his school fellows who had attained to comparable fame and fortune, while Prilus, as she scathingly put it, had been groveling in the mud. Even young Shepworth, ended Lady Sophia, somewhat out of breath, and he was never clever.

Starting point is 00:07:33 Even he is counsel for the defense this very day in an important murder case. I'm ducid sorry for his client, murmured Prelis indolently. Why should you be? demanded his aunt aggressively. You said that he wasn't clever. He must be. Lady Sophia contradicted herself with feminine calmness. If he wasn't, he certainly would not be talking this very day at the new Bailey. Go and hear him, Prelis, and be ashamed that a fool, yes, a superlative fool, should succeed where you fail. What do you mean? inquired her nephew. With great curiosity, first you say that Ned isn't clever.

Starting point is 00:08:17 Ned, Ned, I never mentioned Ned. Who is Ned? Shepworth, Edward Shepworth. Ned, for short. We were great chums at Eton, you know. But you say that he isn't clever. Then you insist that he is, and wind up by calling him a fool. You know quite well what I mean, said Lady Sophia with dignity. I really don't, confessed her nephew artlessly. You describe such a complex character. However, as I have nothing to do today and never have anything to do idler i shall go to the new bailey and listen to ned hanging his client so brilliant a barrister as mr sheppworth will certainly get her off said lady sophia decisively prelis passed over this new contradiction it's a woman yes monochette you know her i'm sure i don't the criminal classes don't attract me she is not a criminal but a lady said his aunt as though the two things were incompatible and you do know her mona chent the niece of old sir oliver lanwin prelis reflected with bent brows i never heard the name before i assure you aunt sophia he said at length remember that i have been traveling round the world for the last seven years and know very little of the latest london sensation

Starting point is 00:09:46 you ought to stay at home and make yourself acquainted with people prelis including this murderess she has not a murderess cried lady sophia energetically i always did think that she was a sweet girl and if she did kill her uncle it was no more than he deserved i never liked him therefore he ought to be murdered said prelis rising and stretching himself before the empty grate so sir oliver was the victim i have heard of him he used to send ned shells and barbaric things from the south seas and now ned is repaying him by defending his murderess i tell you mona did not murder the man i know her i have received her would i receive a murderess it might be a draw to some of your parties said prelis politely and with a recollection of several dull entertainments but i cannot quite gather from your clear explanation if she is guilty or not half london thinks that she is and half asserts her innocence what does sheppworth think he naturally believes her to be innocent because he defends her because she is his future wife prelis looked startled oh jerusalem and if he proves her innocence he'll marry her i suppose as she is her uncle's heiress and mr sheppworth is poor i presume he will ten thousand a year is not to be despised but a wife with such a pass protested the young man ugh did miss chint murder her uncle to get the money she didn't murder him at all look at the facts of the case. I shall be delighted to if you will place them before me. You ought to know all about

Starting point is 00:11:40 them, said Lady Sophia, rising impatiently. Everyone has been talking about the case for the last month, ever since Mona Chint was arrested, in fact. Ah, but you see, I have only just arrived in London. I shall go to my club and get posted up in the latest scandal. The latest sensation, corrected his aunt. to the new Bailey instead, and here Mr. Shepworth place the case before the judge and jury. His eloquence will make you sorry for your lazy, useless life. He will be a K-C., cried Lady Sophia, becoming prophetic, and Attorney General, and Lord Chancellor, and King of Timbuktu, no doubt, loud cheers. Lady Sophia looked indignantly at the scoffer, who beamed on her benignly with.

Starting point is 00:12:33 with laughing blue eyes. You have deteriorated since you left the army. No doubt, the standard of morality in the army being so high. Oh, his aunt stamped and flung open the door with a tragic error. I have done with you. Your flippancy is disgusting. I repeat, Prelis, I have done with you, and she departed hastily, lest a reply from the scoffers should spoil her impressive exit. Prelis laughed, knowing that Lady Sophia would never be done with him while she had a tongue to wag. Also, he believed that she was truly fond of him, and knew that she had only too much reason to accuse him of wasting his life. He resolved to mend his ways, more as an experiment in self-denial than because he wanted to, and cast about for a model person to imitate.

Starting point is 00:13:30 After Lady Sophia's conversation, the name of Edward Shepworth naturally suggested itself. So Prilis arrayed himself in purple and fine linen and ordered round his motor car. Within two hours he was driving out of Half Moon Street and was soon dodging the traffic of Piccadilly. It was so delightful manipulating the machine in the sunshine and acting as a chauffeur so appealed to him that he was minded to turn the Mercedes in the direction of Richmond. But the hints about the murder being an unusual one kept to his earlier determination. Also a copy of the Daily Mirror assured him that the accused girl was exceedingly pretty. Finally, he had always been friendly with the counsel for the defense and thought that he would renew the tie of old school days. These things brought his smart Mercedes to the

Starting point is 00:14:27 brand-new portals of the criminal court, and when he had handed over the steering-wheel to his chauffeur, he sought out the arena wherein Shepworth was fighting for the life of his promised wife. Naturally, the first person at whom the young man looked was the prisoner in the dock, and he mentally confessed that the daily mirror photograph had not done her justice. It could scarcely do so in mere black and white, as Miss Chint needed vividly. tense to convey her peculiar charm. She was one of those rare blondes who embodies sunshine in hair and eyes, a dragonfly of humanity, all radiance and glow. Since she was on trial for her life, Prelis quite expected to see a white-faced, terrified creature worn out with shame and suffering,

Starting point is 00:15:19 but Miss Chint might have been in an opera box for all the emotion she displayed. Prelis had more experience of women than was good for him but he never beheld so perfectly dressed or so perfectly serene a girl it would be absurd to say that so level-headed a young man fell in love with this attractive criminal at first sight but he certainly felt drawn to her she looked like a captive angel and without knowing the rights or wrongs of the case prelis mentally pronounced her to be entirely innocent her calmness if not her beauty acquitted her as his susceptible heart decided for no woman with an unclean conscience could have faced judge and jury with such manifest confidence prelis thought of joan of ark on trial for sorcery of mary stuart before a prejudiced tribunal of marie antoinette and of the vestal who proved her innocence by drawing tiber water in a sieve he might also have recalled the marquis de brinvilleers likewise calm beautiful and guilty but he did not the court was filled with more or less fashionable people who came to make a Roman holiday of Sir Oliver Landwin's violent death and Miss Chent's position. Doubtless she had been well known in society, and those who had been her friends were here to watch her in the new role of an accused criminal.

Starting point is 00:16:56 Prilis was disgusted at the heartless conduct of some ladies, who whispered and tittered, and used upper glasses to stare at the unfortunate girl. He internally commended his aunt for having had the good taste to remain absent, and then turned his eyes on the array of barristers to search for Ned Shepworth. If the prisoner was serene in the consciousness of innocence, her counsel certainly was less composed. A strong will and the second nature of custom kept Shepworth sufficiently self-controlled to deceive those who had but a passing acquaintance, with his personality. But Prelis, who had known the young barrister for years, noted that his usual ruddy complexion was whiter than usual, and that his eyes seemed to be sunken in his head by reason of the dark shadows beneath them. Shepworth was a slim, handsome man, brown-haired and brown-eyed, with a clean-shaven face and a resolute mouth. In his wig and gown, he looked very presently.

Starting point is 00:18:06 son of themus if somewhat less composed than the traditionally unemotional lawyer should be he was seated at the long table with two older men who apparently were his coadjitors and near the defense trio the counsel for the prosecution appointed by the public prosecutor on behalf of the crown was chatting amiably with his colleague a keen-faced young barrister behind sat many other lawyers wigged and gowned who were taking the deepest interest in the proceedings for the moment the court was so still that the rustling of the briefs as the barristers turned their pages could be plainly heard are those two fellows assisting mr sheppworth in the defense prelis whispered to a legal-looking bystander at his elbow no replied the man in a low voice the big fellow's the big fellow's a legal looking bystander at his elbow no replied the man in a low voice the big fellow is cudworth k c and the other is young arkhurst who acts as junior counsel sheppworth is not defending as he was in the house when the crime was committed and will be called as a witness so lady sophia was inaccurate as usual and prelis felt somewhat disappointed that he would not have an opportunity of hearing his old school chum or rating however he had little time to think for at this moment the prosecuting council got on his legs to open the case prelis felt that the curtain had risen on a tragedy he wondered what would be the scene when the curtain fell end of chapter one chapter two of the sacred herb by fergus yume this levervox recording is in the public domain the trial the council in a clear and deliberate voice opened his speech with an unvornished statement of the case and a very remarkable story he unfolded

Starting point is 00:20:16 prelis as an experienced traveler had always believed in the impossible but it seemed to him that he had returned to prosaic england to hear a veritable fairy tale there was something extremely fantastic about the way in which the crime was said to have been committed as set forth by the speaker the event happened in this wise sir oliver lanwin the last male heir of an ancient kentish family whose seat was situated near Hyde had found himself some forty years previous to the trial a palper with a newly inherited title seeing no chance in england of rehabilitating his fortunes he had taken what little money he possessed to new zealand leaving his only sister well provided for as the wife of an army officer named chint after making some money in various ways at ho kitika sir oliver had purchased a fruit schooner to trade amongst the south sea islands being successful he had bought other ships and for more than thirty years he had been a kind of polynesian merchant prince owing to his wealth and enterprise and keen business capacity he had never married because of an early disappointment and ten years before he had returned to england with a capital representing ten thousand a year With this he had retired to his ancestral seat near Hyde, and there proposed to end his days in comfort after the fashion of Simbad, the famous sailor of the Arabian Knights. He brought with him an old shellback mariner, Steve Agstone, by name, who was an important witness for the prosecution.

Starting point is 00:22:09 Unfortunately, said the council, the man had disappeared immediately before the inquest, after hinting to the housekeeper Mrs. Blexey that he had actually witnessed the committal of the crime for which the prisoner was being tried. In spite of all efforts made by the police, this witness could not be discovered, and it was impossible to say why he had disappeared. But counsel hoped to produce other witnesses who would prove beyond all shadow of a doubt that the prisoner was guilty. after proceeding thus far counsel sipped a glass of water hitched his gown more comfortably on to his shoulders and continued his speech amidst the breathless silence of the listeners being a bachelor sir oliver felt somewhat lonely since he was of a sociable disposition for a few months he kept open house but as his nature proved to be exacting and imperious he did not be a socialable disposition for a few months he kept open house but as his nature proved to be exacting and imperious he did not get on well with his neighbors. Finally, he proclaimed that they were all idiots, and closing his

Starting point is 00:23:17 doors, he became more or less of a recluse. It was then that Sir Oliver's widowed sister, Mrs. Chint, died suddenly, leaving her daughter, Mona, the prisoner, to the care of her uncle. Sir Oliver became extremely fond of the young lady, who was of a lively and amiable disposition. Indeed, his attachment was so great that he made a will in her favor, by which she was to inherit ten thousand a year and the family seat. And here, proceeded counsel impressively, I may mention a circumstance which, in the light of after events, has some bearing on the case. Mr. Oliver, while bathing at Samoa, had his leg taken off from the knee by a shark.

Starting point is 00:24:09 He thus was unable to indulge in field sports, in games, or indeed in any kind of out-of-door life. He therefore took to reading, and of a somewhat unusual kind, Jacob Bama, Paracelsus, and Elipus Levi, were his favorite authors, from which it can be judged that the dead man took a deep interest in psychic questions. He also consulted palmist, fortune-tellers, astrologers, and crystal gazers, frequently asking them down to Lanwin Grange. In fact, at the very time when the crime was committed, Madame Marie Eppinggrave, a well-known Bond Street interpreter of the future,

Starting point is 00:24:56 was staying in the house. She will be called as a witness. But you can see, gentlemen of the jury, that the late baronet was an exceedingly superstitious man, although clear-headed in business and perfectly capable of managing his affairs. It was at this point that Shepworth caught sight of Prelis, and he nodded in a friendly manner. Then he scribbled a note and sent it by an usher to the young man. It proved to be a request that Prelis would wait for him at the door when the court adjourned for luncheon. Preliss slipped the missile into his pocket and nodded a reply. Shepworth seemed to be

Starting point is 00:25:36 pleased with this prompt acceptance and immediately resumed his attitude of attention, while counsel continued to boom out facts with the drone of a bumblebee. As the narrative proceeded, it appeared that, a few months before his death, Sir Oliver had received a South Sea visitor in the person of a young sailor called Captain Felix Jadby, whose father he had known at Tahiti. The baronet was extremely intimate with the visitor and practically gave him the run of the house. Captain Jadby came and went at will, and Sir Oliver talked to him a great deal in connection with matters dealing with Polynesian trade. This was not to be wondered at, since the baronet having been a trader himself, it was pleasant for him to converse with one who knew about such things.

Starting point is 00:26:31 Unfortunately, Captain Jadby fell in love with a prisoner and wished to marry her. She refused to become his wife, on the plea that she loved Mr. Edward Shepworth, and was engaged to him. Sir Oliver was annoyed at the engagement, as he desired the marriage with Captain Jadby to take place. On the day of his death, he quarrelled seriously with the prisoner, and according to Madame Marie Eppinggrave's evidence, since she was present during the quarrel. Sir Oliver stated that if the prisoner did not marry Captain Jadby, he would disinherit her. Prisoner still refused and retired to her room, saying that she would not reappear until Captain Jadby was out of the house. for the sake of peace Jadby went up to London that same day with the intention of returning by the 10 o'clock train then if prisoner still remained obdurate

Starting point is 00:27:30 he intended to say goodbye to his hosts and leave for the colonies within the week and now gentlemen of the jury continued counsel with another hitch of his gown we come to the most important part of the story previous to going to London, Captain Chadby had a wordy quarrel with Mr. Shepworth, and from words the quarrel came to blows. Mr. Shepworth's foot slipped and he slightly sprained his ankle, so that he was not able to leave Lannwin Grange, as he desired. His position was an unpleasant one, since Sir Oliver was not well disposed towards him on account of the engagement, which existed with the prisoner.

Starting point is 00:28:16 As Captain Jadby had left the Grange, Mr. Shepworth wished to go also, and would have gone, but that his sprained ankle prevented his removal, and he therefore remained in his room. Now, gentlemen, you can see the position of the several people connected with this matter at the time when the crime was committed. Captain Jadby was in London, intending to return at 10 o'clock. Mr. Shepworth was in his room with a sprained ankle which prevented his leaving it. The prisoner was also in her room, and even though Captain Jadby had departed, for the time being, she declined to come down to dinner. Madame Marie Epengrave and Sir Oliver dined alone, and then the baronet retired to his library,

Starting point is 00:29:07 where until nine o'clock, according to Madame Marie's evidence, he chatted with her on a cult subjects. Also, as Madame Marie will state, Sir Oliver expressed himself strongly on the subject of the prisoner's refusal of Jadby. As Sir Oliver was in the habit of retiring early to bed on account of his health, his factotum, Steve Agstone entered the library at nine o'clock to bolt and bar the windows. There were no shutters. And this please remember, gentlemen, as it is an imp. important point. The servants had already retired, and after making the library safe, Steve Agstone left the room with the intention of waiting up for Captain Chadby, who was expected back by the 10 o'clock train, and who intended to walk to the Grange. Madam Marie lingered for a few

Starting point is 00:30:03 minutes to say good night and then retired to her bedroom. She declares that it was five minutes after nine o'clock that she left the library. Sir Oliver, so she says, was seated at the table near the window, reading and smoking. Here, gentlemen, pursued counsel, taking up a plan, is a drawing of the library. He passed it by an usher to the foreman of the jury. You will see that there is only one door to the library, which leads out into the hall and which is opposite to the fireplace. The inner walls of the room on three sides are covered with books. But the fourth wall, the outer wall, gentleman, has in it three tall French windows, which lead onto a terrace over a lawn. The lawn extends for some distance, ending in flower beds, these in their turn being encircled by shrubs, and farther back

Starting point is 00:31:01 by the park trees. When Madame Marie left the room, Sir Oliver was seated at his writing table, marked X, immediately before the middle window. As the night was chilly, there was a fire burning in the Great. You understand, gentlemen? Good. Now we come to the discovery of the crime. Counsel then went on to state that Captain Chadby returned, according to his promise at 10 o'clock. That is, his train arrived at the station, which was about a half a mile from the Grange. he walked to Sir Oliver's house, as he had no luggage to carry, and the night was fine if somewhat cold. On emerging from the avenue onto the lawn, he saw that there was a light in the library, and it was here that counsel again drew the jury's attention to the fact that the windows had no shutters.

Starting point is 00:31:57 Captain Jadby therefore thought that, as Sir Oliver had not retired to bed, he would knock at one of the windows and enter the house. house that way so as to avoid rousing the other inmates by ringing the bell he advanced to the lighted windows and looked through the middle one which was veiled as were the others with curtains of indian beadwork to his surprise he saw that sir oliver seated at his desk was lying forward on the writing-table i am precise to a fault here gentlemen said counsel jocularly but it is absolutely to be even pedantic so that you will understand sir oliver he continued was lying with his face on his outstretched hands and in an arm-chair near the fireplace sat the prisoner in a white-dressing gown with her hands on her lap captain jadby could not see very distinctly owing to the beadwork curtains but he saw sufficient to guess that something was wrong especially as his knocking-and-he could not see very distinctly owing to the beadwork curtains but he saw sufficient to guess that something was wrong especially as his knocking produced no effect either on Sir Oliver or on the prisoner. He unconsciously pushed at the middle window, and, to his surprise, discovered that it was not locked. He therefore entered, and what he saw made him ring the bell at once to summon

Starting point is 00:33:23 the household. And what did he see, gentlemen of the jury? He saw that Sir Oliver was dead. He had been stabbed to the heart, under the left. shoulder blade, apparently while seated at his desk. The body had naturally fallen forward. The prisoner seated in the armchair with her hands on her lap was in an unconscious state, but her hands and the white dressing gown were stained with blood. "'With the blood, gentlemen,' said counsel, impressively, of her uncle. But before anyone could enter the room, she revived, and on seeing the body of her body of her. her uncle displayed great terror and horror. Steve Agstone, who had been waiting up for Captain

Starting point is 00:34:12 Jadby, was the first person to enter and on discovering the dead body of his master, to whom he was sincerely attached. He at once rushed out of the house for a doctor. By this time the servants were aroused by the noise, and with them came Madame Marie Eppinggrave. Even Mr. Shepworth, lame as he was, managed to crawl down the stairs, so loud had been the clamor which had awakened him. And what did the prisoners say to all this? Gentlemen, she told a most ridiculous story to account for her presence in the library. According to her statement, which the inspector from Hyde took down in the presence of witnesses, Prisoner said that she could not sleep on account of her quarrel with her uncle.

Starting point is 00:35:01 She came down the stairs at a quarter to ten o'clock and entered the library with the intention of making friends with her uncle. When she entered, so she declares, the room was filled with pungent white smoke, through which she could dimly see Sir Oliver seated at the writing table. The smoke made her senses real, but by holding her handkerchief to her mouth, she managed to stagger to the middle window. She had just managed to unfasten the catch when she fell unconscious. The next thing she remembers, according to her preposterous story, is the presence of Captain Jadby. She declares that she did not know when Sir Oliver was stabbed, and when she entered the library did not know why it should be filled with smoke.

Starting point is 00:35:53 When Captain Jadby entered, as he will tell you, there was no smoke, and the fire had burned down to red cinders. Again, counsel had to drink a sip of water, as he had been talking for some time, and there was a low murmur of conversation heard before he again began to speak. The story which he alleged that Miss Chint had told seemed ridiculous, and even preless, prejudiced as he was in her favor, thought that the defense was absurd, but Miss Chint never moved a muscle. She didn't. She did not even change color. Quiet and without a word, she sat in the dock, waiting patiently for her innocence to be made manifest. And yet, as everyone thought, her tale was too ridiculous for words. And finally, gentlemen, said counsel, taking up his brief, I would draw your attention to the

Starting point is 00:36:54 medical evidence. The doctor called in stated that Sir Oliver was murdered about ten o'clock. mark that gentleman about the very time the prisoner confesses she was in the library in a state of unconsciousness captain jadby did not arrive until thirty minutes after ten as he did not walk very quickly and again gentlemen no weapon was found wherewith the wound a wide clean wound could have been inflicted but an indian dagger with a jade handle used by sir oliver as a paper knife is missing with that i verily believe the deceased was stabbed and remember gentlemen that the window was unfastened and if we are to believe this foolish tale of a pungent smoke prisoner unfastened it when she entered and immediately before she faint gentlemen she did faint but not then no can you guess what took place the prisoner came down the stairs to see her uncle perhaps as she declares to make up with him since we may as well give her the benefit of the doubt but in place of reconciliation the quarrel grows more bitter Impulsive and furious, the prisoner snatches the paper knife, a dangerous weapon, remember, gentlemen, and while Sir Oliver turns again to his book, stabs him in the back. She then opens the window and buried the paper knife, all bloody in the garden.

Starting point is 00:38:29 On re-entering, the sight of the dead body shows her what a terrible crime she has committed. Instead of refastening the window, she staggers forward with the intention of regaining, her bedroom and of playing the part of an innocent woman. But her nerves, which maintained her strength and consciousness so far, fail at the critical moment. She manages to reach the armchair and falls into it unconscious, sometime after 10 o'clock. There she lies with blood-stained hands and dress until Captain Jadby arrives when she recovers her senses to tell a wild and improbable story. Sir Oliver, as the medical evidence proves, was alive when she entered the library at a quarter to ten. He is dead and his blood is smearing the prisoner's dressing gown at half past ten when Captain Jadby arrives.

Starting point is 00:39:31 And all that time, Prisoner says that she was unconscious. Quite so. She was up to the moment of Captain Jadby's arrival, and from the moment when she staggered into the room after burying the knife in the garden. And now, gentlemen, here counsel went on to state that in spite of all efforts, the knife could not be found. He also detailed more explicitly the medical evidence, and gave the name of the witness whom he proposed to call and ended with a damning indictment. of the reasons which had led the prisoner to commit the crime. Amongst these was the fact that by Sir Oliver's death, prisoner would inherit 10,000 a year at once, and would thus have been enabled to marry Edward Shepworth. When his speech was finished, counsel sat down, wiping his brow, and the hum of conversation rose in the crowded court.

Starting point is 00:40:33 Mona's eyes wandered here and there, and rested finally on the pitying face of Lord Prelis. For a moment she remained calm and then flushed deeply, the first sign of emotion she had given. A moment later and she was led away in charge of a warder while the court adjourned for luncheon. End of Chapter 2. Chapter 3 of the Sacred Herb by Fergus Yume.

Starting point is 00:41:08 This levervox recording is in. in the public domain. The paper cutter. I am delighted to see you, Dory, said Shepworth, addressing Preliss by his Eden nickname, when the young man had been called Dormouse, shortened as above, on account of his lethargic habits. I want you very badly. Come and grub somewhere, and we can talk.

Starting point is 00:41:33 Prelis responded very cordially, as the two had been very close friends at the old school, and submitted to be led round the corner to a small hidden restaurant, much affected by the gentleman of the long robe. Here, when they were snugly ensconced in a corner, Shepworth ordered food for his friend, but contended himself with a cigarette and a cup of strong coffee. I can't eat a morsel, he protested when Prelis advised a meal. I am too much bothered over this case. How the deuce did you come to the court, Dorie? prelis who possessed a hearty appetite tackled a plate of cold beef and answered between mouthfuls my aunt sophia bully ragged me this morning as an idler and advised me to hear you spouting she wanted to make me ashamed of myself and are you asked shepworth aimlessly rats said his lordship in elegantly but i'm sorry old man this is a sinful hard business for you

Starting point is 00:42:39 Why didn't you write me that you were engaged? I didn't know where to find you, Dory. Lady Sophia, whom I met once or twice, told me that you were scampering around the world. I have wanted you, Prelis, these last few months. Yes, and before that. Before the murder, do you mean? Yes, I have never had a chum since I left school. Lots of friends, no doubt, good men all, but a chum.

Starting point is 00:43:09 He laid his hand on Preliss's shoulder with a burst of emotion. Oh, Dory, what a mercy you are here, and that I have some safe person in whom to confide. I should have had to tell someone in the long run. Tell someone what? asked Prelis soberly. About that poor girl. Miss Chint? Yes, it is an awful position for her, and for me. No, don't look at me like that, Dory.

Starting point is 00:43:39 I swear that I'm not thinking of myself. I'd give my right hand to save Mona. She is innocent, of course, asked Prelis, pushing away his plate. Yes, I am certain that she is innocent, although... He hesitated for a moment, then flung away his cigarette, leaned his arms on the marble-top table, and looked earnestly at his friend. You heard Belmain's speech. Freelis nodded.

Starting point is 00:44:10 You mean the prosecuting counsel? Yes. He was fair enough in the beginning and in the middle, but he had no right to rub it into the jury about the knife and about Mona's guilt being so certain. That part should have been left to the time when he addressed the jury and after the evidence on both sides had been heard. I thought it was rather prejudging the prisoner myself, Ned. Shepworth shuddered. Don't call Mona a prisoner, he expostulated. Every time that infernal bell maid alluded to her, so I felt sick.

Starting point is 00:44:47 It is rough on you undoubtedly, murmured Prelis, and not wanting any more food. For Shepward's agitation had spoilt his appetite. He turned to the waiter and ordered coffee. Shepworth passed along his cigarette case. Very rough on you. you ned. Oh, don't talk about me, rejoined the barrister, restlessly. Think of Mona. A young girl, gently born and bred, being accused of murder and being put into prison. It's horrible. She seemed to me to be the calmest person in court, because she knows that she is innocent. She's a religious girl, too, and firmly believes that God will prove her innocence. Well, he will, said Prelis quietly.

Starting point is 00:45:34 I'm not a saint myself, but I know that God looks after us all. Yet innocent people have been hanged before now, Dory. Prelis did not answer immediately. Lighting his cigarette, he meanwhile looked very straight at his friend. You don't seem to have a good defense, he remarked suddenly. Yes and no, replied Shepworth, fidgeting. Not only is there a very good reason why she should love her uncle, but a better one that she should wish him to have remained alive.

Starting point is 00:46:07 What do you mean? That will, you know, Dory? The will made by Sir Oliver in favor of Mona? Freelis nodded. It has been destroyed, went on Shepworth. Bits of it were found in the Great. There was a fire burning in the library on that night, if you remember Belmain's speech.

Starting point is 00:46:27 Well, the will had been torn up and thrown into the fire. A few bits fell under the great, and these proved beyond all doubt that it is the will which Sir Oliver made in favor of Mona. Now, if guilty, why should she destroy a document which gave her ten thousand a year? But I say, remarked Prelis thoughtfully, towards the end of his speech, Belmain distinctly stated that Miss Chant had killed her uncle so as to get the money. If he knows of the burning of the will, oh, the other side admit that a will was burnt, but deny that it was the one made in Mona's favor. They will try and prove that Sir Oliver was drawing up another will, disinheriting her because she would stick to me, and that she burnt this will after killing the old man.

Starting point is 00:47:19 We fight hard on that point, Dory. Has the will in favor of Miss Chint been found? No, the lawyers have not. got it, as Sir Oliver kept it himself. It can't be found, and of course we say, that is, our side, Cudworth, Arkins, and myself, that the will was burnt. Presuming it is who inherits. Captain Jadby. What, the South Sea chap? Shepworth nodded. It seems that Sir Oliver was a great friend of his father's at Tahiti and made a will out there in favor of young Jadby. He brought it home with him, I believe. Of course, the will in Moana's favor

Starting point is 00:48:04 invalidated the first document. So unless the second will had been destroyed, the first would not hold good. Which points to the fact, said Preliss quickly, that Jadby had a reason to murder Sir Oliver. I say, Shepworth glanced around an alarm. Don't talk too loud. There isn't a shadow of evidence to connect jadby with the crime he was in london on that day and only returned by the tin train however he claims the property but until this trial is ended nothing can be done about that hmm said prelis reflectively i expect it was on account of the earlier will that sir oliver wished miss chent to marry jadby sheppworth nodded he thought to kill two birds with one stone to let them both have the money, and so to speak, blend the two wills into one. Jedby loves Mona, too, but she hates him. And, moreover, is engaged to you, mused Prelis, tipping the ash off his cigarette.

Starting point is 00:49:10 It's a queer case. Much queerer than you think, Dory. Now what do you mean by that? asked Prelis. Shepworth glanced round again and cautiously brought his lips to his friend's left ear. I swear that Mona is innocent. She is a good, kind, religious girl who would not hurt a fly, much less Sir Oliver, whom she loved, in spite of that ridiculous quarrel. All the same. Well, well, go on, said Prelse impatiently. That knife, breathed Shepworth nervously. The Jade Handel paper cutter? Well,

Starting point is 00:49:55 She had it in her hand. When? Where? Prelis could not grasp the true significance of this very serious statement. In the library, when she was unconscious in the chair, How on earth do you know, Ned? Shepworth looked round again and wiped his face. See here, he whispered.

Starting point is 00:50:20 I was in bed with that sprained ankle, as Belmayed said, In our row I gave Jadby the worst of it, including a black eye, although he fought like a cat with nine lives. But I tripped and hurt my foot, as Belmain said in his speech. It was swollen and painful. But not so much, but what I could have gotten away to town. Why didn't you? Because Mona asked me to stop and support her. She expected further trouble with her uncle.

Starting point is 00:50:51 I lay awake, trying to bear the pain as best I could, for my ankle got worse when I lay down. About a quarter to ten I heard Mona pass my door and go down the stairs. How do you know that it was Miss Chant? I would know her footstep amongst a hundred, and she admitted afterwards that she had gone down to the library at that hour. I wondered where she was going, but lay quiet, listening for her return. At length, some fifteen minutes or so after ten o'clock,

Starting point is 00:51:23 I could bear the suspense no longer, and hobbled downstairs in my dressing gown. I thought that she might have gone to the library to see her uncle, and that further trouble might be brewing. As I promised to stand by her, ankle or no ankle, it seemed right that I should learn what was going on. Very reasonable of you, Ned. Continue. Preliss was deeply interested. I opened the library door and saw her seated in the armchair. Was there any sign of smoke? No, but there was a peculiar smell in the room. What kind of smell? Shepworth wringled his brows. I can scarcely describe it, he said, after some thought. A Swedish, heavy, sickly scent, like a tube rose. That's as near as I can get.

Starting point is 00:52:18 Mona told me afterwards that she also thought it resembled the thick, perfume of a tube rose it came from the smoke of course it must have come from the smoke you believe in the smoke then oh yes sir oliver had evidently been trying some magical experiment prelis looked doubtful magic is all bosh he remarked i'm not so certain of that dory there are queer things done even in this twentieth century hmm then you'll believe miss chintz improbable story i do because i saw her insensible in the chair his listener reflected was sir oliver dead then yes sitting in his chair and lying half on the desk he had been stabbed in the back was the window or one of the windows open i never noticed and remember jadby did not say that the middle window was ajar but only that the latch had been unfastened. I remember that. What happened next? Shepworth explained. I found Sir Oliver did, and Mona unconscious. One moment, please. Preliss became quite like a cross-examining barrister himself. Had she fainted? It was more than a faint, Dory. She was in a kind of trance, quite like a person

Starting point is 00:53:49 seized with catalepsy. I know, I am sure. because I shook her and pinched her and tried my best to rouse her. You should have opened the window to admit the fresh air. I never thought of doing so. I was too agitated. Natural enough, natural enough, murmured the other absently and cast his eyes round the restaurant idly while thinking of what next to say. His gaze fell on a slim, boyish-looking young man of medium height who had just entered and who was looking at the unconscious Shepworth with an undeniable scowl. Who is that? asked Prelis in a whisper.

Starting point is 00:54:31 He seems to know you. Shepworth looked up and across the crowded room, whereat the man he was dark and clean-shaven and somewhat Italian in his looks, scowled more than ever. Jadby, said the barrister under his breath, Captain Jadby, and he stared hard at him. his enemy. On his part, the captain returned the stair with scowling interest and dropped into a seat near the door, no great distance away. Looks like a half-cast, breathed Prelis, glancing furtively at the young man.

Starting point is 00:55:07 Good-looking, too, but with a bad temper, I should say. If expression went for anything, Jadby certainly did not possess a superlatively even temper. His mouth was hard, his eyes were filled with somber fire, and he seemed to be an alert, wiry, impetuous man who could hold his own excellently in a fight. Dressed in a well-cut frock coat with dark striped trousers, a white waistcoat, a highly polished silk hat, and patent-leather boots with spotless spats, he looked a great dandy, quite of the Bond Street Piccadilly-Powel type. All the same, there was a suggestion of the sea in the way he rolled in his gate and held his slim brown hands. A dangerous man to have for an enemy, thought Prelis, looking furtively at the smooth feline face

Starting point is 00:56:03 and sullen eyes. However, as Jadby busied himself in selecting a luncheon from the menu card, Prilus, after taking in his picturesque personality, paid no further attention to him, nor did Shepworth. He and the captain, scowl. grudging recognition of one another, and then ostentatiously looked in other directions. Lord Preliss lighted another cigarette and resumed the conversation, which the episode of Jadby's entrance had interrupted. You say that Miss Chent was holding the paper cutter when you found her? Yes, it was a dangerous Indian dagger, and the blade and the hilt were stained with blood. Mona's hands and dress were also stained.

Starting point is 00:56:54 I really believed for the moment that she had killed Sir Oliver, and my only thought was how to save her. A terrible situation, murmured Prelis, looking round again for Jadby, and then saw to his surprise that the man had disappeared. It was apparent that the captain, not liking to be in the same room with the barrister, who had thrashed him, had gone out again.

Starting point is 00:57:19 however this was just as well as jadby could not listen so you removed the knife said prelis eyeing his friend yes it seemed the most reasonable thing to do i took it away at once seeing that i could not rouse her for an explanation it was my intention to hide the knife in my bedroom and then returned to take mona away i ran upstairs with the knife and concealed it in my mattress and then cautiously came back to the lock library. When I reached the door, however, I heard someone moving in the room, so I thought it best to go back. Don't think me a coward, Dory. You must see that I was in as dangerous a position as Mona herself, after I hid the knife. I quite understand, replied Prelis swiftly. I expect Captain Jadby was in the library. He was. I am certain he was, for just as I reached the first landing, I heard the library bell ring. remember that he said he rang it as soon as he found mona insensible and sir oliver did what have you done with a knife it is concealed in my desk and my study in my flat i dare not produce it lest i should get into trouble besides its production would do mona harm as would my evidence of finding it in her hand i must hold my tongue dory and lie as best i am able

Starting point is 00:58:47 but now you can see how needful it was for me to hold my tongue and have you beside me you must be silent and stand by me prela shook hands and they rose to return to the court the action brought them round to face the door and there at the marble-topped table they saw Jadby sipping coffee, as though he had never moved. Hmm, said Preliss, rather puzzled. The fellow comes and goes like a ghost, just like a half-cast cat, and he stealthily glanced at the captain, who was ostentatiously reading a newspaper and took no notice, even when the young men brushed past him to leave the restaurant. I say Ned, remarked Prelis thoughtfully, when they were of outside. Do you think that Miss Chint will be proved guilty?

Starting point is 00:59:40 No. I suppress my evidence about the knife, remember, and then the destroyed will is in her favor. The sole chance for the prosecution to prove Mona's guilt is to find Steve Agstone. He declares that he was looking through the window and saw Mona kill Sir Oliver. To whom did he say this? To Mrs. Blexley, the housekeeper. She is a witness for the prosecutor. She is a witness for the prosecution and is nearly broken-hearted. She loves Mona, like everyone else. Hmm, do you believe Agstone's story? No, the old man hated Mona for some reason or another. And besides, he was drunk when he confessed to Mrs. Blexley. I expect when sober again, he found that he would be forced to prove his words, and knowing that he could not, made himself scarce. I hope that he won't be found

Starting point is 01:00:35 Dory. What does it matter if he is telling lies? I believe it is a lie, Dory, and so do you, but will the judge and jury believe as we do? If Agstone appears and sticks to what he told Mrs. Blexley, no, hang him. I hope he'll not turn up. Who do you think murdered, Sir Oliver? I can't say, but remember that the middle window was unfastened. Anyone could have entered from the outside and stabbed him. You forget, said Prelis quickly. Miss Chant herself confesses to having unfastened the window. Quite so, but recollect also that she did not know when she entered the library if her uncle was dead or alive. A quarter to ten, that was. But he surely would have made some sign if no, interrupted Shepworth decisively, what of the things?

Starting point is 01:01:34 thick white smoke at which everyone jeers. It probably rendered Sir Oliver insensible as it did Mona. Can you explain the smoke? I cannot, unless Sir Oliver was trying one of his infernal experiments in connection with the next world. What book was he reading when found dead? There were several books open on the desk, explained Shepworth. One was the first volume of Captain Cook's voyages. Another, Pierre Lottes Reflectus Sir La Somber Route. And the third, Polly in Polynesia. Some silly book with a silly title by a silly feminine globetrotter. I expect Sir Oliver had been refreshing his South Sea memory.

Starting point is 01:02:22 Were the books open at pages dealing with any particular subject? Demanded Preliss after a pause? Shepworth considered, When examining Sir Oliver's body, I glanced down at the open pages and saw something about Easter Island. I didn't take much notice, as you may guess, but an illustration of the Easter Island statues were displayed in Cook's voyages. But I'll tell you a queer thing, Dory. Afterwards, when the murder was discovered, the three books were all closed. That is natural.

Starting point is 01:02:58 I don't agree with you, rejoined Shepworth, emphatically, the death should have been left in its original untidiness until the police came to take possession. But someone closed the books. What do you make of it? demanded Prelis abruptly. Well, my theory is that someone, I can't say who, wished to prevent the police seeing that Sir Oliver had been reading about Easter Island. Why, I don't know. And perhaps I may be making a mountain out of a mold hill. Mole hills are important on occasions, said Prelis dryly.

Starting point is 01:03:36 Witness the death of William III, Easter Island. Easter Island. He went on an amusing way. Hmm, hmm, hmm. Now what the dickens do I know about Easter Island in connection with this case?

Starting point is 01:03:50 But he asked this question in vain. His memory refused to supply information. End of chapter 3. Chapter 4 of the Sacred Herb by Fergus Hume This levervox recording is in the public domain. Evidence for the prosecution. The court had reassembled rather late in the afternoon,

Starting point is 01:04:21 so there was little chance of much evidence being taken. Prilis went back to his seat, still wondering what thought hovered at the back of his brain about Easter Island. he had visited that lonely and little-known spot during his travels in the company of a friend given to occult studies who insisted that the dismal spot of land was one of the remaining portions of the great continent of lemura which was said to have stretched from new zealand to africa they had seen the famous statues and had frightenedized with the somewhat dirty natives who had welcomed them warmly as might be explained to expected, seeing how few visitors ever came to the desolate land. For one week, Prilis and his friend, Dr. Horace, by name, had dwelt with the savages, and during that time had seen much of their manners and customs, and even had witnessed religious rights in front of the gigantic statues.

Starting point is 01:05:26 Prilis had an idea that there, he had seen something, suggested anew by this murder case. but vainly attempted to recall what it was. His memory would not help him in the least. Meanwhile, Shepworth, looking much more cheerful now that he had unbosomed himself to his chum, was again beside C. C. C. C. and young Archer. Belmain called his first witness as soon as the judge took his seat, in the person of the medical man who had examined the body of the murdered baronet. the medical evidence was very scanty dr quick stated that to the best of his belief the dead man had been stabbed somewhere about ten o'clock the blow had been delivered straight and strong and the blade of the weapon used had penetrated right to the heart death must have taken place instantaneously and while sir oliver suspecting no treachery had been reading

Starting point is 01:06:31 belmain in cross-examination deduced from this that the prisoner was guilty since sir oliver would scarcely have turned to his reading again had a stranger been in the room also had the person who committed the crime been one whom the dead men suspected of such design he would assuredly not have presented a defenseless back to such an assailant no it was evident that the prisoner after quarrelling with her uncle had waited until he again was buried in his books and then stabbed him with a paper knife the doctor stated that the wound had been caused by a broad thin blade which exactly described the jade hannel paper knife which was missing several of the grange servants were called to prove that sir oliver had been heard quarreling violently with his niece he was as the evidence proved a very hot-tempered and in imperiless man, and used language of the worst. In fact, the coachman, called to prove an outburst of temper when driving his master, said the late baronet could out swear any Navi. It was also clearly proved that Sir Oliver and his niece were on the worst possible terms when the crime was committed. Several times Sir Oliver declared that he would disinherit her, unless she surrendered her will

Starting point is 01:08:00 and married Captain Jadby. But prisoner, as her maid said, had as impetuous a temper as her uncle, and was well able to hold her own. I don't mean, said the witness, that Miss Chint was ever unkind to me, for she always behaved with consideration. I only mean that Sir Oliver could not browbeat her

Starting point is 01:08:25 as he did the rest of them. What do you mean by that? asked Belmayne. who did he browbeat captain jadby for one sir he was fond of captain jadby and used to walk arm and arm with him in the garden using him as a crutch for his lameness as it were sir but he stormed a good deal and captain jadby didn't fight like miss chent you imply then that captain jadby was frightened of sir oliver witness evasively i don't know sir i'm sure that my master was a terrible man and only like those who gave way to him in cross-examination cudworth for the defense asked do you believe that prisoner is capable of committing the alleged crime no sir no declared the ladies made fervently Miss Chint is as good and kind a young lady as ever breathed. I don't think for one moment that she killed the master, and no more does anyone else. The other servants gave similar evidence, all pointing to Sir Oliver's ungovernmental temper

Starting point is 01:09:41 and to Miss Chint's dexterous way of managing him by meeting like with like. With Sir Oliver, she fought on every occasion. otherwise she would have been reduced to slavery. But with other people, Miss Chint was always kind and even tempered. Although the witnesses called were for the prosecution, not one of them would confess to a belief in the prisoner's guilt. Belmain was rather disconcerted by his unanimous approval of Miss Chant and tried his best to bully the witnesses into blaming her.

Starting point is 01:10:18 But he failed on every occasion. And even when Mrs. Blexie was hoisted into the box, he could not induce her to run down the girl. This loyalty created a deep impression, and prisoner for the first time showed emotion. Mrs. Blexie was very stout and very red-faced, and very tall, and extremely frightened. She looked like an elephant, and certainly possessed the timid nature of a rabbit. the contrast between her gigantic appearance and her timid speech amused those present so greatly that a continuous tittering was heard until the judge threatened to clear the court belmain you are emma blexy the late sir oliver's housekeeper mrs blexy yes my lord with a curtsey belmaine facetiously you need not bea give me a title before I have earned it, my good woman. Laughter. Mrs. Blexie.

Starting point is 01:11:25 Oh, no, my lord, I mean, my dear sir. Laughter. When the laughter over this second form of a dress had subsided, Mrs. Blexy stated that the prisoner was as attached to her uncle as he was to her. They had tiffs on occasions as Sir Oliver's temper was none of the best, but Miss Chint was never in the wrong, and usually contrived to pacify the irascible baronet. He was as fractuous as a child, said the housekeeper, and required similar management. But on the whole, he and Miss Chint, Ms. Blexey refused to call her young mistress, the prisoner, got on extremely well. As to the phrase about disinheriting, that was a favorite threat of Sir Oliver's, which meant practically nothing. He used it on every occasion, sometimes in earnest and often in

Starting point is 01:12:22 fun. It meant nothing, she said again. Belmain. He meant it when the prisoner refused to marry Captain Jadby, no doubt. Mrs. Blexie wiping her red face. The Lord knows what he meant, sir. He was a queer gentlemen. Then Belmain proceeded to question the housekeeper regarding the admission which Steve Agstone was said to have made to her. It would have been preferable to obtain the evidence of the old sailor firsthand, but since he could not be discovered, the counsel got what he could out of Mrs. Blasie, and what she knew he had to drag out of her by persistent questioning, for her sympathies were entirely with the prisoner. She stated that Agstone drank a great deal and was always in trouble with Sir Oliver on that account. But that he had been the Baronet's factotum for many years, he would have been

Starting point is 01:13:21 dismissed dozens of times. A drunken, grumpy, sullen, savage was the description given by the housekeeper. But he was good-natured enough when sober, she confessed, and quite devoted to Sir Oliver. a kind of loyal henchman in fact well and what statement did he make to you and when did he make it mrs blexy on the morning after the murder agstone our steve as everyone called him was drinking rum to drown his grief at the death of sir oliver he sat for a long time in my room weeping and said that he knew miss mona would do for her uncle those were his very words and i told you him he was speaking rubbish. Belmain. What happened then? Mrs. Blexie. He fired up and declared that while waiting up on the previous night for Captain Jadby, he had gone down the avenue to see if he was coming,

Starting point is 01:14:23 not finding him and seeing the light still in the library. He wondered if Captain Jadby had arrived and had gone in to say good night to Sir Oliver. He therefore went to one of the windows and saw Miss Chint stooping over the fire to burn something. Sir Oliver was leaning forward on the desk with his head on his outstretched arms. Miss Chint also had a knife in her hands. Steve said that he thought there had been a rowl, and that Sir Oliver was weeping, as he sometimes did,

Starting point is 01:14:58 being old and feeble for much hardship. He said that, had he guessed that Miss Chint had just murdered his master's, he would have given the alarm. As it was, afraid lest Sir Oliver should be angry at his spying, he stole back into the house by the front door and went to his own room at the back of the house. There he waited for Captain Jadby and rushed into the library when he heard the bell. Belmain I understood that Agstone told you that he had actually seen the prisoner kill Sir Oliver. prelis in the body of the court thought so too as he remembered what ned had said during the luncheon but mrs blexy emphatically denied such a story i mentioned the matter to mr sheppworth but i am sure that he said nothing but steve might have talked in his drunken way to others and might have told a different story i know that there is a prevailing impression that he saw the murder but he did not say so to me.

Starting point is 01:16:07 So spoke Mrs. Blexie, and Belle Mayne looked worried. You are telling the truth? He demanded, in vexed tones. I am here to tell the truth, retorted Miss Blexy, and I am. So there. After this somewhat incoherent speech, she was cross-examined by Cudworth and expressed her belief that Agstone had scarcely measured his words. being devoted to sir oliver himself he had always been very jealous of the favor shown to miss chint and fairly hated her undoubtedly his wild maundering's were intended to hurt miss chint and to get her into trouble

Starting point is 01:16:51 but agstone had disappeared before the inquest where he would have had to give evidence on oath mrs blexy firmly believed that had he been put on his oath He could not have substantiated what he had said to her. I never could bear that Steve, she cried. He was a sneaking dog, saving your presence, and had no love for anyone except Sir Oliver. Do you know where he is now? asked Belmain, returning to the attack. No, I don't, sir, and I don't want to. I quite believe that, rejoined counsel dryly, seeing that you are prejudiced in prisoners' favor. As Mrs. Blexie had surmised that Steve might have told a story of actually

Starting point is 01:17:42 seeing prisoner kill her uncle to the other servants, Belmain recalled several witnesses, but not one of them could state that the current report was true. Steve had certainly hinted to several that he could bring home the crime to Miss Chint, but he had supplied no details, and as his hints were given when he was drunk, no one paid much attention to them. On the afternoon of the day following the night of the murder, Steve had gone out for his usual stroll in the direction of Sandgate and had not returned. The evidence of a detective proved that he had taken the train to London and had been traced as far as Charing Cross Station. There he had disappeared, and in spite of all search, his whereabouts could not be discovered. By this time it was growing late, and judge, jury, lawyers,

Starting point is 01:18:38 and listeners all exhibited symptoms of weariness. Therefore, the court rose, with the intention of sitting at 11 o'clock on the following morning. It was the general opinion that, unless Steve Agstone could be placed in the witness box, the prisoner would not be convicted. Also, Ms. Chance's calm demeanor and the loyalty of the Grange servants, which had placed her character in so attractive a light, went far to enlist public sympathy in her favor. Those who left the court had more belief in her innocence than when they had entered. Many insisted that she could not possibly be guilty, but others pointing to the fact, which had been forthcoming at the inquest, that she had burned a new will,

Starting point is 01:19:30 disinheriting her, declared that, without doubt, she had murdered her uncle so as not to lose the money. All the same, the majority favored the prisoner, and many well-wishers hoped for her acquittal. Sheppworth was pleased and hopeful. The tide is quite in monas favor, Dory, he said to Prelis when the court rose. And unless Steve Agstone turns up, she must be set free, for want of evidence. There is the question of the burnt will, you know, Ned. We can prove that it was the will made in Mona's favor which was burnt, said Shepworth decisively. Sir Oliver made no new will, as he had not left the house for quite a month,

Starting point is 01:20:17 and could not have altered his will before then. His lawyer never came down to the Grange to draw up a will, and if Sir Oliver had drawn up a new one himself, he would have asked some of the servants to be witnesses. We know that no one was asked to witness any document. Captain Jadby and Steve Agstone might have witnessed. No, there is a chance certainly that Agstone might have done so, but one signature would have been of no use, and had Jadby witnessed a new will, he would not have benefited under it. besides since he had the will-made in the south seas and sir oliver assuredly wished him to have the money along with mona all that had to be done was to destroy the will made in mona's favor and then jadby having the cash could leave her penniless unless she married him which is just what has happened ended shepworth of course said prelas thoughtfully miss chint might have been

Starting point is 01:21:23 been trying, when seen by Steve, to rescue the will from the fire into which it had been thrown by Sir Oliver. Shepworth wheeled round. Do you believe that she is guilty? Oh, no, but we must look on all sides. An Agstone is a liar, interrupted the barrister quickly. I don't believe that he saw Mona bending over the fire. She was insensible, by her own showing, from the moment she entered the room until Jadby woke her, and remember that I found her insensible. It would help her if you said so. I don't agree with you. Where I examined about my presence in the library, I might let slip that the knife...

Starting point is 01:22:09 Yes, yes, said Prelis hastily. I see. It will be better for you to hold your tongue. I hope that Agstone will not appear. If he does not, Mona is safe, rejoined N. Ned with a sigh of relief. Oh, poor Mona, think of her in prison, Dory. She will soon be out of it, answered Prelis, soothingly. I am quite sure that she will be acquitted. Where are you going now? Home to my flat. I am quite worn out. Come and look me up this evening about 10 or 11 when I have

Starting point is 01:22:47 had asleep. I live at Alexander Mansions, Kensington Gore, number 40. "'Alexander Mansions,' repeated Prelas, surprised. "'Why, here is the long arm of coincidence, Nid. "'Mrs. Dolly Rover has asked me to amassed ball, "'which she is giving in her flat. "'A most unsuitable place for a ball mask, I think.' "'Oh, no,' said Shepworth, with a flesh of color, "'though why he should show this emotion Prelis could not say.'

Starting point is 01:23:21 "'The flat occupied by Mrs. Roevers, is above mine she has in fact two flats furnished on a most palatial scale her husband is a rich little beast you know why a little beast asked prelis rather perplexed shepworth's color grew deeper he is not worthy of his wife she was miss newton you know very clever and very beautiful dolly fancy a man being called dolly short for aldolphus it is not an uncommon abbreviation it is contemptible for a man and he's a rat dolly rover added sheppworth contemptuously f The Infeminent Monkey. Well, goodbye. I'll see you between 10 and 11. When Ned jumped into a cab, Prelis walked home wondering why he should run down the dapper little stockbroker who Miss Newton had married. Then he remembered that Shepworth had admired Miss Newton before she changed her name to Rover. End of Chapter 4.

Starting point is 01:24:39 Chapter 5 of the Sacred Erb by Fergus Yud. this levervox recording is in the public domain mrs rovers masked ball it is a long lane that has no turning lord prelis began to believe that there might be some truth in the proverb for the lengthy lane of idleness down which he had sauntered for many years seemed to be rounding the corner to open out into the road of industry the chance observation of Lady Sophia, which had sent him to the new Bailey, had become a signpost, as it were, showing him which way he was to go. In other words, he was now involved in Shepward's troubles, out of sheer friendship. Ned had confessed that he required assistance, and had turned to his old school chum for the same. Preliss was naturally willing to do what he could towards aiding Ned in extricating Miss Chint from her perilous position, and so found work for his idle brain to do. Of course, as he tried to believe, he could resume his former life when the service was duly rendered.

Starting point is 01:25:57 The wedding bells which rang for Mr. and Mrs. Shepworth would dismiss their best man once more to his sauntering. But this, as Prilus began to think, was easier said than done, mainly owing to the looks of Miss Chint. He had not spoken to the girl and knew her character solely through the evidence of the Grange servants who had been placed in the witness box. Also, Ned, as he remembered, had said very little about his affinanced wife, and Prilis knew none whom he could question as to the prisoner's qualities. Yet, for all his scanty knowledge, he felt strangely drawn towards the unhappy woman and confessed inwardly that he would feel a pain on seeing her become Mrs. Shepworth. Without doubt, Preliss was in love, although not head over ears, and he swore at himself for being

Starting point is 01:26:53 so disloyal to his friend. Mona, the name slipped quite naturally into his mind. Mona would assuredly be acquitted unless the missing Agstone appeared, which was extremely unlikely, and then she would as sureedly marry Ned, who had so manfully stood by her in this grave trouble. Therefore, it behooved Prelis as an honorable gentleman, and he was all that, to put her out of his mind if he wished to continue meeting Shepworth's gaze squarely. And, after all, a peer worth twenty thousand a year could pick and choose almost any woman for his wife. It was hard on Ned that such a peer should play the part of David in the parable and select the less fortunate commoners one U-Lam. The struggle between more than a liking for Mona and a feeling of genuine friendship for Ned made Prilis waver in determining his future

Starting point is 01:27:56 behavior. His first inclination, when aware of his feeling, was to cross the channel for a prolonged stay abroad and leave Shepworth to his own devices. Then it occurred to him that this course would be cowardly, and he resolved to remain and help. Nothing that the world could cavil at could ever take place, since Prelis, with his high sense of honor, never dreamed of paying marked attentions to Miss Chint. All the same if he came often into Mona's company, and that seemed inevitable should he remain, his life's happiness would certainly be at stake. He would have his feelings to smother, and therefore, as he plainly saw, would be most unhappy. Prelis at this early stage of infatuation termed his feelings toward the girl affection,

Starting point is 01:28:54 but he knew very well that given time and opportunity affection of this sudden kind might easily increase to love in that case seeing how miss chint was engaged to be married he would be vainly crying for the honeymoon his lordship then felt less happy in the evening than he had done in the morning then he had been heart whole now the sight of a beautiful woman in paris had aroused the deepest and most chivalrous feelings of which his nature was capable placed thus between the devil and the deep sea prelis compromised dangerously with his conscience he resolved to crush down his newly-born desire for mona and to help ned as best he could in this way did the young man mix fire and snow in the vain hope that such hostile element that such hostile elements would blend common sense should have told him otherwise having so decided although not over-pleased with his decision and with good reason prelis dressed for dinner he remembered that he had promised to partake of this agreeable meal at his aunts a solitary chop at his club would have been preferable as he was disinclined for company But aware from experience that Lady Sophia would strongly object to an excusing telegram, Prila smothered his unwillingness and reached the abode of his relative shortly before 8 o'clock.

Starting point is 01:30:36 Lady Sophia lived magnificently in Bromble Square, the fourth daughter of a pauper Duke. She had married a wealthy city man, that is, she had entered into a social partnership, as there was little genuine marital feeling about the union. Simon Haken was a dried-up active atom of humanity with a bald head, a pair of piercing dark eyes, and an exasperating chuckle, which he used when getting the better of anyone. As he usually scored over less clever Finnan Sears, he chuckled very often,

Starting point is 01:31:15 and this sarcastic merriment imparted a somewhat cynical expression to his withered face. His wife, large and expansive and fresh-colored, looked like an elephant beside a grasshopper, when the two went into society, and they were generally known as the mountain and the mouse. But Haken cared as little for the zest as did Lady Sophia. As husband and wife, in its strictest sense, they were failures,

Starting point is 01:31:47 being two and not one, as partners they were admirably matched. Having no children and plenty of money and excellent health and no strong emotions, the two enjoyed life immensely. Possessed of a complacent husband, of a good position, ample cash, and absolute freedom, Lady Sophia even forgot to sigh for the delights of the Stone Age when she reflected upon the position in life to which it had pleased providence to call her. on this occasion mr haken as usual had wired detention in the city on business so lady sophia received her nephew in a solitary drawing-room as handsomely furnished as she was dressed you are just in time for dinner said she with emphasis implying thereby that prelis was usually late i always am in time answered the guest smiling but preoccupied dinner is a sacred feast which cannot be trifled with i would as soon insult the king as the cook then he sat and stared at the points of his patent-leather boots with the air of a misanthrope you are out of spirits declared lady sophia wrapping his knuckles with her lorgnette i prescribe a round of pleasure to-night you shall escort me to two dances and four musical parties

Starting point is 01:33:19 but i haven't done anything to deserve such punishment how absurdly you talk these festivals i agree with a man who said that life would be endurable were it not for its festivals nonsense he could not have been in society he just was and so made a profoundly true observation i'd renounce society in all its play besides added prelis inconsequently i am going to amass ball tonight at Mrs. Dolly Rovers. That woman, cried Lady Sophia with disdain, Preliss looked up, surprised. I thought you liked her. As Constance Newton, not as Mrs. Rover, she informed him swiftly. They are one and the same, he urged. Not at all. Marriage changes a woman into something entirely different. Constance was a charming girl. Mrs. Rover is a flirting, fast-living, heartless, spinthrift, Society Doll. Society Doll Lee Rover, murmured Prelis, noting his aunt's usual waste of adjectives.

Starting point is 01:34:36 Will you come to this ball? What? Lady Sophia almost screamed. A masked ball? And at my age? Oh, how can you be so ridiculous, Prelis? and at Mrs. Rovers, too. A woman who neglects her husband and squanders his money and whips him like a poodle, I believe. He is something of a poodle, isn't he? That is no reason why he should be whipped, she snapped heatedly. And if you knew how she had treated your friend Mr. Shepworth, you would not go near her

Starting point is 01:35:10 disruptable ball. Prilus pricked up his ears, remembering the unnecessary blush of her. the barrister at midday. How did she treat Shepworth? he asked. How? Can you ask? Of course, seeing that, as a newly returned traveler, I know nothing. Well then, she was almost engaged to him, and he was very much in love with her. She threw him over in a cold-blooded way,

Starting point is 01:35:41 because Dolly Rover came along with a better-filled purse. He's a horrid little cad, added Lady Yves. Sophia, candidly, and his father was a chemist or a draper. I forget which. All the same, he is too good for a jilt, who played blind hooky. Don't raise your eyebrows, Prelis. It's vulgar, but expressive, and I shall use it. Who played blind hooky with poor Mr. Shepworth? But are you sure, aunt? Ned is engaged to Miss Chint. Out of peak, out of peak, out of peak. she assured him. Mona is a nice girl, poor darling, even though she did murder her uncle. Not that I believe she did. But Constance is the one love of Mr. Shepworth's life, and 50 monas won't make up for the loss.

Starting point is 01:36:34 Mona, if ever she does become Mrs. Shepworth, which I very much doubt, will only be a makeshift. Oh, Freelis was almost too indignant to speak. that so peerless a girl should be talked of as a makeshift seem positively wicked you must be mistaken ned would not behave so badly ask him then i shall do this very night then you will go to that woman's yes i accepted as i always liked constance besides i have to see ned who lives in these same mansions i know he does person out, Lady Sophia, quite indecent, I call it. Oh, hang it, aunt, a man must live somewhere. Not next door to a woman who has jilted him. He doesn't live next door, but on the floor below. It would be more credible if he lived in Timbuktu. I believe that he loves her still, and she's quite capable of loving him back, in spite of the marriage service, which I don't believe

Starting point is 01:37:44 she listened to. As for her husband, Lady Sophia was about to give her opinion of Mr. Dolly Rover when the butler threw open the door and announced dinner. At once, she took her nephew's arm and changed the conversation. Tell me about the case, she chattered as they passed to the dining room. Have they hanged that poor girl? Who? Miss Chint? No, and I don't believe they will. I'll. I'll Ah, Lady Sophia pulled off her gloves. I always said that she was innocent. Of course, if Agstone turns up, she may be convicted. Agstone, oh yes, the man who declares that he saw her kill Sir Oliver. Prilis corrected her while taking his soup. He only saw her bending over the fire with a knife in her hand. Burning the will after killing her uncle. What a horrid girl.

Starting point is 01:38:42 Aunt Sophia, will you tell me plainly if you believe Miss Chit to be innocent or guilty? How can I judge when I haven't heard the evidence? You talk as though I were on the jury. I like Mona, and I'm sure she didn't kill him, but if she did, he deserved it, as he was a nasty old bully. Prelissed in despair and helped himself to fish. Lady Sophia seemed to change her mind every half minute. and never considered facts when she wanted to deliver an opinion. Besides, she preferred fiction, as it was less trouble to invent than to remember. All the same, her sympathies appeared to be with Mona, and Prilus felt pleased that it should be so. Should the girl be acquitted, her position would be

Starting point is 01:39:33 extremely difficult, and she would require a staunch friend of her own sex. Why should not that friend be lady sophia whose support could do so much to efface the stain of a criminal court but until the case was decided prelis did not dare to hint that such an idea had crossed his mind as the servants were hovering round the table he could not talk confidentially to his aunt so drifted into general conversation about mutual friends he thus became posted up in the latest mayfair gossip and so was brought up to date in necessary knowledge and lady sophia knew as much about london as amundias did about madrid and like that delightful demon she could unroof houses to to some purpose luckily for the men and women about whom she talked the presence of the butler and two footmen prevented entire candor as the food was excellent and the conversation interesting not to say necessary for prelis as a newly returned traveler required much posting up in recent scandals nephew and aunt lingered for a considerable time at table when the meal was ended prelis preferred to accompany lady sophia to the drawing-room instead of remaining solitary over haken's famous port they had a half an hour left for coffee and then lady sophia would have to start out on her round of festivals "'You ought to come with me, Preliss,' she said later, as he helped her on with her cloak.

Starting point is 01:41:16 "'Everyone thinks that you were dead. "'Well, aunt, you would not have much pleasure in taking a corpse about with you. "'Besides, I promised to look up Ned this evening. "'No doubt, and he'll be at that woman's ball, most indecent, "'seeing that poor Mona is in jail.' "'Net isn't such a blighter,' cried Prelis crossly. I never called him a blighter, whatever that may mean, retorted Lady Sophia with great dignity. Mr. Shepworth is an esteemable young man whom you would do well to imitate.

Starting point is 01:41:52 I intend to. He and I are going to save Miss Chint. How horrid you'll be a kind of detective. Prilis nodded. It's something to do. As if you required anything to do with your rank and money. But I say, aunt, you advised me this morning. Oh, I never remember anything I say in the morning, said Lady Sophia, erudely. You are so stupid, Preliss. You always take one at the foot of a letter.

Starting point is 01:42:22 You won't come with me. Oh, very well. Help me into the broom, you horrid boy. I believe you'll fall in love with Mona and give me a criminal for a niece. This was Lady Sophia's parting shot. and when her motor broom spun towards the first turning out of the square, Prelis laughed long and loudly. His aunt was nearer the truth and she had been the whole evening,

Starting point is 01:42:47 although she was far from suspecting it. It never entered her elderly head that a man of the world, such as her nephew certainly was, would fall in love on the spur of the moment. And I should not have suspected myself of such lunacy either, thought his lordship as he turned into the direction of Half Moon Street to procure domino and mass for the ball. The street before Alexander Mansions was filled with carriages and motors and four-wheeler's and handsoms, together with a crowd of onlookers who passed remarks, complimentary and otherwise, on the many guests of Mrs. Rover.

Starting point is 01:43:28 The mansions themselves were palatial and splendid, with a royal flight of broad marble steps to the main entrance. Prelis, shuffling on his domino and assuming his mass, climbed these to find himself with other revelers in a vast hall, with two staircases ascending on either side at the farther end, and between them two lifts, the cages of which soared and sank with parties of pleasure seekers. Prilus delivered his rainbow-yued ticket of invitation

Starting point is 01:43:59 to a gargously uniformed commissioner and took his time in climbing the long stairs. Many other people did the same instead of waiting for the lifts, but as all were masked and cloaked, the young man could recognize no one. As Shepworth had stated, Mr. and Mrs. Dolly Rover occupied the hole of the third floor, that is, they tended to two flats which faced each other and the outer doors of these, opening on to the spacious landing, had been removed from their hinges. Thus the guests could pass easily from one flat to the other, and the landing between was a nest of greenery and roses, like the hanging gardens of Babylon. The flats themselves had wide corridors, spacious rooms,

Starting point is 01:44:47 and lofty ceilings, so they were capable of receiving a large number of guests. on this occasion they were crowded and it would seem as though mrs rover had invited everyone on her visiting list and there had been others not set down on that list since the masks and dominoes prevented recognition prelis looked about for his hostess but found himself received by a tiny pale-faced man with large plaintive blue eyes set in a white expanse of absolutely colorless skin He wore a domino over his smart evening dress, but no mask, and was so clipped and curled, and brushed and washed that Prilus easily guessed him to be the poodle mentioned by Lady Sophia. Pushing out a small, tightly gloved hand, he murmured a nervous greeting to each new arrival. But after this ceremony was ended, no one seemed to take any notice of him. As all who came were masked, Prilus wondered.

Starting point is 01:45:51 how Mr. Rover could possibly know whom he was greeting. Of course there was the rainbow-yued ticket given to the commissioner below, which would guarantee the respectability of the presenter. But tickets of this sort could be stolen and forged, and as no further supervision was exercised to ensure the identity of the guest, Prelis considered that such a procedure was somewhat rash. His thoughts were confirmed by a dried-up little man who appeared without a mask, and who was rebuked by Mr. Rover for his originality. You shouldn't, you know, expostulated the host in a penny-whistle kind of voice. No one is to know anyone until the clock strikes twelve, when we all unmasked for supper. Why, even my wife insisted that I should receive in her place.

Starting point is 01:46:44 She would be spotted, you know, if she stopped here to shake hands, and she doesn't want to be found out until midnight. The whole fun of a masquerade lies in secrecy, so obey the rules, Haken, and put on your mask. Preliss started when he heard the name, and twisted his neck to see if the newcomer really was his uncle by marriage. It was Simon Haken, sure enough, for no one could mistake his looks, let alone his celebrated chuckle.

Starting point is 01:47:14 The young man laughed and wondered what Haken, by no means a society butterfly, was doing at the ball of a lady whom his wife openly disliked, and then he remembered that lying telegram from the city. Mr. Haken had his little secrets, it would seem, and was more human under the rose than when posing as a money-making machine. His dutiful nephew determined, before the evening was out, to let his sly uncle know that his misdoings were discovered. Meanwhile, the little millionaire was chuckling and masking.

Starting point is 01:47:54 It is a risk, you know, Rover, he observed dryly. You don't know who is here. Half the swell mobsmen of London may have come after diamonds. Oh, dear me, how can you talk so? Haken, said the host fretfully. The man below examines the tickets. As if anyone could not forge or steal one, retorted Haken. voicing his nephew's thoughts,

Starting point is 01:48:18 Well, in tomorrow's papers I shall look for a criminal scandal. And with his odious chuckle, Haken brushed past prelis toward the ballroom of the left-hand flat. His lordship, tired of watching new arrivals, thought that he also would go and view the revelers. But he had hardly moved half a dozen paces when he unexpectedly began to think of Easter Island. A sweet, heavy perfume,

Starting point is 01:48:46 as of tube roses was waived in his nostrils, but why should such a familiar fragrance recall that desolate land environed by leaks of ocean? End of Chapter 5 Chapter 6 of the Sacred Herb by Fergus Yume. This levervox recording is in the public domain. Stardling Discovery Odor is one of the strongest aids

Starting point is 01:49:21 which memory can have, and a chance whiff of a particular scent, we will recall to the most lethargic brain. Circumstances both trivial and important of long-forgotten years. But the well-known fragrance of the two rose usually brings funerals to mind, since that flower is so extensively woven into burial wreaths and mortuary crosses. It was strange indeed that it should conjure into an idle-thinking mind the vision of a heathen festival. There were many people crowding the corridor, so that it was impossible for the young man to tell who wore the flowers which gave forth the magical scent. For magical it was in its effect. They might adorn a man's buttonhole or a woman's bodice. He could not tell, since the evening dress of both sexes were veiled by voluminous dominoes.

Starting point is 01:50:21 But as he leaned against the wall, the vision became clearer and more insistent. His body was in London, in Alexander Mansions, at a masked ball, as he well knew, but the scent of the two rows had drawn his spirit across the leaks of trackless sea to the uttermost parts of the earth. The present vanished, and he beheld the past. Before him, as the interior vision opened, he saw colossal images of a vanished and forgotten race, rudely hewn into the semblance of human beings,

Starting point is 01:51:01 each bearing a cylinder, according to Captain Cook's description, on its gigantic head. These reared themselves from vast platforms of cyclopedian architecture, overgrown with tropical vegetation, and strewn with bleaching bones. and in the soft radiance of the southern moon, Prilus beheld a kneeling crowd of bronze-hued worshippers,

Starting point is 01:51:29 tattooed and painted, adoring the weird stone gods. An old priest, his face and body streaked with white pigment, murmured strange names over a rude stone altar, whereon blazed a clear fire. He evoked terrible deities incarnate in the giant eye, titles, Canonaro, Gotamora, Marapisi, Ariki, and cast upon the flames the yellow leaves of a sacred herb. A thick white cloud of smoke spread like a milky mist before the statues, veiling their grotesque looks and vast outlines. And the sickly scent of the two rows grew powerful. Then did the priest become rigid as the dead,

Starting point is 01:52:19 and his spirit blended with the spirits of those grim gods he worshipped. Finally, the fragrance which loaded the heavy air, whether of Easter Island or London, Prilus could not tell, passed away, and with that odor passed the vision. It could only have lasted a minute or so, but was so terribly vivid that Prilus could scarcely believe that his surroundings were real when the material asserted its sway. he had closed his eyes to behold the vision which the scent had invoked and opened them again with a bewildered expression to see the pushing laughing chattering throng of guests although a commonplace young man and contemulous as a rule of the unseen he felt that the recollection had not been brought back for nothing the dead man at lanwin grange had been reading about easter island when and fouly stabbed, and the accused girl had described to her lover the white smoke and sickly perfume,

Starting point is 01:53:25 which also had to do with that isolated land. And Mona also, Preliss remembered faithfully, what Sheppworth had told him, had been in a state of catalepsy like the priest of the vision. And after all, although he chose to call what he had seen mentally a vision, it was simply a vivid, of what he and dr horace had beheld a year or two before but what had a fetish worship in easter island to do with a murder in kent that was a question which prelis could not answer there was no time to invent possible explanations or to reason out answers being in rome the momentary dreamer had to do as the romans did and as prelis was at a ball he was compelled out of of courtesy to his hostess and host to enjoy himself. He did not have far to go for an adventure. As a lady in a blue domino, and with a fringed mask to disguise her voice, stole to his side and engaged him in airy conversation. Who she was the young band did not know, and probably she was equally

Starting point is 01:54:42 ignorant of his identity. But on this a special night, Mrs. Rovers' flat was Liberty hall with a vengeance. For men and women, trusting in masks and dominoes for concealment, flirted and danced and drank and laughed with one another in a most outrageous manner. There was no need of introductions or of reticence or of timidity, in that Eden's bower of flowers and ferns, faces were hidden, but souls were revealed. The blue domino proved to be a most charming companion, full of fun and flirtation, and a delightful dancer. Preliss found her extremely entertaining, and she appeared to reciprocate the feeling. After a particularly perfect waltz and an inspiriting glass of champagne, his lordship did his

Starting point is 01:55:37 best to lure the unknown into a corner where she might unmask. But the lady shook her head, laughingly, and ran off to the ballroom with another man. whose stature of a life-guardsman had caught her roving eyes. Prelis solaced himself with another glass of wine and looked about him for another female of man. It was then that a chuckle at his elbow made him turn. Now then, now then, said the gentleman who had chuckled. Let me come to refresh myself.

Starting point is 01:56:10 He spoke irritably and pushed past Prelis in a hurry. Waiter, waiter, a glass of champagne. I thought you were. a teetotaler, uncle, whispered Prelis. Mr. Haken betrayed by his chuckle and wheeled suddenly, and spilt the wine he was about to sip. To his nephew's surprise, he was trembling, and his stammering voice betrayed his agitation. Who, who are you? Prilis whispered his name.

Starting point is 01:56:41 You needn't be alarmed, he added. I won't tell Aunt Sophia that you are accepting her enemy's hospitality. Haken drank off his wine in one deep gulp and sat down the glass with his hand still shaking. I would rather you did not tell her, he said in a low tone. Sophia dislikes Mrs. Rover and would be annoyed if she knew I was here. I have come on business. What? Business at a ball? Invent a more credible story, uncle.

Starting point is 01:57:14 It is true, insisted Haken, becoming more composed. i have to see a political man from the continent about a loan he doesn't want it to be known that i am meeting him so we thought that this would be the best place to insure secrecy not a word of this prelis of course not replied the young man puzzled to know why haken should take the trouble to explain but don't mention my name i also wish to be unknown what are you doing here asked haken abruptly i came to the ball and also i have to see ned shepworth who shepworth gasped haken backing nervously oh yes friend of our charming hostess friend of mine also is he here no he would not come to a ball when his promised wife is in prison of course not very creditable of him to be sure muttered haken and took another glass of wine with a whispered apology. I am T-Total as a rule, you know, but society always tries my nerves, and I need sustenance.

Starting point is 01:58:26 I wish the man I have to meet here had chosen my office in the city. But it wouldn't have done, it wouldn't have done. There would be trouble were it known that he was in London. What is the time, Prelis? Don't mention my name, or I'll mention yours. said prelis impatiently and drew out his watch it is eleven o'clock haken nodded i must meet my man eleven fifteen is the time as to mentioning my name what does that matter i came here without my mask never thought of putting it on prelis nodded in his turn i saw you when rover received you then hold your tongue hold your tongue not a word to sophia mind not a word prelis promised gravely and mr haken drawing a long breath it would seem to be of relief at having extracted the promise vanished into the many-hued crowd with his usual chuckle

Starting point is 01:59:28 while the millionaire gave vent to that chuckle there did not seem to be much chance of his concealing his identity lord prelis looked after him somewhat puzzled he could quite understand why haken did not want his wife to know of his presence in alexander mansions but it was difficult to account for the old man's agitation and quite unnecessary explanations as a rule haken was extremely reticent and on such an important matter as a secret meeting with a continental diplomatist would be much more so yet he had gone out of his way to set himself right with his nephew and by telling his private business when a gay excuse of needing a night off would have been sufficient to account for his presence. However, Prilus simply shrugged his shoulders and did not deem the incident worth remembering. Why should not Simon Haken enjoy himself in this way if he liked, and turn Mrs. Rovers' ballroom into an office, wherein to meet his foreign clients? All the same, and Prilus gave this a passing thought. It was strange that the a chance meeting with one who knew him should so upset him. And it was still stranger that,

Starting point is 02:00:50 if Mr. Haken wished to preserve his incognito, he should have arrived unmast. Having lost both his uncle and his charming blue domino, Prelis took a tour through the rooms in search of further adventures. He could only afford a few minutes, since he had to call upon Shepworth at eleven o'clock, and it was already that hour as he had to be able to. told Haken. Still, a few minutes more or less would not matter, and Preliss wished to see if he could espy Misses Dolly Rover in order to renew his acquaintance with her and to compliment her on the success of her ball. And it undoubtedly was a success. For everyone seemed highly amused, and the laughter and small talk went on incessantly. Many people were dancing to the music of a gaily

Starting point is 02:01:43 uniformed Hungarian band, and many more were in sconed in flirtation corners, making the best of the hour which would elaps before everyone unmasked for supper. Prelis, therefore, wandered leisurely throughout the two flats, exchanging a few chafing words with the different women who addressed him, and looking for the tall form of his hostess. Alas, there were many tall women who looked as imperial and graceful as Mrs. Rover, and Prilis felt like Alibaba's robber when he examined Morgiana's chalk marks on the various doors. He therefore began, by way of some diversion, to admire the costumes of the women, which showed themselves more or less plainly from under the flowing dominoes of silk. In fact, the heat of the night and of the rooms was so great

Starting point is 02:02:41 that many ladies loosened the strings and buttons of their dominoes, and permitted their frocks to be plainly seen. They would have removed their mask also in some cases, so stifling was the perfumed air, but the rule of the ball stopped them from doing so. Still, as many revealed the gowns they were wearing, it was probable that some would pay for their flirtatious sins when the supper hour and recognition came. The young man had an eye for color, but knew very little about millinery. So if anyone later had asked him to describe the various dresses, he would have been puzzled. But one woman wore a dress which attracted him from its oddity.

Starting point is 02:03:29 It was a flowing gown of white silk, and from him to waist the skirt was adorned with triple lines at intervals of narrow red velvet. The spaces between the triple lines were equal, and the lines of red velvet themselves ran apparently entirely round the skirt. The effect was bizarre and rather fascinating. But what made Preliss note the dress so exactly was the wonderful ubiquity of the lady who wore it. He went into the ballroom of the right-hand flat, and there she was dancing. He strolled into the left-hand ballroom and found her flirting in a corner with another partner. Then he stumbled across her in the corridor and later discovered her at the buffet sipping champagne. Her domino was green, as was her mask, and she seemed to be in several places at once.

Starting point is 02:04:28 Preliss was amused at her activity and at the way in which she seemed to permeate the entire place. She was certainly getting all the enjoyment she could out of the ball. He spoke to her once, but she made no reply, and disappeared before he could address her again. Rather annoyed that she would not respond, Prelis yawn, and discovering that it was half-past eleven, decided to descend and look up Shepworth. The stairs were crowded, not only with people leaving and arriving, but with flirting couples who were cooling themselves in the pure air which ascended from the main entrance of the mansions. These expostulated loudly and sometimes silently, if irritated gestures went for anything. With those who pushed past them to go up or down,

Starting point is 02:05:23 Preliss came in for his share of blame as he cautiously steered his way to the second floor. Here there were but few people as the guests kept to the third floor stairs and to those leading to the fourth. A look at the left-hand door as he came down showed Preliss that it was number 40, so he pressed the button of the electric bell and waited for the door to be opened. As he did so, and while he was leaning against the wall, still wearing his mask and domino, the ubiquitous lady in the green domino with the oddly trimmed frock descended the stairs alone. She cast a swift look at him as he passed, and it was not until she vanished below that Prilus became aware that the scent of two rose was again in his nostrils. He had half a mind to

Starting point is 02:06:16 run after her, and, assuming the privilege of a masked ball, ask her if she was wearing such a flower. But, in his idle way, he did not think it worthwhile, and remained where he was. he was. No one came to answer the bell, so Prilus judged that Shepworth's servants were out, perhaps frattenizing with Mrs. Rovers' domestics at the ball overhead. He rang again, however, believing that Shepworth must be within and awake by this time. As again the door did not open, Prilus raised his hand to the knocker. To his surprise, the door yielded a trifle, and then he discovered that it was slightly ajar, but so little so that he had believed it to be closed. For the moment there was no one on the landing, so he stepped into Shepworth's flat without closing

Starting point is 02:07:13 the door after him. I say, Ned, Ned, are you in? cried the young man, pausing in the corridor, which was similar to that overhead in Mrs. Rovers' flat. I say, Ned, it is me. It is Prelis. and he slipped off his mask. There was still no reply, and then Prilis smelt stronger than ever that strange odor, which had evoked the Easter Island vision.

Starting point is 02:07:42 His thoughts again flew back to the heathen festival, and he walked along the corridor wondering why the scent should follow him here. On the left-hand side, he peeped into a drawing room, but it was empty. The door opposite was surely that of the dinners. room it was closed but prelis opened it and walked in to look for his friend shepworth was in the room sure enough but prelis uttered an irrepressible cry when his amazed eyes fell on the barrister in a deep saddle-back chair placed between the fireplace and the near window sat shepworth bolt upright with his hands resting upon his knees in the hieratic attitude of an egyptian statue his intently calm face was pearly white his brown eyes were fixed in a glassy unnatural stare and he appeared as rigid and stiff and unbending as though hewn out of granite there was no disorder about his clothing the evening dress he wore was as accurate and neat as though he had got ready to go to the ball overhead prilus stared at him tongue-tied and motionless with astonishment

Starting point is 02:09:02 Then his eyes mechanically wandered round the room. They fell immediately upon another figure seated on the far side of the dining table, with outstretched arms sprawling nervously across the cloth. On them rested a huge head covered with shaggy red hair. Drawn as by a lodestone, Prilus stole forward with staring eyes and saw, with a sudden shudder that the man at the table was stalled, stone dead. He had been stabbed ruthlessly in the back, under the left shoulder blade.

Starting point is 02:09:39 Everything in the room was in absolute order. Only one man, dead, sat at the table, sprawling half across it, and the other man, insensible, was stiffly seated in the armchair, and the whole apartment was permeated with a scent which suggested Easter Island. Suggested also that other murder at Landwin Grange. End of Chapter 6. Chapter 7 of the Sacred Erb by Fergus Hume. This levervox recording is in the public domain.

Starting point is 02:10:23 Shepworth explains. An unsteady footstep roused Lord Prelis from his momentary stupor, and he wheeled automatically to see a little man, masked and wearing a black silk domino. swaying to and fro at the open dining-room door, but the sight of the two apparently dead men and the presence of their possible murderer seemed to sober the newcomer in a single moment.

Starting point is 02:10:51 Before Prilus could spring forward, he gasped and fled. Almost immediately his voice, tense with terror, was heard shouting the news of his discovery to the revelers on the stairs. Prilus cursed under his mustache and ran into the passage to close the outer door, which he now remembered he had foolishly left ajar. Possibly the little man, being intoxicated, had stumbled up the stairs on his way to the ball, and finding the door open had so far mistaken his way as to stagger in. Prilus wondered if the stranger was Haken or Rover, both small of stature. but he recollected that he had never seen either drunk. Besides, drunk or sober, Rover or Haken, would never mistake Shepworth's flat for the one overhead. At the outer door, Preliss swiftly changed his mind. He saw that the murder of the red-headed man was similar in all respects to that

Starting point is 02:11:52 of Sir Oliver Lannwin. Then Miss Chint had been given time to recover, and so had been accused of the crime, although she protested that she had been in a state of catalepsy induced by the scented smoke. Shepworth likewise was insensible, and judging from the odor in the dining room from the same cause. It would be better, decided the young man rapidly, that Shepworth should be seen by a score of witnesses, thus insensible. For then it could be proved that so helpless a man could not have struck the blow. Thus, when a crowd of startled people, came pouring down the staircase and into the flat on the second floor preliss threw open the door widely and admitted them with a hurried explanation there has been a terrible crime committed he declared leading the way to the dining-room i came here a few minutes ago to find mr shepworth the owner of the flat insensible as you see and this other man stone dead he has been stabbed stabbed Several voices echoed the word, and one woman gave a faint scream.

Starting point is 02:13:04 The passage was crowded to the very door of the dining room, and as many as could were looking over one another's shoulders to view the sinister scene. And like a ball from one person to another, was tossed in various tones the ominous word, Murder! Who stabbed the man? Ask a medium-sized masker in a blue domino, who had placed himself directly. in front of the mob, blocking the doorway. He addressed Preliss, and his manner was offensively suspicious. I do not know, disclaimed that young gentleman quietly, for it seemed absurd indeed that he

Starting point is 02:13:45 should be suspected. I came here to see Mr. Shepworth only ten minutes ago. How did you enter? The tone of question was still offensive. The outer door was slightly ajar, explained the other suavely, I pushed it open as I had an appointment with my friend. I declined to defend myself further, as you seem to suspect me. Send for the police, send for the police, said many voices, and a rough male voice was heard recommending that prelis, only the voice called him the murderer, should not be allowed to escape. What nonsense, cried the young man indignantly, raising his voice on hearing so direct an accusation. I have nothing to do with the matter. I am Lord Prelis, if anyone here knows me. The utterance of a title had a magical effect, and several people began to unmask.

Starting point is 02:14:41 Amongst these was the aggressive masker who had questioned Prelis. You can explain to the police, said this man sharply. Certainly, Captain Jadby, you know me? I saw you in court today, and also in Jaddy. restaurant, Burn Street. Jadby nodded, but did not relax his suspicious manner. It is strange that you should be here, he said, marching into the room. Not at all, rejoined Preliss hotly. I had an appointment to see Mr. Shepworth and came only a few minutes ago.

Starting point is 02:15:18 Jadby took no notice of this speech, but lifted the shaggy red head of the dead man. Apparently he knew who he was, for after a single glance he dropped the heavy head again, and wheeled round with an amazed face. Steve Agstone, he gasped, the missing witness. Preliss also startled, backed against the wall with outstretched hands and open mouth. In a flash he saw how dangerous was the position of the barrister, and indeed many confused voices were muttering as to the guilt of Shepworth. Captain Jadby, letting his eyes fall on the dead man, made himself spokesman for

Starting point is 02:15:58 all. Shepworth murdered him to win the case, he said, nodding. I ask your pardon, Lord Prilus, for suspecting you. I would rather you continue to do so, cried Prilus angrily. It is absurd to think that Shepworth killed this man. Look at him. He pointed to the rigid form in the armchair. He is incapable of raising a hand. Miss Chint was also incapable, sneered the captain, yet She is innocent, Storm Preliss fiercely. She no more killed her uncle than did Shepworth this witness. Everyone was listening eagerly with open eyes and ears to the altercation, and it is impossible to say how long it would have continued, but for the entry of the police. Two constables pushed their way through the crowd and forthwith, when they had taken in the

Starting point is 02:16:53 situation, began to clear the place. The crowd of pleasure-seekers, now unmasked for the most part, were driven outside. Some fled down the stairs, anxious to get away from the scene of the tragedy, while others returned to the Rover's flat. But the fact of the murder ruined the ball. It broke up like Beth's famous banquet, with most admired disorder, and in ten minutes the rooms were deserted. Everyone ran away as though from the plague, and Mr. Rover, looking like a frightened rabbit came down to make inquiries. Is Shepworth dead? He asked, tremulously, of a stalwart policeman whom he found guarding the closed door of number

Starting point is 02:17:37 40? Everyone says that Shepworth is dead, and my wife has fainted. The doctor is with Mr. Shepworth now, said the constable gruffly. I don't know what's the matter with him, and it ain't my duty to say anything, sir. Oh, dear, oh dear, Rover, rover. wrung his small white hands how very very dreadful all this is who is the other man the dead man he handed the officer half a sovereign as to gain a reply dogberry unbent they do say sir as the corpse is steve agstone who is the missing witness in the lanwin murder case how wicked how very wicked but if mr sheppworth is dead he ain't sir the constable slipped the gold into his pocket. He's in a faint of sorts, I believe, and they do say as he killed

Starting point is 02:18:31 Steve Agstone, so as to save the young lady he's defending. Now I can't tell you more, sir, and I've said too much already. Just go home and keep quiet, sir. The police will look after this matter here. Rover still ringing his useless hands and muttering to himself like the weak-brained little man he was, weirdly climbed the stairs to his deserted ballrooms. As he ascended, two women and a man came down, white-faced and shaken. They tried to enter number 40, but the constable stretched forth a brawny arm to prevent entrance. But we must come in, said the man, deferentially. We are Mr. Shepworth's servants. I am his valet. This lady is the cook, and yonder is the housemaid. we have a right to enter.

Starting point is 02:19:22 You can't until the doctor and the inspector have done with your master, said the constable stoleedly. And why aren't you in bed? The cook, a large red-faced lady, gaily dressed, replied, Mr. Shepworth allowed us to join Mrs. Rovers' servants at the masked ball. Then none of you were in this flat when the murder was committed? questioned the policeman, doing a little detective business on his own account. oh lord no cried the house maid timidly we've been upstairs since nine o'clock helping mrs rovers servants with the party do let us in mr policeman stay where you are until orders come commanded the officer sternly

Starting point is 02:20:06 and the trio sat disconsolently on the stairs with the instinct of self-preservation they had thoroughly explained their absence from the scene of the crime and now felt perfectly safe Meanwhile, in the dining room, a young medical man, who had fortunately been present at the ball, was reviving Shepworth with brandy an ammonia. The windows had been thrown open, and the fresh air was filling the room so rapidly that scarcely a trace of the two rose fragrance remained. Prelis, having laid aside his mask and domino, was standing near the door with his hands in his pockets, watching a man in uniform, who examined the dead, along with the official doctor whom the police had called in. The first individual was Inspector Burge,

Starting point is 02:20:57 a keen-looking, sharp-eyed man with a clean-shaven face and closely clipped gray hair. And an abrupt red-tape manner. Captain Jabby was not present, having departed with the rest of the two curious onlookers. But Lord Prelis remained, as he had been the first to discover the crime, and Burge wished to hear his account of it.

Starting point is 02:21:20 already the inspector's notebook was in his hand to note down the result of the official doctor's examination there was a dead silence in the room faintly broken by the distant roll of vehicular traffic with the occasional hoot of a motor horn the bell of a near church boomed out midnight so unexpectedly that preliss jumped he might well be excused for doing so as his nerves were considerably shaken twelve o'clock said burge crisply when did you discover the crime my lord At half-past eleven, replied Preliss, shivering. Good heavens. Is it only half an hour since then? It seems like years. We were on the spot in ten minutes, said Burge with official satisfaction, and haven't been long in getting things shipshake.

Starting point is 02:22:14 Now that these ladies and gentlemen have gone, we can look into matters, doctor. He glanced at the young man attending Shepworth. Is your patient reviving? A trifle, answered the other. rising help me to place him near the window in a draft it is a long faint said the inspector helping to wheel the arm-chair to the open window it is not a faint at all the man is in a cataleptic state induced by the administration of some drug induced by the odor of a burning herb you mean said prelis looking at the rigid face of shepworth which was as expressionless as that of the the dead man at the table.

Starting point is 02:22:57 What's that? Question the inspector, turning his head. Preliss waved his hand. I'll explain later, and after I have seen my friend, Dr. Horace. Horace, Horace, the medical man who was examining the corpse, looked up at this remark. I know him slightly. A great traveler, isn't he? Yes, answered Prelis quickly.

Starting point is 02:23:21 He traveled with me to a little known part of the world called Easter Island. lucky that he did so and that i was with him between us we may be able to solve the mystery of this cataleptic business you know that it is catalepsy induced by some odor of course i do i have seen a man in that state before and prelis pointed to the rigid farm of sheppworth where asked burge looking at him with keen eyes somewhat puzzled on easter island The inspector would have asked further questions when the elder doctor rose from examining Agstone's body and stretched himself. Will Thornton? he asked curtly. The man is dead right enough, said Thornton with a shrug. That stab under the left shoulder blade reached the heart at one blow. I don't see the weapon with which it was committed.

Starting point is 02:24:20 The crime, I mean. We haven't searched the flat yet, rejoined Burge, brusquely. and if you remember Thornton, the weapon which killed Sir Oliver Lanwin, was not found either. What has this case to do with Sir Oliver Lanwin's death? Burge looked surprised. Don't you read the papers, Doctor? There is a murder case on at the New Bailey, which resembles this in every particular. Sir Oliver Landwin was stabbed seated at his desk and under the left shoulder blade. his niece, who is accused, says that she is innocent and was in a cataleptic state, just as this

Starting point is 02:25:00 counsel of hers is. What we see here, mused Burge, will go a long way towards helping her to prove her innocence. Mr. Shepworth need not have got rid of Agstone in this way. He didn't, cried Prilis sharply. I'll stake my existence that Mr. Shepworth is perfectly innocent. My lord, we know that the prosecution hoped to convict Miss Chint on Agstone's evidence. It was necessary that the defense should keep him out of the way. And here is the man, very forcibly removed, and in the rooms of the young gentleman who is not only helping to defend Miss Chint, but who is her a financed husband. It looks strange. Preliss pointed to Shepworth, who now showed signs of reviving.

Starting point is 02:25:51 i say to you as i said to those people who burst into the flat when the alarm was given that sheppworth is incapable of lifting a hand ah but we don't know how long he has been incapable said burge cunningly when was axed on murder doctor thornton who was twisting a cigarette answered promptly enough i should say judging from the condition of the temperature of the body sometime between ten and eleven o'clock "'And can you tell?' asked the inspector, turning to the other doctor. "'How long Mr. Shepworth has been insensible?' "'No,' said the young physician promptly. "'But he'll tell us himself soon he is coming round.' Even as he spoke, Shepworth opened his eyes and stared vaguely at those in the room. His gaze wandered in a bewildered manner from the inspector to Preliss and from Prelis to the two doctors.

Starting point is 02:26:49 Finally, he looked meditatively at the dead body, which was stretched right across the blue cloth of the dining table, with its glassy eyes staring at the ceiling. A shudder shook the barrister's frame, and as though moved by wires, he sprang stiffly to his feet. Prelis, prelis, he cried, and his voice grew stronger as his strength came back, as did his color and senses. Look, look! isn't it the same as in Grange Library? Agstone is dead, and I have been in a trance.

Starting point is 02:27:26 You know then? asked Burge swiftly that the dead man is Agstone. Yes, I have seen him many times at the Grange. But how did he come here? Who murdered him? And his eyes questioned those present, dumbly. That is what we wish to ask you, said the inspector. Shepworth passed his hand across his forehead, which was now moist with perspiration. The police, he murmured, and Agstone dead. Will you place me in the dock beside Mona? He asked Burge passionately. Prelis sprang to his side and caught him by the hand.

Starting point is 02:28:05 Ned, Ned, he urged. Pull yourself together and tell us how Agstone came to be murdered in this room. I can't tell you, cried Shepworth, wrenching away his hand. I can tell you no more than Mona could. She was in a trance and saw nothing, only coming out of it to find the dead beside her. I was in a trance and saw, ah, he broke off in his wild eyes,

Starting point is 02:28:32 went roving round the room. Where is the woman? What woman? asked Burge suddenly and kept his eyes on Shepworth's face with a look of severe scrutiny. The woman who came in masked and cloaked. She came in. Agstone admitted her. She waved the bronze cup before me, and then I, I, oh, what does it all mean? he asked, breaking down, and with every reason, considering what he had undergone. Prelis shook him gently by the shoulders. I am beside you, Ned. I am looking after you. Only tell us everything you remember. Shepworth stared straight before him, and then, as though a spring had been touched, he began to speak swiftly and coherently. I was sitting reading in the drawing room when I heard

Starting point is 02:29:24 three heavy blows struck on the wall of this room. As my servants were all upstairs assisting at the ball, I wondered who was in my flat and came out to inquire. The door of this room was closed, and I opened it to find a thick white smoke, smelling sweetly and sickly, curling from a bronze cup placed on the table. The fumes choked me, and I staggered instinctively to the open window. Before I could reach it, I fell. Senseless? Interpolated, Thornton keenly. No, Shepworth turned irritably. How could I be senseless when I heard and saw everything? Up to a point, that is.

Starting point is 02:30:10 What did you see? questioned Burge eagerly. I could move neither hand nor foot, nor could I call out, went on Shepworth slowly, and I lay on the floor, half propped up against that chair. Then I saw, he shuddered, a large, hairy hand pushed aside the tablecloth, and shortly a man crawled from underneath. It was Agstone, for I recognized him without difficulty. He growled in a pleased manner and lifted me into this chair. chair. Then he went out and remained absent for some time. When he returned, a tall woman was with him,

Starting point is 02:30:53 wearing a mask and a green domino. Taking the bronze cup from which the white smoke still poured, she waved it under my nose. My senses left me, and I knew no more until I woke to find you all in my room. And Agstone is dead, ended the barrister, trembling. Agstone is dead. Agstone is dead. and Agstone, said Burge significantly, is the chief witness for the prosecution. End of Chapter 7. Chapter 8 of the Sacred Erb by Fergus Yume. This leave vox recording is in the public domain. A private explanation. Shepworth made no reply to the insinuation contained in the remark of the inspector. His brain was still dazed with the fumes of the white smoke, and after telling his story, he sat indifferently in his armchair.

Starting point is 02:31:57 Preliss watched him closely, recognizing the mental confusion, then laid his hand on the poor fellow's arm. You had better come and lie down, he said gently, and glanced at Thornton. Certainly, certainly, answered that gentleman briskly, and in reply to the unspoken query of Preliss. A few hours sleep will cure Mr. Shepworth completely. Can I stay with my friend? Demanded Prelis, turning to Burge. The inspector nodded absently, as he was evidently following some train of thought. Will it be necessary to make a further examination of this? He inquired, looking at the dead body and at Thornton. No, no, not at present. When it has been removed to the

Starting point is 02:32:43 dead house, I will see to a further examination. i have seen the body before rigor mortis has set in so that is all that is necessary the man has been stabbed some time between ten and eleven and he is as dead as a coffin nail tharton drew on his gloves good-night good night replied the inspector allow me to see you to the door and he conducted both the medical men out of the room leaving prelis alone with his still dazed friend but shepworth was not so dazed as he pretended to be for the moment the door was closed he sprang to his feet dory dory he gasped swaying the knife look for the knife then he dropped back again in the chair too weak to stand what do you mean demanded prelis sharply and much puzzled sheppworth clutched him i did not tell all he stuttered hurriedly it would not have done to tell all listen dory agstone came back again alone alone i tell you before he brought the lady i was still conscious although unable to move in any way he held the knife in his hand the jade handled paper cutter with which sir was murdered i had it as you know it was concealed in my desk in my study agstone must have found it agstone must have used it no agstone is dead i forgot but someone must have used it to kill agstone oh my head my head he grasped his hair and rocked to and fro then with an effort look for the knife under the table perhaps under the-before he could end the

Starting point is 02:34:33 sentence prelis realizing its importance sprang forward and lifted a corner of the tablecloth which trailed on the ground at the same instant inspector burge appeared again unexpectedly his keen eyes immediately fixed themselves on prelis what are you doing my lord he asked imperatively making a search retorted the other bluffly he did not know what else to say and hope that his ready and natural explanation would lull any newly aroused suspicions entertained by the officer. It did to a certain extent. You must allow us to do that, my lord. I think you had better take Mr. Shepworth to his bed. And we may as well cover this thing until it is taken away, added Burge, gathering up the folds of the tablecloth,

Starting point is 02:35:25 to lay them over the stark dead creature staring at the ceiling. Shepworth moved at the same moment as Burge. but prelis guessing that he wished to interfere held him down with an iron grasp when the lifted cloth exposed the bare legs of the table both the young men caught sight of an object lying underneath burge stepping back espied it also with his trained faculty of instant observation and stooped to pick it up the jade hannel paper cutter lay just where the feet of the dead man had rested before the body had been shifted onto the table. The wonder was that it had not been discovered before, but then it had been concealed by the drooping cloth. The weapon with which the crime has been committed, murmured, burged, in a complacent tone. After stabbing his victim, the assailant must have allowed the knife to fall under the table, or perhaps threw it there intentionally. A jade handle? Hmm, it looks like a

Starting point is 02:36:33 dagger, too. An eastern dagger. Where have I seen it? Where? And the inspector fell into a brown study, turning and twisting the paper cutter slowly. Prelis pressed Shepworth's shoulder to keep him quiet, and cleared his throat to answer. It is the knife used to kill Sir Oliver, he said, and felt Shepworth jerk his body in surprised remonstrance at this unnecessary frankness. Burge glanced up in amazement. Why, so it is, he remarked, wonderingly, the very dagger. I remember now that I read the description given of this in the newspaper report of the inquest at Tide.

Starting point is 02:37:20 Hmm, so that is how I fancied that I had seen it before. He balanced the knife on the palm of his hand. A very good piece of description it must have been to so enable me to recognize this. But you, he glanced suspiciously at Prelis. How did you know? The young man shrugged his square shoulders. That is easily explained, he replied suavely. I went to hear the case at the new Bailey today.

Starting point is 02:37:49 As I thought that my friend here, he again pressed Shepworth's shoulder significant. was to speak in defense of miss chint at the court i heard the knife described it is quite simple you see i wonder how it comes to be here mused burge nodding equiescence to his elucid explanation odd isn't it not at all rejoined prelis easily the assassin of sir oliver lanwin brought it here to kill agstone but miss chent is in prison, remonstrated the inspector. She could not have. She never did, in any case, interrupted Shepworth faintly, but rousing himself sufficiently to defend his promised wife. She is innocent. It is natural that you should say so, remarked Burge with polite skepticism, then added significantly, did you expect Agstone? Shepworth's eyebrows went up where it i no why should i have expected a witness for the prosecution to call upon me i have told you all that happened until i entirely lost my senses

Starting point is 02:39:06 the first i saw of agstone was when he crawled from under that table then the smoke had rendered me not unconscious but unable to speak or move can this smoke you mention do that i speak from experience mr inspector and miss chent if you remember told the same story oh i see that the two crimes are connected said burge hastily the circumstances are the same as regards this mysterious smoke and its curious power but you say he added turning to prelis you say my lord that the assassin of sir oliver brought the knife to kill agstone yet we see he waved his hands toward the corpse that agstone himself is a victim quite so but he may have brought the knife for all that then you imply that agstone murdered his master i imply nothing retorted the young man restively but the knife could not have got here unless some one brought it and as it was missing from the lanwin grange library only the murderer who used it could have possessed it moreover preliss pressed shepworth's shoulder to make him particularly note the next sentence moreover mr shepworth saw the knife in agstone's hand burge wheeled swiftly towards the barrister you did not say that not when the doctors and you were in the room said sheppworth languidly i am only beginning to recover my senses remember but i told lord prelis that agstone after he left this room returned and looked in to see if i was insensible i suppose before he brought in the lady then he had the knife in his hand "'And what do you infer, asked Burge pointedly.

Starting point is 02:41:00 "'There can only be one inference drawn,' said Prilis, "'before Shepworth could speak. "'Agstone must have had the knife in his pocket.' "'Then Agstone must have murdered Sir Oliver,' said Burge, triumphantly. "'Sheppworth shrugged his shoulders and staggered to his feet. "'I feel too dizzy to give an opinion,' he said, "'leaning heavily on his friend. "'We know that Agstone was,

Starting point is 02:41:25 devoted to Sir Oliver. Why should he have murdered him? Besides, he accuses Miss Chint. Naturally, cried the inspector, who followed eagerly the scent of the red herring which Prilus had drawn across the trail. If Agstone is guilty himself, he naturally would throw the blame on another person, and if he was possessed of the knife, he must be guilty. It was missed from the Grange Library and reappears here. The masked lady might be. The masked lady might be have brought it, suggested Shepworth. Burge, extremely pleased with his own theory, shook his head sapiently. Mr. Shepworth saw the knife in Agstone's hand before he became insensible.

Starting point is 02:42:09 You can swear to that? He asked the barrister. Yes, said Shepworth, truthfully. I can swear to that. And you can swear that the masked woman killed Agstone? No, I can't say that. when she waved the bronze cup before me i became entirely insensible the inspector looked more knowing than ever of course said he in a complacent way she did not wish you to see her stabbing agstone but why should she have stabbed him we can't say until we know the lady did you recognize her no she was masked and cloaked a green domino i think you said and a green domino i think you said and a

Starting point is 02:42:53 green mask, supplemented Shepworth. She must have been at Mrs. Rover's ball, mused Burge. Not necessarily, interpolated, Preliss, but as many people masked and cloaked were ascending and descending the stairs, she may have taken advantage of the ball to get into this flat, unobserved. Quite so, ascended the inspector. But who admitted her? Agstone must have done that, said Shepworth. probably but who admitted agstone the barrister shook his head i can't say he replied in a tired tone i heard a noise three heavy blows struck in this room as i told you when seated in the drawing-room i did not know that anyone was in the flat what time did your servants go to assist at the ball shortly before nine o'clock when the dinner was over you had dinner then you had dinner then Oh, yes, I came from the court worn out and slept for a long time. I then had a light dinner.

Starting point is 02:44:01 Agstone could not have been at the table, then. Under it, I mean. I think not, said the barrister slowly. It is not a large table, as you see. I would either have heard him or I should have felt him with my feet. Your servants may have left the outer door ajar. Shepworth nodded. perhaps you can question them but after dining i returned to the drawing room before nine o'clock and you did not re-enter this room until you came to see what the three heavy blows meant no i did not they must have been struck to make you enter the room i think so mr inspector agstone wished to be smothered with the smoke that was why the bronze cup was smoking on the table "'Where is the bronze cup?' "'Berge looked about him. "'I can't say.

Starting point is 02:44:58 "'I last saw it when the lady waved it under my nose.' "'The inspector meditated. "'It's a queer case altogether,' he mused, "'and undoubtedly it is connected with the Landwin murder,' he mused again, "'and then looked up abruptly. "'I believe that this second murder will exonerate Miss Chint,' he said quietly. "'I hope so,' rejoined. joined Shepworth, walking towards the door heavily and still leaning on Preliss's shoulder.

Starting point is 02:45:27 If she is condemned for murdering her uncle, I should certainly be arrested and tried for murdering Agstone. I had every reason to kill him, since on his evidence hangs the fate of Miss Chint. You may as well speak in the past tense, Mr. Shepworth, seeing that the man is dead. For my part, I believe that Agstone murdered his master and was ready to throw the blame on Miss Chint, so as to save his own skin. Only the assassin of Sir Oliver could have been possessed of the knife. Am I to consider myself arrested? demanded the barrister. No, rejoined Burge promptly, and held open the door. But of course we must keep an eye on you, he added, smiling ambiguously. Shepworth nodded languidly, and went out with his friend. Come in.

Starting point is 02:46:21 into my study, Preliss, he said almost in a whisper. That knife! Hush! Prilus gripped the barrister's arm hard. He quite understood what Shepworth wished to do. Not so loud. But he need not have been so cautious, for the door of the dining room had been closed by Burge, who was now probably searching the close of the dead man for more evidence. The two young man went into the study, which was at the end of the passage, and there found that the desk had been forced open. That is, all the three drawers on each side, six in all, in a most dexterous manner. Agstone had apparently come provided with house-breaking tools, so as to gain possession of the dagger. But how did he know that I had it? asked Shepworth, perplexed. I dare say he was watching through the Grange window

Starting point is 02:47:19 and saw you take it for Miss Chint, suggested Prelis. Shepworth nodded. Let us put the room tidy, he said hurriedly, and closing the door. I don't want the police to fuss about here. The room really was untidy, for in searching for the knife, Agstone had scattered the loose papers lying on the desk all over the carpet. The young man collected these and placed them in order. Then Shepworth closed the drawers of the desk carefully.

Starting point is 02:47:47 in a few minutes after replacing a chair that had been kicked over and smoothing a rug that had been rucked up the study looked quite in order nevertheless shepworth stared anxiously at the now innocent-looking desk i hope the police will not examine it he said nervously i don't think so since you have explained so much ned their attentions will be confined to the dining room wherein the murder took place. Will you go to bed? No. Shepworth sat at his desk. I don't want this examined. Let us sit here and have some strong coffee. Prelas shook his head. Don't, he advised. Better let us steal to your bedroom and say nothing about having been here. If the police examine the desk, you can pretend ignorance and express surprise. On the other hand, if Burge comes in and makes the discovery,

Starting point is 02:48:47 while we are here, he will naturally demand why we kept silent, and inquiries would lead to difficulties. Leave the thing to chance. Shepworth agreed with this reasoning, since it was useless and even dangerous to create difficulties at the present juncture. The two walked silently to the bedroom, and here the barrister stripped to put on his dressing gown. Then lying down outside the bed, he placed his hands behind his head and stared at the ceiling, while Prilus lounged in an armchair close at hand. Why did you tell Burge about the second entrance of Agstone with the dagger? asked Shepworth suddenly. Because he had already seen the dagger, rejoined Prilis promptly. It is as well to tell the truth when possible, and just as well that the inspector

Starting point is 02:49:39 should think Agstone, who cannot now contradict, brought the dagger. You heard what he said yourself about Agstone's possible guilt. Our frankness will probably save Miss Chent, as the murder of Sir Oliver will be attributed to Agstone because he possessed that paper cutter. Shepworth groaned, but if Burge knew that I took it from Mona, then there would be serious trouble. Let things remain as they are, Ned. We know that Miss Chint is innocent, and must save her.

Starting point is 02:50:14 But we don't know that Agstone is guilty. He certainly is not on the reasoning of Burge. No, seeing that we know Agstone did not bring the dagger here, but the man is dead, and if he can be made to act as scapegoat for an innocent woman, so much the better. The barrister sighed. We are in Vyroned by difficulties, he murmured. then added significantly and unexpectedly.

Starting point is 02:50:44 Jedby called to see me this evening. What? Preliss was startled. I thought that you had quarreled. So we had. So we did. And with fists, too. But when I was reading in the drawing room

Starting point is 02:50:59 and thinking of my poor girl shut up in prison, I heard a ring at the front door. The servants had gone to the ball, as you know, so I had to open the door. myself. Captain Jadby was there, and after a stiff greeting, he asked for an interview. I took him into the drawing room and, One moment, did you close the outer door? Of course. Why do you ask that? I fancy that you might have unconsciously left it open, and that Agstone might then have

Starting point is 02:51:33 entered to conceal himself. No, said Shepworth, decisively. I am certain that I closed it. With Jadby, I went to the drawing room, and there he frankly expressed his regrets that we had quarreled. He wished to make it up, and to join forces with me to save poor Mona. Because he loves her? Quite so. He makes no secret of the fact that he is madly in love with Mona. Our hand-to-hand fight at Langwyn Grange rose solely from the fact that he would insist upon forcing his attentions on her. She appealed to me as her lover, so I tackled Jadby and knocked him down. However, he seemed to be sorry that he had behaved like a bounder, so we shook hands and then sat down to consider how we should act with regard to Mona's position.

Starting point is 02:52:28 Hmm. Prelis looks skeptical. From the glimpse I caught of Jadby, I should not think he was the sort of man to forgive a punch in the eye, much less the loss of the girl he loves. He might have come here with the intention of trapping you. He might have admitted Agstone. No, replied Shepworth quickly. I was with him all the time. I opened the outer door to admit him and closed it when he departed. As he was under my eyes while in the flat, he had no chance of admitting Agstone secretly. I don't know how the man managed to enter and conceal himself under that table, but Jadby had nothing to do with it. Moreover, added the barrister decisively, Jadby told me that he was as ignorant as everyone else of Agstone's whereabouts. Oh, a blighter like Jadby would say anything.

Starting point is 02:53:26 Shepworth protested. I think we have judged Jadby wrongly. My dear Ned, you are all together, too good for this wicked whirl. I don't trust Jadby for one instance. He plays for his own hand. I know he does. He admits that he intends to claim the estate of Sir Oliver and that he loves Mona, but he swears that he will take no steps until she is set free. Then she can marry me if she chooses. Preliss laughed ironically, and you believe him! He seemed to be in earnest. About setting Miss Chint free? Oh, yes, I am sure of that, but he intends to marry her. You may be sure.

Starting point is 02:54:11 Jadby is very philanthropic. How does he propose to save Miss Chant? By finding Agstone and sending him out of the kingdom. An Agstone appears shortly after that proposal. Hmm, hmm, hmm, I must have a personal interview with Captain Jadby and ask him. Ask him what? if he has ever visited easter island what on earth do you mean demanded sheppworth curiously but lord prelis refused to explain further end of chapter eight chapter nine of the sacred herb by fergus eum this levervox recording is in the public domain dr horace

Starting point is 02:55:05 next day everyone from the man in the street to the lady in her drawing-room was talking about the murder at alexander mansions as a rule those in society talk very little about such horrors but on this occasion people more or less fashionable felt that the crime had been committed so to speak on their very doorsteps Mrs. Rover's ball had been broken up by the discovery of the crime, and many of the guests, crowding down to Shepworth's flat, had seen a murdered man for the first time in their frivolous lives. No wonder the tragedy made a sensation. Moreover, the second crime in London was connected. No one exactly knew how, with the first crime at Landwin Grange, Hyde. Sir Oliver had been murdered by his niece, who was now being tried for the offense. The victim had been a baronet, and the prisoner was a well-known figure in the social world. Now the missing witness, upon whose evidence was supposed to hinge the condemnation or acquittal of Miss Chint had been violently done away with, and

Starting point is 02:56:18 hinted gossip, in spite of appearances, the barrister to whom the flat belonged must have killed the man, so that damaging evidence might be finally suppressed. Thus, the two crimes had much to do with society as a whole, and the newspaper placards informed the lower orders of a tragedy in high life. Stump orators in Hyde Park chose the placards and the moment to talk of the decay of the upper classes and of the need of a revolution to sweep away tyrants born in the social purple. Finally, there was another thing which interested fashionable folk. Many guests at the masked ball had been robbed of valuable jewelry, and the police were entirely at a loss to trace the thieves.

Starting point is 02:57:07 Undoubtedly, what Mr. Simon Haken had prophesied, jokingly to his host, had come cruelly true. Swell mobsmen and light-fingered ladies had taken advantage of the use of masks at the ball to mingle with the illegitimate guests and appropriate gems and gold of great value. Braclets, earrings, chains, brooches, and even rings. Many of these had vanished, and scarcely a single woman had escaped the rapacity of the unknown thieves. This in itself was sufficient to make Mrs. Dolly Rovers' entertainment notorious, and that a terrible murder should cap the climax of such roguery was almost too much for belief.

Starting point is 02:57:55 Next day the journal sold like hotcakes, and the one topic of conversation with high and low had to do with this astounding criminality. Lord Prelis returned to his rooms in Half Moon Street, just as the dawn broke over an astonished and indignant Mayfair and threw himself on his bed to recoup. recuperate. Tough as he was with travel and adventure, he needed sleep very badly after the exciting events of the dark hours. And as he dropped off into slumber, it struck him forcibly that the time of superabundant leisure had gone by forever. Formerly an idler who took comparatively little interest in life, and certainly none in the doings of other people, he found himself committed

Starting point is 02:58:45 through friendship to a strenuous career. Ever since Lady Sophia's visit on the previous morning, he had gradually become entangled in other lives, and until the crooked ways of these had been made straight, he saw no chance of reverting to his happy-go-lucky existence. Prelis, having a high ideal of friendship, resolved to help Shepworth, and through him, Miss Mona Chint,

Starting point is 02:59:14 with all the brain power and physical power and social power at his command. And the opportunity of doing so was not unpleasing to an active-minded man, who had hitherto fritted away his intelligence in butterfly pursuits. He woke at noon to receive a telegram, which his man brought in, with an apology for disturbing him. It proved to be from Shepworth, and contained the amazing, news that the barrister had been arrested for the murder. Considering that Inspector Burge had assured Shepworth and in Preliss's presence, that there was

Starting point is 02:59:54 no chance of any suspicion being cast upon him in any way, the young man had to read the wire twice or thrice before he could fully grasp its sinister significance. It seemed absurd. Dozens of people, including Burge and two medical men, had seen the insensible form of the accused man, and were content at the time that he could not raise a hand, much less execute a crime, which needed clear-headedness and strength, and it was the more ridiculous to arrest Shepworth, because the barrister had given a plain account of what had happened, so far as he remembered, which was similar in most respects to what had taken place at Hyde.

Starting point is 03:00:41 Of course, Prilis recollected the way in which... he and Ned had concealed the true story of the knife, but it was impossible that Shepworth, now quite in possession of his wits, should have told an unnecessary truth. If he had, Preliss believed that he would be arrested also as an accessory after the fact. The thought made him uncomfortable until he brushed it away. Ned was not exactly an idiot, and on whatever plea he had been arrested, it certainly could not have been to do with the story of the knife. But it was necessary to learn what had taken place, and also to bail Ned out, so that they might work together to elucidate the mystery. This would be difficult, considering the charge was one of

Starting point is 03:01:32 murder. But Prelis indulged in a cold bath to freshen his physical powers, and after dressing rapidly, took a handsome back to Alexander Mansions. Here he was confronted at the door by the same Burley police constable who had prevented Shepworth's servants from re-entering their master's flat some hours before. He treated Lord Prelis in the same way. You can't come in, my lord, inspector's orders. I wish to see Mr. Shepworth, argued Prelis vexedly. It's against orders, my lord.

Starting point is 03:02:09 Is he within? Yes, my lord, but he isn't allowed to see anyone. Will you take a note in from me? No, my lord, I can't do that. Can I see Inspector Burge? He is at the police station, my lord. Prelis stamped with vexation at the obstacles placed in his way. He did his best to argue his official machine into something resembling reasonable humanity,

Starting point is 03:02:37 but without success. "'Shepworth, he learned, was to be taken to prison later in the day, "'and the constable hinted that, since the charge was so serious, "'there would be no chance of the barrister being let out on bail. "'There was no other course open but to see Inspector Burge, "'so Preliss drove to the Kensington Police Station, "'only to find that the man he wished to see "'had gone to Scotland Yard, presumably about the case.

Starting point is 03:03:07 "'Apparently there was nothing, to be done at the moment in connection with this new trouble. So Prelis was half-minded to repair to the new Bailey and listened to the further progress of the charge against Ms. Chint. Now that Agstone was dead, he did not think that she would be convicted. Also, the repetition of the circumstances of the Hyde crime in Alexander Mansions would assuredly strengthen her position, since the jury would now be compelled to believe her story of the stupefying smoke, which formerly had been regarded as absurd. And it was when the thought of the smoke entered his mind that Prilis recollected that Dr.

Starting point is 03:03:48 Horace lived in the neighborhood. He therefore walked to Redland Square and asked at number 20 for his former fellow traveler. Chance stood the young man's friend, for the doctor was within and saw him at once. This is an unexpected pleasure, Prelis, said. the doctor, beaming. I thought you were in the West Indies. I returned only a few days ago. Are you busy? My friend, I am always busy. And Horace indicated a case of beetles and butterflies with which he was dealing when his guest entered. The room was a large one, with two broad windows looking out onto the quiet square, but all available space was taken up with records of the doctor's

Starting point is 03:04:37 travels. The floor was carpeted with wild bee skins, for Horace was a noted hunter. The walls were decorated with Polynesian war clubs, with Zulu ashigais, with red-skin wampum, belts, and beaded moccasins. Also, there were Japanese gods, Chinese jars of grotesquely decorated porcelain, Hindu swords, Persian tiles reft from mosques, and African canoe paddles rudely carved. As Horace never allowed any servant to meddle with his treasures, the room was extremely untidy and dusty and generally neglected. With the exception of a gigantic dining table of mahogany and two chairs there was no civilized furniture, yet the place was so crammed with barbaric curiosities that Prilis could scarcely find a clear place to stand in.

Starting point is 03:05:36 finally he stumbled through a narrow passage of egyptian mummies and gigantic maury idols to an uncomfortable cane chair near the window here he sat down and looked at his host with some disgust why the dickens can't you live like a civilized being when you are in london he asked lighting a cigar to dispense the fronzy smell of the room i am perfectly comfortable said horace clearing a place on the table to sit on. This is my home. I live here. You camp here, I think. I never saw such a messy place in my life. Huh, grunted the doctor, filling a German pipe with strong tobacco.

Starting point is 03:06:23 You shouldn't come here in a Bond Street kit. Well, what is it? Are you longing to be on the trail again? I am on a sort of trail certainly, admitted Prelis slowly, and inspecting the ash of his cigar. A man-hunt. Ah, your eyes light up at that, you bloodthirsty old pagan. A man-hunt, repeated Horace meditatively.

Starting point is 03:06:48 And in London. Slow business. Well, I don't know, Horace. It is one requiring a great deal of subtlety. I have come for your assistance. Huh, said the doctor again and nodded. I'm with you. "'Preliss reflected for a few moments before beginning an explanation of his errand.

Starting point is 03:07:09 "'He did not know how much to tell and how much to withhold. "'Horris saw his hesitation and ascribed it to the right cause. "'I must know everything, Prilus,' he said quickly. "'Else, I do not assist. "'I have no notion of working in the dark and failing through ignorance.' "'You can read my thoughts as usual, I see,' commented the visit. some more of that clariboyant business i expect well i have a case to lay before you which will tax your occult powers to the utmost fire away said horace and placing his hands on the table rock to and fro looking absurdly like a monkey the missing link they called him in the wiles and certainly the name was deserved Horace was a small man with a long body, short legs, and lengthy arms, very powerfully built and very shaggy in appearance.

Starting point is 03:08:08 Prelis looked at the doctor's large head covered with tangled red hair, at his beard and mustache of the same hue, untrimmed and untidy, concealing nearly all his flat face and at his big horn-rimmed spectacles, which hid the brightest and keenest of blue eyes. He wore an old pair of flannel trousers and a still older flannel shirt, the sleeves of which were turned up over two hairy wrists, encircled with matatabelli wire bracelets. To complete his barbaric looks, his large ears, furry as those of a fawn, were adorned with gold rings.

Starting point is 03:08:50 A more quaint or a more extraordinary figure was not to be met with, outside a freak museum. and Dr. Horace should have been exhibited in one, if only on account of the beautifully executed tattooing, which Prilis could see on his sunburnt arms and on his chest through the unbuttoned shirt. No one would have taken this man-monkey to be a clever and learned scholar with a heart of gold and a fund of knowledge second to none. Prelis knew and esteemed him, and had fought with him, for the doctor was obstinate, and beside him in the naked lands at the back of beyond, when both held their lives in their hands. All the same, being fastidious. He sincerely wished that

Starting point is 03:09:41 when the doctor returned to civilization, he would leave behind him in the wilderness, his uncouth manners and shabby dress, and general appearance of being a prehistoric man of Lady Sophia's favorite stone age. "'Go on, go on,' said Horace impatiently. "'Don't keep me waiting. "'I have lots to do and can't waste time.' "'You have lots to do in the way of dress, I think. "'Come and have a Turkish bath and visit the nearest barber. "'Then I can take you to my tailor to be clothed properly,

Starting point is 03:10:16 "'and Horace interrupted, characteristically, "'by throwing his pipe at the young man. "'It was deftly fielded and returned. do you remember easter island asked prelis when the doctor was again smoking then in reply to a consenting grunt i see you do and the sacred herb eh horace scowled how do you come into the matter he growled into what matter queried the other oliver landwin's murder it is in all the papers quite so but why should my remark about the sacred herb make you think that i referred to lanwin's murder is there any need of an explanation asked horace coolly if you didn't guess as i did that the sacred herb was used to make that smoke why do you talk of the matter at all Then you think that the herb? Course, coarse, growled Horace, beginning to rock again. Landwin haunted the South Seas.

Starting point is 03:11:19 I knew him there. He must have got the herb from Easter Island, as it is the only place it grows in. When I read the girl's yarn of the smoke, I guessed straight off that Landwin had been trying to induce a trance with the burning herb. Do you think that Miss Chent murdered him? No. The library was filled.

Starting point is 03:11:40 with the smoke of the herb, anyone, not used to the fumes, would go down like a shot, as she did. Then you believe Miss Chint's story? asked Prelis eagerly. Horace nodded. She could not have made up such a clever yarn. Then why in heaven's name? questioned the young man, rising, did you not volunteer your evidence to save her? Will it save her? Assuredly. Everyone was. regards her story of being stupefied with the smoke as absurd. If you tell what we saw on Easter Island in front of the statues, tell it yourself. I intend to. I am going to the court now, and you, said Prilis, with emphasis, you are coming with me. Horace knocked the ashes out of his

Starting point is 03:12:33 pipe. Why should I? He demanded, with a stolid air. That's a long story, retorted. Prilus restlessly. I can give you ten minutes. Don't talk through your hat. Knowing his man, the visitor did not waste time, but bluntly detailed how he came to be drawn into the Landwin murder case. But he naturally suppressed his feelings for the beautiful prisoner and put down his interest with some emphasis to pure friendship for Shepworth. On reaching the end of the Hyde portion of the story, he paused to draw breath. is that all asked horace grimly the first part only replied preliss promptly and narrated the events of the previous night from the time he went to mrs rovers ball mask to the time he left the kensington police station to call upon his listener during this latter part of the history dr horace became restless and wandered about his untidy room stumbling over operas stumbling over operas and softly swearing with a wonderful command of language. He appeared to be inattentive,

Starting point is 03:13:48 but in reality had not lost a single word. When Preliss stopped, he came to a halt before the young man. I'll go with you to the court, he declared. The first thing to do is to save the girl. After that, we can consider how to get Shepworth out of his difficulty. He is innocent, of course, observed Prelist, trying to read the rugged face of his new ally. Never said he wasn't, grumbled the doctor, then reflected for a few moments, raking his long beard with outspread fingers. See here, he burst out finally. Will you allow me to engineer this business?

Starting point is 03:14:28 I shall only be too glad. Are you going to use occult methods? I don't need to. I have my own ideas, having read the newspapers. Then you think that Agstone murdered Landwin? No more than I think Shepworth murdered Agstone. On your own, showing your barrister friend brought the knife to the flat. And it is on the false evidence of the knife which you and Shepworth supplied that Inspector

Starting point is 03:14:59 Burge seems to judge Agstone. Still, oh, don't talk poppycock, interrupted the little man impatiently. You are not polite, Horace. "'Was I ever polite?' demanded the others scornfully. "'No. To do you justice, you are always consistently rude.' "'Then why expect the impossible?' retorted Horace, and again stumbled about the crowded room, swearing softly. "'When again, a breast of prelis, who was sorely puzzled by this strange conduct,

Starting point is 03:15:34 the doctor thrust out a large hairy paw. "'Shake!' he said brusquely. Prilus did so promptly and inquired, why? Because you are giving me pleasure in allowing me to help you. His friend looked at the odd creature perplexedly. I don't understand what you mean, he declared, frowning. Never mind, returned Horace with a chuckle. When it is necessary for you to understand, I'll straighten out things.

Starting point is 03:16:05 Then you have a theory? I have more than that. I have certain knowledge. of what in heaven's name high cock-a-lorum snipsnaps snorum was the jocular and enigmatic reply come to my bedroom and we can chatter while i dress well said prelis as he saundered after his friend i am glad that you are not going in that rig out it isn't the fifth of november silly ass snapped the traveler get a dressed-up doll to help you you. All right, come to a toy shop and help me to choose one. Dr. Horace began to laugh. Why can't you talk sense? He growled. I shall do so if you will set the example. Very good. I have some of the sacred herb here. Shall I take it to the new Bailey and give judge and jury and counsel a practical

Starting point is 03:17:03 illustration of how Miss Chint and Shepworth went into trances? You can if you like. By the the way, did you give any portion of that herb away, Horace? The doctor who was plunging his hairy face in water, gurgled and grumbled, but made no reply. Preliss was nittled. Why can't you be plain with me, confound you? All right. Horace began to dry his face vigorously. I don't believe that Miss Chint is guilty, or that Shepworth killed Agstone. I knew that before, said Prilus dryly. You tell me, nothing new. Oh, retorted Horace, mockingly, you want to hear something new, like an Athian of St. Paul's period. Very good. Do you know why I take so deep an interest in this case?

Starting point is 03:17:56 No, I don't. Unless it is to help me and Ned, I don't care a red sin about you and Ned, but I care a trifle about Agstone, poor devil. Prela sat up straight and stared. In heaven's name, why? Because, said Dr. Horace slowly and looking at Prilis's puzzled face in the glass, because Steve Agstone is my brother. End of Chapter 9. Chapter 10 of the Sacred Erb by Fergus Yume. This Levervox recording is in the public domain.

Starting point is 03:18:42 The verdict. Here was a surprise indeed. preliss knew that dr horace had worked his way up from a humble position and laid no claims to being of gentle blood but he had never referred to the existence of a single relative and the young man had always believed him to be alone in the world now it seemed that agstone was his brother and when prelis recollected that agstone was the same hirsuit red-haired uncouth animal in appearance it flashed across his mind that the brothers were twins. The extraordinary thing was that he had not noted the close resemblance before, since he had seen Agstone dead and Horace alive within the last few hours. But the idea of connecting a common sailor with an eminent scientific man had never entered his mind. In the cab, on the way to the new Bailey, Horace gruffly gave his companion a few facts to substantiate his statement. But Prelis observed that he said as little as he could.

Starting point is 03:19:49 My full name is Horace Agstone, explained the doctor bluntly. But as I got on in life and rose in the world, I dropped the last and kept to the first. Steve is my elder brother by one year. And we are the sons of a Suffolk laborer. I had the brains of the family and in one way and another managed to cultivate those same brains with the result. No very great one, you see. Steve went to see, and we did not meet for years and years. When he returned to England with old Lanwin, he went down to Suffolk to look up the family. Our parents were dead and buried, but Steve learned my name and address from the vicar. He came to look me up, but as we did not hit it off very well, we considered it best to live our lives apart as formally. That's all. Preliss threw his cigarette out of the cab and stared at the

Starting point is 03:20:46 horse in a meditative way. Strange that you should be connected with this case also, he remarked dreamily. The doctor grew red and looked fierce. What the devil do you mean by that? I have nothing to do with the case. Your brother, I have nothing to do with my brother. He and I were born of the same mother, but beyond that, we are i mean we were seeing he is dead nothing to one another if he chooses to kill people and be killed that is his affair no one can connect steve agstone with dr horace save the vicar of berfield in suffolk unless you betray me not that i care mark you prelis i learned that fable of the old man in his ass very early in life and never trouble about people and their opinions. I don't intend to betray you, said Prelis coldly, but flushing all over his freckled face,

Starting point is 03:21:47 you can be brother to Satan for all I care. Moreover, I have given confidence for confidence. If I know about your relation to Agstone, you know about the knife's evidence, which I and Shepworth suppressed. Right, right, don't get your hair on. off, said Horace, gripping his companion's knee in a painful manner. You and I are chums of the wild, old son, and those of that breed don't go back on one another. He released Prilus's knee and leaned back thoughtfully. Of course, it was a shock for me to learn of Agstone's death. Didn't you see it in the morning, papers? No, I have more to do than to read riffraff rubbish. You were the first to inform me. Well, Horace leaned his arms on the splashboard calmly.

Starting point is 03:22:39 Steve's gone to see father and mother on the astral plane. I expect he will quarrel with them as usual. They never got on together. Preliss suppressed a smile at this odd, unchristian way of viewing death and nodded. I quite understand why you don't believe Agstone to be guilty, he remarked after a pause. "'Meaning that I'm a born fool?' retorted Horace, genially. "'Make no mistake, old son. If Steve were guilty, I should not defend him in any way. But he was too devoted to old Landwin to murder him. Besides,' the doctor suddenly checked himself.

Starting point is 03:23:22 "'But that's neither here nor there, my son.' "'What isn't?' asked Preliss alertly. "'Never you mind. Ask no questions and you'll be told no lies.' here we are at the door of the temple of falsehood get out prelis alighted with his companion sorely puzzled to know what this enigmatic remark meant that Horace knew of something which had to do with the Landwin case, he was perfectly sure, that the something implicated the late Mr. Agstone, he was also certain. But Preliss knew his friends sufficiently well to be satisfied that he would not explain, unless it appeared to him needful to do so.

Starting point is 03:24:06 All that could be done was to trust blindly to the rugged old sinner, and perhaps he would be able to lead those concerned in the case out of the labroth of crime. he certainly appeared to hold a clue dr horace more brusque and domineering than ever pushed his way into the crowded court eliciting comments the reverse of complimentary of these with characteristic cynicism he took no notice but secured good places for himself and prelis in a few minutes he scribbled a note and sent it to cudworth k c the council read it with a puzzled air glanced at the rider across the crowded court and whispered to the usher shortly dr horace was requested to go to the lawyer's table and was soon in deep conversation with the big barrister while this was taking place prela stared at miss chent who looked weary and sad as she sat in the dock the strain of her perilous position was beginning to tell upon her which was scarcely to be wondered at again her roving eyes caught sight of prelis and again she blushed this time drawing a corresponding signal from him apparently the natures of these two were sympathetic the case was rapidly drawing to a close as the witnesses for the prosecution had been examined and now those for the defense were giving evidence from a solicitor at his elbow the young man learned that cudworth had succeeded

Starting point is 03:25:46 in proving the destruction of the will in Mona Chin's favor. This had been done by the production of half-burnt and minutely torn scraps of paper rescued from the grate in the library. These, pieced together, had revealed the mention of the prisoner's name and of the ten thousand a year, and of the love and affection felt by the testator for his niece. As the will could not be found, and it was certain that, Oliver had framed no New Testament, the presumption was that the burnt document was the will in question, and despite all efforts the other side could not prove otherwise. This was assuredly

Starting point is 03:26:30 a great point in the prisoner's favor, as had she murdered her uncle, she would certainly not have destroyed a deed which made her wealthy. It was with great surprise that Priela saw Shepworth placed in the witness box to give evidence, since he had left him practically imprisoned in his own flat. Possibly Inspector Burge had received instructions from Scotland Yard on detailing what had happened in Alexander Mansions. To afford the judge and jury the opportunity of seeing how similar the murders of Agstone and his master were to one another. Shepworth was perfectly cheerful and composed, much more so than he had been on the previous day, so apparently he had no fear that his arrest would lead to his conviction. Indeed, he was so clearly innocent that Prilus

Starting point is 03:27:25 expected he would be set free after the inquest proceedings on Agstone's body had taken place. Meanwhile, he caught his friend's eye and smiled, after which he smiled again encouragingly at Mona. shepworth's evidence was to the effect that miss chent loved her uncle and would never have harmed him in any way sir oliver in the course of an occult conversation had referred to a certain herb he did not give it any name which when burned produced trances apparently when prisoner entered the library to make up her quarrel with sir oliver the baronet had been testing the herb and the fumes had reached the fumes had returned the library to make up her quarrel with sir oliver the baronet had been testing the herb and the fumes had returned reduced Miss Chent to an unconscious state. Then Shepworth went on to detail his own experience and narrated the same story as he had told to Prelis to the two doctors and to Inspector Burge. Finally, he mentioned that Agstone had re-entered the dining room before returning with the masked lady, holding a knife. As Shepworth naturally was not asked if the knife was concealed in his desk,

Starting point is 03:28:38 there was no need for him to commit perjury, which he would have been unwilling to do, even to save the girl he loved. While the barrister was giving his evidence, Lord Prelas was called to Cudworth's side and introduced by Dr. Horace. He learned that the council wished him to appear as a witness and substantiate Shepworth's story, which the young man was perfectly willing to do. it thus happened that when shepworth retired cudworth examined prelis and heard from him how shepworth had been found unconscious and how many people including captain jadby had seen him in this helpless state this evidence induced the recall of jadby and he reluctantly swore that the barrister was indeed unable to strike the murderous blow which had slain the old sailor both sheppworth and prelis had given evidence as to the finding of the knife under the table by inspector burge and that officer himself next appeared to say how he had picked it up mrs blacksley madam marie eppingrave and the two grange servants were then called to depose that the paper cutter with the jade handle found in the flat by burge and produced in court was the same that had lain on

Starting point is 03:30:04 Sir Oliver's writing desk in the library, wherein the crime had been committed. Thus the jury, and indeed everyone else, believed that Agstone had murdered his master and then had brought the knife up to Alexander Mansions, presumably to kill Shepworth. But of course the question as to who had killed Agstone was not touched upon. The final witness was Dr. Horace, and he dealt entirely with the question. of the perfumed smoke alluded to by the prisoner and by Sheppworth. Producing a grotesque brown root and several stems covered with purple leaves, more or less withered, the doctor deposed that it was a certain plant growing in Easter Island and nowhere

Starting point is 03:30:52 else so far as he knew. The natives gave it no name but termed it the sacred herb, and it was used by their priests to induce trances in which the spirit was supposed to leave the body and appear before the gods incarnate, so to speak, in the gigantic statues of the island. Belmain for the prosecution. Did you give any portion of this herb to Sir Oliver Lanwin? Witness emphatically. No. I was acquainted with Sir Oliver in the South Seas, but I never met him in England. We did not get on well together and were better apart. Belmain. This, then how did sir oliver become possessed of this herb which by your own showing is to be found only in easter island witness i cannot say how sir oliver got the herb of course he was sailing the south seas for years and probably went to easter island if he did he certainly would have secured a portion of the herb from the native priests seeing that he took so profound an interest in occult matters

Starting point is 03:32:04 belmain then you think that sir oliver was experimenting with the herb when prisoner entered the library witness i think it extremely likely considering the presence of the white smoke and the two rose perfume which is exactly the kind of scent given off by the herb when burnt the fumes of the herb would choke prisoner in the way she stated and reduce her to unconsciousness belmain significantly to complete unconsciousness witness i think so seeing that she was not accustomed to the smoke of the herb a slight smoke would place anyone in a cataleptic state merely but a dense smoke would take away all consciousness it did so apparently in the case of miss chint and although mr sheppworth was simply cataleptic at first the waving of the bronze cup under his nose plunged him into the deeper state Belmain. How did Agstone become possessed of the herb to burn in Alexander mansions? Witness. I really cannot tell you. Perhaps he went to Easter Island with his master and got some leaves of the herb. Or it might be that when taking the knife away from the library, he also secured the leaves which were lying on Sir Oliver's desk. Belmain quickly. How do you know the leaves were there?

Starting point is 03:33:36 Witness, coolly. I am only surmising. If Landwin was experimenting with the herb, he must have got out his packet of leaves and roots. I expect not being used to the herb. He was reduced either to catalepsy or to unconsciousness, and while thus helpless was murdered. Belmain By Steve Agstone? Witness. I am not prepared to say. say. Very dryly. A very improper question, rebuked the judge, and Belmain sat down feeling that he had not scored off this rugged witness. Before Dr. Horace left the witness box, the judge, prompted by the foreman of the jury, requested him to burn some leaves of the herb at once. But do not reduce us to a state

Starting point is 03:34:31 of catalepsy, said the judge, with a smile. We have to finish our business, you know, a china plate was brought and on this horace gravely laid two or three leaves of the sacred herb on applying a match a thick curl of pungent white smoke arose like a summer cloud and the odor of two roses was perceptively indicated in the heavy atmosphere of the court prelis who was standing near the witness box and so smelt the perfume very strongly suddenly felt sick and swiftly pushed his way into the fresh air. He was inclined to faint, being susceptible to odors, and but that a good Samaritan addicted to alcohol had produced a flask of brandy, he would have become unconscious. When quite restored, he thought how very powerful the herb was,

Starting point is 03:35:30 when even so slight a breath of the smoke could muddle his senses. No wonder that Miss Chint and Sir Oliver and Shepworth had become unconscious when the full power of the burning purple leaves was poured through the rooms. Prelis did not feel inclined to reenter the court and sat outside in the vestibule, smoking a cigarette. Here he was joined by Captain Jadby, which rather surprised the young man, as he thought that the sailor's love for Mona and Chent would have kept him in the court. also prelis was surprised when jadby approached him in quite a friendly way and with an apology i hope you have forgiven me for my rudeness last night lord prelis was his ingratiating remark i never gave it another thought retorted prelis brusquely pray do not apologize again you did so last night thank you said jadby smiling all over his smooth feline line face. I am glad that you take it in such a spirit. By the way, I never knew that you were acquainted with Dr. Horace. Prilus stared at this impertinent remark. Very probably, he said

Starting point is 03:36:49 stiffly, but then you know nothing about me. I know that you went to Easter Island, Lord Prilus. I heard of your visit when I went there myself. Oh, said Prilus alertly, then you visited the island also. I have just said so, rejoined Jadby, coolly, but I did not bring away any of the herb, if that is what you mean. It is not what I mean, said the other, wondering why Jadby should say such a thing.

Starting point is 03:37:23 I don't accuse you of murdering Sir Oliver, even though you inherit the property. He was thus pointed and rude to get rid of the smiling, man before him, as he felt the same antipathy to Jadby as he would have done to a cat, the one animal which Prelas could not endure. But the sailor was not at all annoyed, or if he was, did not show it. Rather did he smile in a very satisfied way. Yes, I do inherit the property, he remarked, and there is a good reason why I should. Really, observed Prelis, considering what the reason might be but unwilling to ask yes really retorted the captain still smiling of course i am sorry for miss chint but when she marries me all will be well

Starting point is 03:38:17 you forget sir she marries mr shepworth they are engaged replied jadby with a shrug but i do not think they will ever be married mrs rover prelis interrupted imperiless imperilously what do you mean by mentioning mrs rovers name in this connection he demanded flushing oh said jadby with his hateful smile i understood that you and mr sheppworth were intimate friends good day and before prelis could stop him captain jadby had vanished amidst the crowd leaving like the wasp he was a sting behind him prelis frowned he recollected shepworth's blood lady sophia's remarks and now considered captain jadby's hint it would seem that his friend was either in love with mrs dolly rover or was entangled in some way if that was the case he could not possibly love mona and if he did not prelis's face grew crimson and his eyes brightened then he shook himself free of the thought jadby was implying that sheppworth was behaving dishonorably and prelis could not bring himself to believe that such was the case he had known ned too long to doubt him all the same he felt that an explanation would clear the air and concluded to ask sheppworth for one as delicately as possible upon that explanation would depend his future movements. Lord Prilus walked up and down the vestibule,

Starting point is 03:39:59 musing on Mona, on her perilous position, on Shepworth's possible entanglement with Mrs. Rover, late Miss Constance Newton, and on the enigmatic hints of Dr. Horace dealing with the mysterious cases in which friendship had involved him. Thus thinking, he lost all note of time, and it was only when a course,

Starting point is 03:40:22 official came to turn on the electrics that he became aware of the passing of time glancing at his watch he found that it was several hours since he had left the court and he determined to enter again and hear the speeches of the council for the defense and prosecution but just as he turned in the direction of the court he heard a cheer and an excited throng of people poured out in two minutes prelis was in possession of the news and learned that mona chent had been acquitted she was free end of chapter ten chapter eleven of the sacred herb by fergus yume this levervox recording is in the public domain dr horace's warning when london was made acquainted with the verdict the majority of people were satisfied that justice had been done mischance behavior while in the dock the open sympathy of the grange servants the occurrence of the second murder so similar in all respects to the first and the evidence of horace with regard to the anastatic properties of the sacred herb of easter island went far to enlist the public in favor of the accused girl perhaps also her youth and brilliant beauty had something to do with a loudly expressed pleasure of those who read in the newspapers that she had been set free of course there were the usual malcontents who agreed with no one and wrote to the journal stating that the verdict was wrong a communication to the daily telegraph insisted that Miss Chint must have lied, declaring that she fell senseless while unfastening the window for fresh air.

Starting point is 03:42:20 If it had been the case, Captain Jadby would have found her lying near the window, whereas she was discovered in the armchair near the fire, some distance away. But a supporter of the late prisoner replied to this by pointing out that the murderer of Sir Oliver undoubtedly had picked up the girl while she was insensible and placed her in the chair the first correspondent retorted that sir oliver was dead and his murderer conspicuous by his absence when miss chint entered the library and so could not have shifted her from the floor on to the chair to this the defending writer wrote that there was no proof of sir oliver being dead when miss chent entered as it was apparent that the fumes of the herb had drugged him into insensibility and therefore the murderer must have entered later to kill the baronet and remove his niece from the place where she fell by her own showing to the chair in which she was discovered by captain jadby and so the war of letter-riding went on and although mona was free from the danger of hanging her character was still stained in the opinion of some people with the blood of her uncle prelis was furious when he read this correspondence but on the face of it did not see how he could defend mona since he had no evidence to bring forward in her favor

Starting point is 03:43:51 on the testimony of the knife it was generally considered that agstone had murdered his master and then had come to alexander mansions to kill the barrister but of course both sheppworth and his friend knowing the true story of how the knife came into agstone's possession were by no means certain that the old sailor was guilty the mystery of sir oliver's death was no longer one to the public as everyone had been misled by the suppression of the evidence dealing with the knife but it continued to be one to those who had suppressed that same evidence but of one thing lord prelis was certain namely that mona's character would have to be completely cleared by the discovery of the real criminal with this idea in his mind he went next day to alexander mansions and learned somewhat to his surprise that sheppworth was within inspector burge informed him of this at a chance meeting on the stairs and affably told the constable guarding the door of number forty that lord prelis was to be admitted to see the prisoner not that he is a prisoner said burge nodding we are merely detaining mr sheppworth until the inquest is held on the body of agstone when does the inquest take place asked prelis lingering to ask necessary questions to-morrow at three o'clock in the afternoon at the greyhound hotel kensington beyond the fact that the jury will bring in a verdict of willful murder against some person or persons unknown i don't think that we the police that he is my lord can give any evidence to indicate the assassin of agstone then why accuse mr sheppworth i don't accuse him if you don't why arrest him it is best to be on the safe side said burge dryly and notwithstanding what Mr. Shepworth may have written to you, my lord, the arrest has not taken place.

Starting point is 03:45:57 He is merely detained pending the inquest. And under suspicion? Flashed out, Preliss loyally. The inspector shrugged his square shoulders. If you like to put it in that way, he said indifferently. But it is absurd to suspect Mr. Shepworth, cried Prelis excitedly. Many people saw him insensible, in the same way that miss chint was insensible if she is guiltless and a competent jury have acquitted her mr sheppworth also must be innocent the evidence of dr horace quite so my lord interrupted burge with a rather bored air but all that will be discussed at the inquest we need not enter into it now considering we have insufficient premises to go upon if any one murdered agstone which they certainly did since no man can stab himself in the back it must have been the ladies seen by mr sheppworth finished prelis hmm that might have been a hallucination and the moon might be made of cream cheese reported prelis heatedly it may be assented birch gravely i know no reason to the contrary my lord but this talk leads to nothing and i am very busy go in and see your friend you will find dr harry

Starting point is 03:47:22 with him. Dr. Horace, echoed the young man, staring. Inspector Burge nodded. So you may guess that. When thus permitted to see his friends, Mr. Shepworth is not a legitimate prisoner. By the way, added Burge formally as he took his leave, I am delighted that Miss Chint has been acquitted. Of course, she is innocent. Entirely innocent, in my opinion, and very beautiful also. mr sheppworth is a lucky man my lord good day the inspector descended the stairs leaving prelaas somewhat puzzled the young man could not quite determine whether burge believed sheppworth to be innocent or guilty at one time he said one thing again he hinted at another however it was useless to ponder over the enigma so prelis entered the flat after a word or two with a uniformed surbureus who guarded the door, and was conducted by a somewhat pale parlor made to the library. Here he found Dr. Horace, looking more uncivilized than ever, in deep conversation with Ned.

Starting point is 03:48:36 The latter sprang up when his friend entered. Shepworth had lost some of his ruddy color, and his eyes had dark circles under them. Otherwise, he appeared to be quite composed, and not at all like a man accused of a serious crime. time and in spite of burge's protestations prelis believed that the inspector did so accuse him mentally at all events you are just in time prelas cried shepworth grasping the newcomer's hand warmly in addition to the mysteries of these murders we have another to solve in the person of our friend here there's no mystery about me said horace gruffly i merely advise you to leave matters as they stand "'Prelis looked as astonished as Shepworth. "'But I say,' he cried, "'you wanted to take a hand in the game yourself, Horace.' "'I have taken a hand,' retorted the doctor coolly,

Starting point is 03:49:36 "'and I have won. "'My aim was to save Miss Chent from being unjustly convicted. "'For whomesoever murdered Lanwin, "'I am convinced that she is innocent. "'As she is now free, "'and the prevailing opinion seems to be that Agstone is guilty, why stir up muddy water and waken sleeping dogs?

Starting point is 03:49:58 You forget, said Shepworth rather tartly, that I have to be cleared myself. Burge says that I am innocent, but the fact that he has practically arrested me proves that he thinks the contrary. Horace, who was smoking his ungainly German pipe, shook his shaggy head vigorously. When the inquest takes place,

Starting point is 03:50:20 you will be discharged without a stain on your character. That being the case, my advice to you is a speedy marriage with Miss Chint, who is also free. Don't bother your head further about these two murders. When Horace mentioned marriage with Mona so pointedly, Prilis darted a side glance at his chum, bearing in mind the hints of Captain Jadby and Lady Sophia. As he expected, Shepworth colored and looked confused. At present, I am not rich enough to marry Mona, he said in a halting way,

Starting point is 03:50:57 and by the burning of the will, she loses the property. Horace chuckled silently. Which goes to Captain Jadby? Yes, the earlier will comes into force now that the latter one has been destroyed. In that case, observed Horace, complacently, puffing at his pipe, I should advise her to marry Captain Jadby.

Starting point is 03:51:22 Shepworth, still looking uneasy, went to stare out of the window, and it was Preliss who replied, I'm hanged if she'll do that. Why not? inquired the doctor with a keen glance. Jadby has the money by Shepworth's showing. He isn't bad looking, and he loves her devotedly. Also it was Sir Oliver's wish. Jadby's a catish ruffian, cried Prilus warmly.

Starting point is 03:51:48 and with a sudden access of color. We don't know where he comes from, or from the South Seas, my old son. Or who he is, continued Prelis, impetuously, it would be a shame that so delightful a girl should marry a shady buccaneer. Ned, you are engaged to Miss Chint. Why don't you speak? There is nothing to say, replied the barrister somewhat coldly.

Starting point is 03:52:14 If Miss Chint will take me, a pauper as I am, I shall only be too charmed to make her my wife. Preliss raised his eyebrows. A conviction was forcing itself upon him that Ned had no real love for the girl. But if that was the case, why had he become engaged to her? Why had he so vigorously defended her of late? Then there was Mrs. Dolly Rover, but Prelis knew nothing about that mysterious lady, as he had not seen her since returning to London.

Starting point is 03:52:48 he had half a mind then and there to demand an explanation from ned but the presence of dr horace restrained him and with an afterthought of wisdom he determined to interview mrs rover herself before coming to an understanding with a barrister as it was therefore unnecessary to pursue the subject and as already horace was asking him mutely why he should take such an interest in an engaged young lady Preliss changed the subject by an attack on the doctor himself. I can't understand why you should wish to abandon the search into these cases when you were so keen yesterday to run the show on your own. Horace quite understood the slang of the concluding remark. I merely quoted a proverb about letting sleeping dogs lie, he said coolly. Why? Are you afraid for a certain person?

Starting point is 03:53:46 question prelis, meaning Agstone and the listener's relationship with Agstone. Oh, no, retarded the doctor, quite aware of what Prelis was referring to. The person you hint at is dead, and everyone believes him guilty of the first murder. It doesn't matter who killed him, as Shepworth here is sure to be acquitted. I don't care a damn one way or the other, as you will respect my confidence. What confidence? asked the barrister suddenly. One that I made to Prilis here, said the doctor dryly. Then heaving up his squat figure from the armchair, he waddled towards the door.

Starting point is 03:54:29 There he paused and addressed himself to Prilus. If you go on prying into this matter, he said with an uplifted finger, you will be very, very sorry, my son. What do you mean? gammon and spinach said horace again enigmatic and hurled himself out of the room still smoking his unwieldy pipe the two young men stared at one another is he mad asked chepworth mad like hamlet south-southwest rejoined the other in a vexed tone unless he is in league with that jadby bounder whom he knew in the south seas i don't know what he means by back out. But surely you don't suspect Jadby, asked Ned, startled. Why not? He was at Mrs. Rover's ball. Nonsense. She doesn't know him. Remember the jewel robberies, said Prelis dryly. A great number of people unknown to host or hostess were at that ball. But Jadby?

Starting point is 03:55:37 Shepworth bit his fingers perplexedly. You can't suspect him. He can't. He can't. He came and saw me, and then went away. It was a woman whom Agstone brought in. She must have killed Agstone. Prilus shrugged his shoulders and saundered about the room. Perhaps, he remarked carelessly, saundering about the room. I certainly have no reason to suspect Jadby, save that he was at the ball. How do you know? He was one of the crowd that rushed in to see you insensible, and he wore a domicum and mask, as did the rest of them. Then how did you spot him? He unmasked. That shows his innocence, declared Shepworth quickly, for if he had come to the ball to slip down and murder Agstone, he would not have revealed himself. Hmm, hmm, perhaps not. Prelis threw himself into a chair.

Starting point is 03:56:38 However, I shall keep an eye on Jadby. Then you are still searching into the, case into both cases corrected the other lighting a cigar i want to learn who killed lanwin and who murdered agstone out of friendship for me cried sheppworth grasping his chum's hand you are a brick dory prelis returned the grasp but blushed a trifle he knew that love for mona prompted the desire to search as much as friendship for the man before him if he could only understand shepworth's attitude towards the girl and towards Mrs. Rover. Again, it was on the tip of his tongue to ask a leading question, but he suppressed the desire, and kept to his earlier resolution to see the lady in the flat overhead. By the way, said Prelace carelessly, have you seen Miss Chint? No, answered Shepworth rather ruefully.

Starting point is 03:57:37 I wish I could have seen her, but Burge hurried me away from the court to keep me as a kind of of state prisoner here however mona wrote me a short note thanking me for all i had done and said that she was going down to lanwin grange but if it belongs to jadby the will isn't proved yet interrupted the barrister quickly and until it is mr mortaban thinks mona should stop at the grange mr mordovan the late sir oliver's lawyer a kind clever old chap He has taken Mona down to the Grange, and Mrs. Blexley, who is devoted to her, will look after the poor girl, until I am free to visit her. You'll go down, of course, said Prelis nervously. Oh, yes, as soon as the inquest is over and Burge sets me free. I do not see how I can be arrested, but meanwhile, Dory, you could do me a great favor.

Starting point is 03:58:38 Prelis raised his eyes. What is that? Go down at once to hide. and see Mona. But I don't know her, said Prilus, taken aback, although his face grew hot and his heart bounded at the idea of meeting this adorable girl, with whom he now knew himself to be in love. I'll give you a card of introduction. Tell her that I'm all right and will be down as soon as I can. All right, assented Prilus, feeling a guilty joy in thus yielding to a delightful temptation.

Starting point is 03:59:11 but the case. That can look after itself until the inquest is over. Then, when I have seen Mona and her future is settled by Mardaban, her living and income and all that, I mean, we can look into matters. I am as keen as you are to get at the truth of these two murders, Dory. We can dispense with Horace. I wish I knew exactly why he backed out, murdered Prelis thoughtfully. It is so unlike Horace to Gibb. Perhaps he has something to do with the matter himself, seeing that he possessed the sacred herb, said Shepworth, jocularly. Monsense.

Starting point is 03:59:55 Horace would kill one man and a dozen men in fair fight, but he's not the chap to stick anyone in the back. By the way, tell me one thing, Ned, this lady, who came in with Agstone, and waved the cup under your nose to make you insensible, She wore a green mask, you said? Yes, and a green domino also. Prilus nodded. Did you catch a glimpse of her frock by any chance? Or did your senses fail you? They did not fail me too quickly. I did see her frock. It was a white dress with thin lines of red running horizontally across it.

Starting point is 04:00:35 Many lines? asked Prilus breathlessly. It seemed to be ruled like. a page of music said sheppworth why what is the matter matter echoed prelis who had risen and was dancing round the room like a schoolboy what you say gives me a clue i saw that dress at the ball the lady who wore it was scented with two roses with two roses or with the sacred herb i must find out who she is how can you i don't know i can't say but if we can find out who she is how can you i don't know i can't say but if we can find her we may learn if she killed agstone and why she did it that discovery will lead to learning who murdered landwin it is the beginning of the end give up the case indeed cried prelis exultantly why it's the only thing that renders life in london bearable but do you think that this lady is guilty asked shepworth doubtfully of course i do otherwise why should she be sinned with the perfume of the sacred herb, which has to do with both crimes. Shepworth shook his head, unable to answer this question. End of Chapter 11

Starting point is 04:01:53 Chapter 12 of the Sacred Herb by Fergus Yume. This Levervox recording is in the public domain. Mrs. Dolly Rover Shortly after the reference to the unknown lady, Lord Prelis took a hasty leave. There was nothing more. to be said, as matters up to date had been threshed out thoroughly between them. Until the inquest had been held on the body of Agstone, and Shepworth's immediate future was

Starting point is 04:02:28 decided, no move could be made towards elucidating the mysteries. Moreover, Prelis was mortally afraid lest Shepworth should alter his mind about making him ambassador to Miss Chint at Hyde, strong-willed as the young man was when he chose to exercise that same will he could not deny himself the pleasure of being in mona's company if only for ten minutes besides he very much wished to learn if she truly loved ned for by this time he felt sure that ned had no very deep affection for her in his hurry to catch a train to hide prilus quite forgot his determination to see mrs rover and learn how matters stood between her and the barrister but the powers that direct the actions of men and the lives that are made by such actions brought about a meeting with the lady almost immediately after shaking hands with the pseudo prisoner prelis left the flat to find mrs rover arguing vehemently with the constable posted at the outer door. She wished to enter and see Shepworth. The constable, pursuant to strict orders, was trying to point out that his duty lay in stopping her, a point which Mrs. Rover obstinately refused to see. I wish to enter, she kept repeating. It is necessary that I should

Starting point is 04:03:58 see Mr. Shepworth and—' Will I do instead? said Preliss, suddenly appearing at the open door. "'Dory!' cried Mrs. Rover. "'Giving him the pet name of his youth? "'What are you doing here?' "'I am talking to you,' said the young man, shaking hands. "'But just now I have been chatting with Ned.' "'Then why can't I chat with him also?' demanded the lady. Prelis shrugged his shoulders.

Starting point is 04:04:26 "'Ned is allowed to see no one unless Inspector Burge gives permission. "'What rubbish! Let me go in.' and Mrs. Rover in a flaming temper tried to push past the policeman. You can't, ma'am, he said firmly and respectfully, adding to the pale parlor maid, who still lingered out of sheer curiosity. Close that door straight away. I'll report you, cried Mrs. Rover, when she saw the door practically banged in her angry face. All right, ma'am, but duty is duty.

Starting point is 04:05:02 Constance, Constance, whispered Proustance, whispered, prelis touching her arm don't make an exhibition of yourself before the servants the man is only doing his duty come upstairs and we can have a chat what about demanded mrs rover swiftly and prelis saw or thought he saw a glint of fear in her eyes well he answered smiling i have not had an opportunity of talking to you since i returned to town so it is natural that i should wish for a short conversation Mrs. Rover, who apparently was an extremely obstinate woman, paused irresolutely, looking at the stolled policeman with a battle light in her eyes, but the constable met her gaze firmly, so finding that feminine persistence could do nothing in the face of an official barrier, she turned away biting her lip. "'Come upstairs, Dory,' she said, beginning to ascend.

Starting point is 04:06:00 "'I can do nothing with that fool.' Prilus smiled at this Parthian arrow and slipped a Florin into the constable's hand to pacify him for the parting insult. Then he ran up after the lady and reached her on the next landing. You ought to be pleased, Constance, he said slyly. You've had the last word. I should like to have had the last half-dozen, she retorted, putting a Yale-latched key into the lock. I think that you have even achieved that, replied prelis dryly. It is extraordinary that women never will learn that the law is stronger than sheer temper. I am not in a temper, snapped Mrs. Rover, sweeping into her flat.

Starting point is 04:06:47 I never was calmer in my life. Never, never, never. I am quite content to believe that, said her companion acidly, for as constant Newton Mrs. Rover had not been noted for impertability. It was all the better, in Prilis' opinion, that her temperament should be thus fiery, as he would discover from her rash tongue much that a more cautious and composed woman would withhold. Moreover, Constance and her visitor had been friends for many a long year, witness her calling him Dory, and she was accustomed to speak frankly to him about her troubles. Had Prilus been in English, when the stockbroker was courting the lady, it is doubtful if Constance would ever have become Mrs. Rover. And Prilus strongly suspected that Mr. Rover found Ned Shepworth, an inconvenient third in his marriage state. You are looking very well, Constance, said Prilis, when the two were seated in the drawing room, which was more gorgeous than artistic. I'm not well, then. I'm nearly worried to death. So sorry, tell me all about him.

Starting point is 04:07:58 it. I'll do nothing of the sort. I beg your pardon. Let us chat about the weather. Do you think that I have time to waste in discussing barometers? She rose impetuously. Don't know, I'm sure, replied Prelis, keeping his temper admirably. Well, then, I haven't. Would it do any good if I gave you a thorough shaking? Yes, it would. If Dolly shook me, I should respect him. But he's lets me lead him the life of a dog and doesn't even bark, much less bite. I see you prefer a bulldog to a poodle. Ned isn't a...

Starting point is 04:08:39 Mrs. Rover stopped in the center of the room, grew red, and could have bitten out her tongue for so incautious a speech. What rubbish you talk, she said, trying to smile carelessly. Prilis looked at her gravely. I hope you are talking rubbish, too. I wish I were dead and buried, whispered Mrs. Rover, and once more sat down to burst into violent tears. Expert in the handling of the sex, Preliss knew better than to offer a single word of consolation. He lay back in his chair, quietly watching the progress of the storm.

Starting point is 04:09:18 Mrs. Rover was going through the usual program of upset woman. She had raged, now she wept, and would shortly be offering an apology for her. for her conduct on the plea of nerves. Constance had certainly grown into a handsome woman. When Prilis had left England seven years before, she was merely a schoolgirl, very gawky and very awkward. Now she appeared tall, majestic, and beautiful after the volumptuous style of Juno, queen of Olympus. Her hair and eyes were dark, her features delicate and regular, and her figure was finally formed, even if a trifle inclined to stoutness, as it assuredly was. Preliss had somewhere seen an old print of Catherine II of Russia, and it struck him that

Starting point is 04:10:10 Mrs. Rover greatly resembled the Empress, although she was undeniably a more lovely woman. It was unfortunate that her face should have been marred by a sullen expression, hinting at a superlatively bad temper. But many people, unobservant as most people are, never noted this defect. They only saw before their ravished eyes a handsome, well-bred, graceful woman,

Starting point is 04:10:38 perfectly dressed and quite able to hold her own in the most exacting society. Yes, Constance had improved greatly, Preelis admitted that. But he wished to find out if she possessed the same beauty of character as of person. From what he had heard and what he had seen,

Starting point is 04:10:59 he had grave doubts on this point. Pray excuse me, said Mrs. Rover, offering the expected social apology and a faint voice. I'm rather upset. My nerves are out of order. The season has been trying, and then that horrid ball bowled me over, with its robberies and murders,

Starting point is 04:11:21 not to speak of Dolly, who is, who is, oh, I don't know what he is. Do you think it is good taste to discuss your husband with me? asked Preliss rather tartly. You are the only true friend I have in the world, Dory. Then you have made no acquaintances since I left England seven years ago, Constance? Oh, acquaintances? She echoed contemptuously, rolling her damp handkerchief into a ball. I have hundreds of these, but a friend, oh, Dory, there isn't a single person I trust with a shoelace. He or she would not thank you if you did, replied Prilis, smiling. A shoelace is not good security for anything.

Starting point is 04:12:07 That's just it, wailed Mrs. Rover, dabbing her red eyes with the handkerchief. People like one for what they can get out of one. But there isn't a soul to help me. Poor me! won't ned asked her companion very deliberately mrs rover darted a keen glance at him and rose to alter the position of her hat in front of the mirror over the fireplace prelis knew quite well that she was watching him in the mirror and carefully smoothed all expression out of his good-humored face ned repeated mrs rover patting her hair back oh yes ned of course do you think they will hang him, she demanded, wheeling round, rather white, and breathing hard. Good heavens no, what put that into your head? He isn't allowed to see me, the arrest. Ned hasn't been arrested.

Starting point is 04:13:04 The fact that he was seen insensible by heaps of people proves his innocence. Burge is simply detaining him as a necessary witness, although I admit that Burge is taking a somewhat high hand in the matter. Don't bother your head about Ned. Constance. He'll soon be free to marry that girl. Mona Chint! Mrs. Rover clenched her hands and breathed still harder, while Prilis anxiously watched the effect of his deliberate introduction of the name. Oh, yes. She went off into a meaningless

Starting point is 04:13:39 trill of laughter. She's free, isn't she? Lucky girl, for I quite believe that she killed her uncle. Why do you believe that? demanded Prelis. Everyone says so. Everyone does not say so. The majority of people think that the verdict is a just one. I do myself. Do you know her? No. What has that to do with it? You won't like her when you do know her, said Mrs. Rover spitefully. She's a horrid girl. I never liked her. That's a pity. You won't be able to visit Ned's wife. She isn't his wife yet, breathed Mrs. Rover, trying to keep her temper in check. Perhaps she never will be.

Starting point is 04:14:27 Oh, Prilis spoke with calculated daring and cruelty. Do you then think that Mr. Rover will die? You, how are you? she broke off. What do you mean by that? I would rather you explain, Constance. I have nothing to explain. Did you come here to insult me? Of course, replied Preliss rising, and now that I have done so, I may as well take my leave. She seized him by the lapels of his coat before he could reach the door.

Starting point is 04:15:00 Don't go, don't go, she panted. I do so want a friend. I'll tell you all. You shall know everything. If it is against your husband, I shan't listen. You shall. Sit down and hear what I have to say. Prelis was a strong young man, but for the moment her feminine strength prevailed, and he found himself forced into his former seat. I wouldn't say what I'm going to say to everyone, panted Mrs. Rover, who was very strongly moved. But even though we have been apart for so many years,

Starting point is 04:15:37 I still regard you as my best friend. You and I were boy and girl together. Dory, you remember. Ned also, interposed Preliss pointedly. Yes, yes, of course, I always love Ned. Constance, what are you saying? She rose and beat her hands together. The truth, the truth.

Starting point is 04:15:59 I liked you, Dory. I always liked you. But I love Ned, and I shall love him until I die. She looked like a tragedy queen. Prilus grew impatient, being a very matter-of-fact young man. Don't mean melodramatic, Constance. Sit down and explain quietly. With that wonderful adaptability of women at which man never ceases to marvel,

Starting point is 04:16:27 Mrs. Rover sat down and composed herself with a violent effort. When next she spoke, it was in so cold and icy a tone that Prelas, had his eyes been closed, could have sworn that another person had joined in the dialogue. You know that my father, the general, was not rich, and that my mother was extravagant. I was the only child, and my parents wished me to make a wealthy marriage, so that their affairs might be put right. That is, my mother wished it, for my father, dear old man, desired me to consider me to consult my own heart. I did, and it told me to marry Ned. We were half engaged. My father was

Starting point is 04:17:16 willing in spite of his difficulties, but my mother would not consent. Ned was poor, you know. He had only 500 a year of his own, and has not yet made a success at the bar. Then Dolly Rover came along. She stopped and bit her lip, while her hands moved restlessly, as though boxing her husband's ears. What about, Mr. Rover? asked Prilus soothingly. Then the natural woman came out, and she rose in a rage. I hate Dolly like poison, she cried, pacing up and down the room, twisting her hands together. He's a horrid, sneaky little cur who—' Don't abuse your husband. You? Don't abuse your husband. husband Constance, interrupted Preliss impatiently. It does no good.

Starting point is 04:18:06 You married him of your own free will. I did nothing of the sort. I married him to save my father from going through the bankruptcy court. It would have broken his heart, dear old father, and he would have died. Dolly knew that I hated him and that I loved Ned, but he demanded his price, like the mean dog that he is. my mother was on his side too and i could not bear to see my father suffer i parted with ned and married dolly that is i sold myself on condition that father's debts were paid i kept to my part of the bargain And didn't your husband keep to his?

Starting point is 04:18:52 No, Mrs. Rover stamped violently. He paid a portion of the debts, enough to avert bankruptcy merely. But he left father the worry, and of that worry father died. My mother has married again, a rich man, so she is happy. And here I am tied to Dolly. Ugh, the name, while my heart is breaking for Ned. It is a hard case, said Prelis. Sorry for the miserable woman.

Starting point is 04:19:23 Still, your self-respect, Constance. That is right. Preach, preach, preach. So like a man, she mocked. I have kept my self-respect as you term it. I am a good wife to Dolly, although I detest him. I have never said a word against him to anyone, and I wouldn't to you, but that I must speak or suffocate. I can trust you, Dory, and you understand how I feel and what I feel.

Starting point is 04:19:53 I love Ned. I want to marry Ned. And here I'm tied to to... Prelis interrupted. It is hard on you, Constance, I admit, he said. But you must make the best of it. You say that you lead your husband the life of a dog? Of a pet dog, of a poodle. He's so much. He's so much. He's so much. meek and mild and sneaky that I can't respect him. He merely snickers when I grow angry and chuckles how he got the best of me over the marriage by not paying all father's debts. Oh, what is the use of talking? I love Ned, and Ned loves me. Prelis jumped up. I can't believe that, he declared growing angry, for Ned is engaged to Miss Chint. If he loves you, why is he? Don't ask questions, interrupted Mrs. Rover angrily.

Starting point is 04:20:49 Or if you must ask them, go to Ned. Or better still, Tumona Chint herself. What can I ask Miss Chint? demanded Prelis sharply. It's a very warm weather, mocked Mrs. Rover, and I think there will be a thunderstorm. The young man looked at her and saw her mouth set obstinately. He knew as well as if she had spoken. that there was nothing more to be got out of her for the time being but what she had said made him all the more determined to see miss chint and learn the truth about the engagement to sheppworth meanwhile he took the wind out of mrs rovers's sails by falling in with her humor it will be a good thing if it does thunder and rain he remarked glancing out of the window it will clear the air

Starting point is 04:21:43 mrs rover looked as though she would have struck him but unable to parry his thrust threw herself sulkedly on the sofa prelis took up hat and gloves to depart but halted at the door with premeditated craft a sudden thought had struck him constance he said in a natural tone i am in love indeed she said indifferently yes with a lady who was at your ball the remark made her rouse herself and she sat up with a look of curiosity who is she i want you to tell me that i could not see her face and very little of her figure owing to the domino but she seemed to be so charming when we talked together this was a lie to gain information that i quite lost my heart it's easy lost said mrs rover curling her lip the woman may be as ugly as sin under her mask how was she dressed in a green mask and domino mrs rover stiffened and with a white dress streaked with lines of red velvet why do you laugh he asked for mrs rover was trying to suppress her mirth why she cried shaking with merriman because I wore that dress and mask and domino. You?

Starting point is 04:23:15 Prelis looked horrified. Yes, why do you look at me like that? You? Prelis back to the door in silent horror. He could not trust himself to speak and finally disappeared, leaving Mrs. Rover petrified with amazement, perhaps with dread. End of Chapter 12.

Starting point is 04:23:39 chapter thirteen of the sacred herb by fergus hume this levervox recording is in the public domain landwin grange in the exercise of his profession a legitimate detective would have waited to question mrs rover since she had said so much he would have forced her to say all in order to get at the truth as speedily as possible but lord prelis was new to the business and his emotions were not entirely under control on leaving alexander mansions he felt that he was in possession of a most dangerous and perilous secret the publication of which would cause even a greater sensation than that produced by the crimes themselves the shock of learning that mrs rover was the woman who had been brought by agstone into number forty was very great and quite confused prelis's usual strong brain he did not dare to call again on sheppworth lest he should say too much it will be seen that prelis being an untrained detective jumped somewhat hastily to a conclusion mrs rover had admitted that she wore the dress, the mask, and the domino, which Shepworth had seen on the unknown lady. But Constance did not know that Ned had so described her appearance, and if she had, would probably not have admitted that she had assumed such a costume at her ball mask.

Starting point is 04:25:25 But the mere fact that, even in ignorance of Shepworth's description, she had, as the saying goes, given herself away, should have proved to Lord Preliss that she could not be guilty. Had Mrs. Rover entered No. 40 in Agstone's company, and had she struck the blow, she assuredly would not have incriminated herself so unthinkingly. Rather, would she have denied that the fraught mentioned by Preliss belonged to her? After the first shock and while Prelis was in the train going to hide, he began to revise his earlier opinion on the above-mentioned grounds. His common sense came to his aid and told him that, if guilty, Mrs. Rover would not have

Starting point is 04:26:13 confessed even to a half-truth. Certainly had she not done so, her maid, knowing what dress her mistress wore at the ball, might have blurted out the secret. But then, so far as the world knew, no inquiry would have been made about the wear of that a special frock. Of course, assuming that in a thoughtless moment Mrs. Rover had foolishly confessed the truth, Prilis could find a motive for her behavior in committing the crime. It might be that Agstone wished to kill Ned, and that Mrs. Rover, to save the life of the man she loved, had struck down the sailor unawares.

Starting point is 04:26:56 Having committed the deed, she could easily see. slip back to her own flat, and mingle with the masked crowd. But then again, as Prelas further argued, while the train drew near to the coast, Mrs. Rover must have known that in murdering Agstone, she was not only securing the freedom of Mona Chent, whom she hated, but also was placing her lover in a dangerous position. Agstone was a necessary witness for the prosecution, whom Shepworth, of all men, did not wish to see placed in the box. So the supposition would be, were the man found dead in No. 40, that Shepworth had killed him to save Mona Chint. As a matter of fact, this is exactly what had taken place, and in saving Ned from the sailor's knife, Mrs. Rover, always presuming

Starting point is 04:27:48 that she was guilty, had simply condemned her lover to a death on the scaffold. But that prelis had been clever enough to admit the crowd of guests so that all might see the barrister's helpless position, it is certain that the man would have been arrested and probably sentenced to death, since it would have been extraordinarily difficult for him to clear his character in the face of circumstances. Therefore, on these assumptions, for that they were and no more, Prelas, after much reflection, decided that Mrs. Rover was innocent. Finally, the young man recollected that a woman dressed as described by Ned, in the costume which Mrs. Rover confessed to wearing, had passed down the stairs while he was waiting for entrance to number 40,

Starting point is 04:28:38 and immediately before the discovery of the crime. She could scarcely have been Mrs. Rover, for as that lady could have easily proved an alibi by returning to her guest, and casually unmasking at the right moment, it would have been useless for her to leave the mansions. Of course, the lady, whether Mrs. Rover or a stranger, certainly might have followed Prelas down to the door, knowing that he would be certain to discover the tragedy, and might merely have descended to return to the ballroom overhead when the young man entered Shepworth's flat. But then again, the person in question could not have known that Prelis, masked and unknown was going to enter number forty so there would be no reason to track him there and to conclude the murderess if a woman was guilty must have known that shepworth being in a cataleptic state must have seen and remembered her very peculiar frock

Starting point is 04:29:41 on the whole prelis arrived at certain conclusions by no means inimicable to mrs rover by the time he alighted at hyde station he believed that constance was innocent for four reasons firstly if guilty she would not have confessed to wearing the dress since such a confession would necessarily lead to her detection secondly by killing agstone she would not only have placed shepard in a dangerous position, but by getting rid of an inconvenient witness would have enabled Mona to escape possible condemnation. Thirdly, she would not have followed an unknown man, as Prelis was by reason of his mask and domino, down the stairs with the intention of seeing what took place. Fourth, and lastly, she would not have sought safety in an incriminating flight, as the similarly dressed woman on the stairs apparently had, when she would have been much safer in her own ballroom and amongst her own guests. Only by such a course could she have provided an alibi.

Starting point is 04:30:54 No, Mrs. Rover, in spite of her startling admission, was innocent, and the sole conclusion that Prilis could arrive at was the existence of a double, outwardly at all events. He remembered the extraordinary ubiquity of the green domino in the red-streaked white dress and decided very naturally that there was another woman in the field but what woman possessed a motive sufficiently strong to urge her to murder agstone as preliss felt quite worn out with arguing in mrs rovers's defense he decided to leave the answering of this new question to the pretentious moment when further evidence might reveal the identity of the unknown lady. Meanwhile, on arriving at Hyde, he rested himself at a quiet hotel

Starting point is 04:31:45 and soothed his troubled brain within hours' necessary sleep. Later on, after an invigorating bath and an excellent dinner, he started to walk towards Landwin Grange. It was summer and romance was in the air. At least Prilus sinned its presence by some sixth sense. was going to see the girl he loved, the girl with whom he had not as yet exchanged a single word. Therefore, although past the peacock age, he was particularly attentive to his appearance when assuming his evening clothes. As he strolled inland along the leafy lanes through the July

Starting point is 04:32:28 warmth of the twilight, this somewhat premature wooer looked as comely and well-groomed a swain as any damsel, not demanding an Apollo could desire. And it was a great proof of Prilus's infatuation that in looking forward to meeting Mona, he almost forgot that he was merely the emissary of the man to whom the girl was engaged. The whole position was extraordinarily queer. He adored this girl without being personally acquainted with her. She was a finance to his best friend, and yet he could not be certain if that same best friend really loved the girl herself. Even a paley royal force could offer no more fantastic complication than this. Prelis felt that after running round the wild world in search of the unusual, he had

Starting point is 04:33:26 returned to find romance sitting on his doorstep. The way to the family seat of the land winds twisted inland and uphill through deep, and embracious woods on emerging high up from the belt of trees prelis found himself on a wide unshaded road snaking over bare downs for some distance he toiled upward then the road mounted a rise to slip down into a cup-shaped hollow brimmed with cultivated woods in the midst of these he saw an old gray house seemingly prevented from falling to pieces by the ivy which covered its moldering walls. From the lips of the hollow stretched the rolling, grassy downs, dotted with nibbling sheep, gray in the shadows of the coming night. But it was not yet night, for the sky was filled with a luminous light, all pervading, yet emanating from no certain point. A breathless peace brooded over the vast treeless uplands.

Starting point is 04:34:36 and an even deeper peace seemed to enrap the ancient mansion it appeared to be the veritable palace of the sleeping beauty set amidst enchanted woods and prelis thrilled with the idea that beauty herself awake and unkissed awaited some prince in the seclusion of her fairy castle following the road which here grew somewhat narrower lord prelis descended into the hollow passed under the shade of overhanging trees and came out into a kind of artificial glade smooth with carefully tended lawns and brilliant with flowers the grange itself was somewhat sunken in the ground entirely level with the lawns and looked like part of the woods themselves so clothed was it with darkly green ivy there appeared a weather-worn esketchen over the great doorway and lights gleamed from a aerial windows in the east but to the left prelis saw the three tall French windows opening onto a wide terrace which had been referred to at the trial. These windows appeared quite out of keeping with the Tudor architecture of the mansion, but the visitor eyed them with great interest. It was through one of these windows that Agstone and Jadby had looked to see the tragedy of Sir Oliver's death. And had that not taken place,

Starting point is 04:36:08 Prilus might never have been brought into contact with the most charming girl in the the world. His heart beat loudly as he rang the bell. Afterwards, Lord Preliss never could explain clearly how he had first come into the presence of his goddess. In a bewildered manner, he waited in the antique hall, after delivering his card to a pompous footman, and in a bewildered manner was led into a long, low, wide drawing room with Orioles at the farther end, brilliant with family crests in stained glass. class. So far as he could recollect, he did not look at the Cumberson Georgian furniture, or at the aggressively modern grand piano, which seemed to be out of place,

Starting point is 04:36:54 or at the portraits of cavaliers and their ladies decking the mellow-yued walls, or even at the painted ceiling, or the carpet tinted with rainbow colors, subdued by time to grateful sobriety. He had no eyes, save for, a tall, slim girl, arrayed in a white dress, with a somewhat pale-worn face who welcomed him in the sweetest of voices and with the most grateful of smiles. I am glad to see Ned's best friend, she said, and her voice sounded like fairy music in the newcomer's ravished ears. And to thank him. To thank me, muttered Prelis, staring at the lovely face in the mellow lamplight.

Starting point is 04:37:45 I saw you in that terrible court, she said swiftly, and the way in which you looked at me gave me comfort. Other people, my friends, they call themselves, stared as though I were a wild animal, but you, Lord Prelis, she threw out her hands with an eloquent gesture full of grace. Ned wrote and told me that you were his friend. I am here to be. be yours also, studded Preliss, suppressing a wild desire to kneel and worship. We are friends already. It does not need words to confirm a friendship offered and accepted mutely and with gratitude. Prelis felt more bewildered than ever. Here was a girl so entirely unconventional that she defied the usages of society which prescribed the etiquette for a primary

Starting point is 04:38:41 meeting between bachelor and maid. It was marvelously sweet to be thus greeted. But Prelas must have revealed his delighted surprise too clearly, for Miss Chint laughed. I am afraid that my proffer of unmasked for friendship surprises you, she said smilingly. But you see, my poor uncle instructed me somewhat in psychology, and I look at the inner rather than the outer. You said yourself, Miss Chint, that the friendship was asked for in court, said Preliss earnestly, and it was. As Ned's best friend, I claim to be yours also. I bring a message from Ned. You shall deliver it presently, said Mona, turning to a stout, white-haired gentleman with a genial face who was standing near the window silently. Just now you must allow me to introduce Mr. Mardibon, another loyal friend.

Starting point is 04:39:41 also she waved her hand towards a spindle-le-legged Versailles table as the two men shook hands. You must have some coffee. Prelas accepted gratefully, as he would have taken poison from the hands of this delightful girl, so long as she served it, as she did the coffee with her own white hands. Martaban took a cup also and resumed the seat from which he had arisen when Prelas entered. Miss Chint pointed out a chair to her visitor and herself reclined on a Louis-Trey sofa. Then the three began to talk on immediate and earthly matters, and Prelis was forced to descend from transcendental heights. In that room at that hour and in the presence of such an angel, it seemed desperately hard to abandon romance for reality.

Starting point is 04:40:37 But there was no help for it. ned's message questioned mona anxiously he is all right and will be down as soon as he can get away replied the emissary delivering the exact words of his friend then you don't think that he is in danger of being accused of this second crime no no interposed mardaband in a genial but authoritative voice i have told you before and i tell you again that under the circumstances no one can accuse mr sheppworth and that added the solicitor bowing towards the young man is due my lord to your wise action in a knitting the crowd to see Mr. Shepworth insensible. Prelis nodded his thanks. Ned is perfectly safe, he said quietly. Mona clasped her hands with a thankful gesture.

Starting point is 04:41:39 I am so glad, I am so thankful, she whispered softly. He has been a dear good friend in standing by me when I so sadly needed help. Oh, Prilus was rather indebted. dignite, seeing that he is something more than a friend to you, Miss Chent, he could scarcely fail to lay himself and his life at your feet. It is only what an English gentleman would do to any lady he respected, much less loved. Mona colored and turned aside her face, rather embarrassed by the impetuous outbreak of her lover's friend. Both English gentlemen and English ladies held aloof, when I was in danger, she said simply, so you can understand how much I prize the friendship, both of Ned and of Mr. Mardaban here, seeing that they never believed that I was guilty. No one could believe that, cried Prelis still impetuous, and throwing his usual discretion to the winds. The moment I set eyes on your face, I knew that you were innocent.

Starting point is 04:42:50 Miss Chint colored again, and rather retreated from the confidential, attitude she had assumed. Prilus was going ahead too fast, and her womanly nature, in spite of occult training, was taking alarm. I must say that, seeing you did not know me, the belief was somewhat rash, she rejoined coldly. However, I thank you. And you will allow me to help you, asked Prilis eagerly but timidly.

Starting point is 04:43:23 Help Miss Chent. said the lawyer looking keenly at the young man's glowing face in what way prelis laid down his cup crossed his legs and delivered himself of his opinion it was just as well that both mona and mardaban should learn of his determination to enter into their lives every one is delighted with few exceptions he said somewhat incoherently to the girl that you have been acquitted but some insist that you must be guilty forgive me for inflicting pain he added rapidly but it is necessary so that you may entirely understand me you are safe from the law miss chent but with some idiots your character is not yet clear also ned in spite of the absurdity of the thing may be accused of making away with steve agstone in your interests in order to set everything right it is necessary for us to make certain who killed your uncle and who killed the sailor but agstone killed sir oliver said mordaband quickly the evidence of the paper cutter which quite so quite so interrupted lord prelis hurriedly and so skating quickly over this thin ice, but we can't prove Agstone's guilt, beyond all doubt, without further evidence. For Miss Chint's sake, the truth, whatever it may be, must be made public.

Starting point is 04:44:56 And what do you think is the truth? demanded Mardabon, puzzled. Prelis, bearing Miss Rover in mind, shuffled again. I am not prepared to give an opinion offhand, he replied politely, but what I wish you and Miss Chent to understand is that Ned Shepworth has accepted my services towards hunting down the Arthur or authors of this double crime. I wish Miss Chent, if she will, to accept them also. Willingly and with gratitude, said Mona, extending her slim hand, Prelis contrived to press it in a friendly way and not kiss it, as he felt strongly inclined to do, but the effort was great then we can go ahead he said easily and as i am now admitted to the inner circle as it were i should like to know exactly how matters stand about you miss chent for instance do you remain here the girl flushed and glanced rather embarrassed at her lawyer yes replied the latter captain jadby who it undoubtedly inherits now that the second will has been destroyed has made no move towards assuming possession of his property

Starting point is 04:46:16 moreover there are certain legal formalities to be gone through before he can become the legitimate master of the grange until everything is straight i suggest that miss chint remains in her home it is not my home but captain jadby's answered the girl coloring painfully i would much rather go away but she added piteously yet with a proud effort of self-restraint i have nowhere to go to uncle oliver has disinherited me and my parents died insolvent if i leave the grange i go into the world penniless and alone preliss winced at the picture she drew there is always ned he remarked lamely miss chintz shot a swift glance at his distressed face and answered coldly in his own words yes there is always ned the young man felt more puzzled than ever her voice did not sound like that of a girl in love and as he had gathered from constance the man mona was engaged to had not given her his heart but if this was the case and it was beginning to appear obvious why had the two agreed to marry prelis did not know what to say so miss chant seeing his embarrassment explained in a somewhat embarrassed faction herself ned is poor she remarked with deliberate self-control he has his way to make in the world it would never do for me to burden him with a pauper wife two are stronger than one miss chint there is strength in unity not in this case she retorted and quietly dismissed the subject will you come to my house my dear said mardivon who seemed to be devoted to his luckless client my wife will be glad to have you

Starting point is 04:48:17 so will aunt sophia interposed preliss quickly and struck with a brilliant idea you know my aunt miss chint lady sophia harkin she is a friend of yours save yourself mr mardovan and ned i have had no friend since i was put on my trial for murder said mona in a level voice i decline to trouble any person until my innocence is proved it has been proved at the trial said prelis and mr mardaban echoed the speech legally but not socially she rejoined rising i accept your services lord prelis learn who killed my uncle and who stabbed poor agstone and urn she faltered and earned by my gratitude prelis looked disappointed yet what else could the girl say end of chapter thirteen chapter fourteen of the sacred herb by fergus yume this levervox recording is in the public domain mrs blexley's opinion despite the threatening clouds on the horizon which hinted at coming trouble the days passed very quietly at the grange as an elderly male chaperon mr mardubon remained to look after his client and the very respectable Mrs. Blexley was also useful in this necessary capacity. Preliss, unable to tear himself away from the too dangerous society of Mona,

Starting point is 04:50:07 and dangerous it was, considering his feelings and her engagement to Ned, lingered at the Hyde Hotel. Shepworth, strange to say, did not put in an appearance. It's odd, remarked Pratt. when strolling over the lawns on the third day of his arrival. It's odd that Ned doesn't come down. He put the observation in the form of a query, and so Mona, who strolled beside him, was forced to reply.

Starting point is 04:50:41 But she did so unwillingly and as briefly as was possible. Very odd, she said indifferently. Lord Prilus cast a puzzled side glance at her beautiful face, which looked ethereal and rosy under a red sunshade. Even as yet he could not understand what were her feelings towards his friend. And as he was more in love than ever, the situation was perplexing from its very vagueness. In sheer desperation, he tried to make her talk of Ned, which she did very rarely by continuing the topic. Ned, said the young man, eyeing the trees, the lawns, the sky and the house, with a fine

Starting point is 04:51:28 affectation of indifference. Ned has been acquitted at the inquest, and the jury gave a verdict of willful murder against some person or persons unknown in the orthodox style. Agstone has been buried, and here am I waiting for an interview with Ned to settle some course of action towards elucidating these criminal problems. Yet he has not come down and has not even replied to my letter. Miss Chint shifted her sunshade from one shoulder to the other. I expect he'll come down when he is ready, said she calmly. Oh, Jerusalem, excuse the swear word, Miss Chint, but if I were Ned, I should have come here ages ago. you did lord prelis but if you are so anxious to interview ned and i quite admit the necessity why not go up to london

Starting point is 04:52:29 Her companion wiggled uneasily and searched his brains for an excuse to remain in his uncomfortable paradise. Well, you see, or that is, my dear young lady, I am, to put it plainly, or my aunt, you know Lady Sophia is coming to Folkstone. She arrived there last night, Lord Prilis. Eh? What? You don't are, you don't say so. Mona laughed and the young man was glad to hear her laugh. She gave way rarely to merriment during the undecided present.

Starting point is 04:53:08 Why did you write about me to Lady Sophia? Asked the girl gently. I, Prelis was quite prepared to lie, but decided not to when he saw the expression of her face. Well, you see, that is, you understand that an aunt is an aunt. I never thought that she was an uncle. Of course not, but there, you see, my aunt expected me to write and I have written. You needn't have made me the subject matter of your letter. Who said that I did?

Starting point is 04:53:44 asked Prelis, growing Scarlet. Lady Sophia herself. I received a note from her this morning, and considering my position a very kind note. it seems that you wrote asking her to stand by me and she has come to folkestone to do so loud cheers cried prelas shamelessly i always thought that aunt sophia was a brick she never believed you were guilty you know he went on confusedly said all manner of nice things about you to me whenever we met now she'll take you under her wing and make things hot for any society fool that dares to say a word against you why do you do this for me lord prelis asked mona in a rather faltering tone and averting her two-speaking face i am that is well ned's friend you know oh mona's voice became steady and she turned to look at him squarely so you would list your aunt on my behalf for ned's sake was there ever such a perplexing girl a moment ago, and she seemed pleased at being championed by Lady Sophia. Now her looks and her voice

Starting point is 04:55:02 were cold. Prelis, in sheer desperation, blurted out the truth in a blundering manner. A little bit for my own sake also. I am glad of that. Are you? This time it was the young man's voice, which became unsteady, for he did not know whether he was on his head or his he. He heels that's all right a sentiment of honor towards the absent chefworth who would not look after his own interests made him end thus lamely mona laughed again and was enigmatic as the sphinx it is extremely good of you lord prelis she went on in a guarded manner lady sophia can help me greatly to recover my position in society you have never lost it blurted out Prilus crossly. I did lose it, and I have lost it, she answered sadly, and I shall never recover it entirely until the murder of my uncle is discovered. Lady Sophia, who really likes me, loves you, loves you, no, no, she likes me. Let us say that she has an affection for me. That is a greatly

Starting point is 04:56:18 to be appreciated state of mind for one woman to be in towards another. That's rather a German sentence, isn't it? I don't know what you mean, muttered Prelis, beginning to find out that, after all his experience in the four quarters of the globe, he was but a neophyte where women were concerned. I mean that Lady Sophia's liking or affection for me will do a great deal to rehabilitate me, but that the punishment of Uncle Oliver's assassin will do more, and your marriage with Ned will do most of all. Monon mocked him.

Starting point is 04:56:59 Marriage covers a multitude of sins, doesn't it? Prilus clutched his head, but his hair was too close-cropped for him to grip. I am to be best man, he said feebly, and found a delight in torturing himself. Oh, has Ned selected you for that post? He did when we were at Eton. I see. then he was engaged when at eaton how precocious the young man groaned and glanced at her despairingly quite unable to understand her moods lately she had been sad now her eyes were dancing with merriment i am glad you are happy he said in a surly tone for this mystery of her engagement tortured him i am she assented swiftly and for three reasons

Starting point is 04:57:53 may i hear them certainly in the first place you and ned will find out who killed my uncle and poor old steve so as to clear my character in the second place lady sophia is coming over to-day and thus begins the necessary whitewashing for me to re-enter the world and in the third place she ended seriously throughout all this trouble i have had a firm conviction that god would help me he has helped me by saving my life from a legal death and he will help me to clear my character some day perhaps in the near future there won't be a single stain on my name now don't speak she held up her hand you are about to say that there is not a stain now but there is to remove it i trust in god first and in you second what about ned asked prelis restlessly. Oh, in Ned also, she rejoined and looked at him quietly, as he made no observation, and he could not out of sheer perplexity, she turned on her Louis Cat's heel. I am going in to get ready for the visit of Lady Sophia, she said abruptly. Preliss watched the red sunshade vanish into the house, then dug his stick into the turf, and swore volubly.

Starting point is 04:59:23 he had a considerable command of language in this respect but rarely exercised his vocabulary on this occasion he did since ordinary words failed to soothe him and even as it was swearing did little good so prela started to walk violently and aimlessly only desirous of restoring his temper to its usual state of cynical calm by abnormal exercise he could not make mona as he called her mentally out in any way whatsoever she was certainly engaged to ned and yet she spoke of him quite unemotionally as she would have done of well not of an acquaintance perhaps but of a friend she could not possibly love him and if she did not should certainly not be engaged to him ned had no money and no position so she assuredly could not be seeking to better herself by the marriage certainly gratitude might induce her to become his wife since he had stood by her but then and here prela swore again she had been engaged to him some time before the death of sir oliver and when no gratitude could possibly have entered into her acceptance and if she was merely grateful ned would not marry her on that account especially since on the authority of mrs rover he loved another woman for the third time prelis swore over the problem and determined to throw all delicacy to the winds so far as shepworth was concerned the moment ned arrived at the grange he would ask him plainly what he meant and what she meant and what the whole infernal complication meant it was quite impossible that a young aristocrat with a large income and a healthy frame and a loving heart should sit on thorns in

Starting point is 05:01:25 any longer. Blankety, blank, blank, raged Preliss, and looked up on hearing an exclamation of horror at his elbow. His aimless walk had led him to the kitchen garden and to a bed of pot herbs, which Mrs. Blexley was laboriously picking. Being stout, and like Hamlet's scant of breath, the housekeeper wheezed like a creaky wheel as she stooped to gather some sage and time. but she retained enough breath to cry out with horror when hearing this handsome young gentleman swearing, as she afterwards described it, like the late Mr. Blexley, who had been a skipper of renowned in a way of bad language. I beg your pardon, said Prilus, showing his white teeth in a smile which won Mrs. Blexley's heart. I'm a little put out. Didn't know any lady was within earshot.

Starting point is 05:02:25 bless you my lord i'm not a lady and never laid claim to be one so swearing though not proper don't worry me overmuch it calls back old times sir really did you swear yourself me mrs blacksley looked indignant why i belong to the united inhabitants of the celestial regions what it's my religion said Mrs. Blexley simply, what you might call my sect, my lord. There's very few of us, but we all go to heaven. There's nothing like being certain of your destination, said Prilus dryly, and was about to move on when the housekeeper stopped him.

Starting point is 05:03:13 You're pardoned, my lord, but I've been trying to catch your eyes ever since you came here, but never managed it till now. In a kitchen garden too, ended Mrs. Blexley mournfully, which don't seem to be the place for a lord of high degree to speak in it it suited him to swear in it however murmured prelis frivolously then added in louder tones what do you wish to speak to me about not about him that is gone remarked mrs blacksley referring to her lost spouse though his language begging your lordship's pardon was as like yours as bean pods and because of such talk never come back, never. Them that has him will keep him. Indeed, are they,

Starting point is 05:04:02 whomesoever they may be, fond of him? I don't think so, my lord. You see, he's well, he's dead, my lord. Prel his hand to swirl his mustache and hide a smile. Then you think that, I'm sorry for Blexley, interrupted the housekeeper firmly, but he didn't belong to the united inhabitants of celestial regions, so he, she pointed stealthily downward. Let us hope it is not so bad as that, said Preliss, choking with suppressed laughter. You wish to speak to me, he repeated politely, to catch your lordship's eyes, as it were. That has been accomplished. What next? Mrs. Blacksley groaned and made an effort. It's about Miss Mona. The young man's merriment died away.

Starting point is 05:04:52 and he looked keenly at the red-faced, shapeless old woman. "'What's that?' he demanded, in the imperialist tone which formerly he had used towards recalcitrant soldiers. Mrs. Blexley, being timid, dropped with a thud onto the sage and time, and placed a podgy hand on her ample breast, gasping like a fish out of water. The heart, my lord, mother's side, it ain't strong. if your lordship would speak less like a gun going off certainly interrupted preliss in his most silky tones what have you to tell me about miss mona it ain't about her exactly my lord but there's the will you know and that madam epengrave as she called herself though i don't believe it is her name for all her heirs and graces and she nearly as old as me and is stout too for all her

Starting point is 05:05:52 her tight lacing. Prelis, leaning against the mellow brick wall where the nectarines grew, stared at the fat woman, who was still prostrate amidst the herbs. If you knew of such things, Mrs. Blexley, why didn't you explain in court? Because I don't believe in courts, or in them as is in courts, said Mrs. Blacksley, fanning herself with a pink sun bonnet. They got me to give what they called evidence, and say things against my dear pretty miss mona i nursed her sir i was born in the grange and have served the landwins all my life when mrs chint went away with her husband i followed and when she and him died i came back here with miss mona as sir oliver wished to be the housekeeper prelis nodded sympathetically i know that you are devoted to miss mona he said approving of this devoting of this devoting ocean you are too my lord ain't you asked the old woman pointedly the young man grew as red as the brick wall against which he was leaning but mrs blacksley seeing this sign of anger went on hastily i don't mean boldness my lord indeed i don't but miss mona does need a friend sadly my lord and she tells me that you are one

Starting point is 05:07:17 i am said prelis firmly and fleshing again and i am glad that she spoke thus of me but about this madam marie eppengrave i never liked her my lord an oily flatterer she was with a gimblit eye and a buttery tongue she was always trying to get the better of sir oliver and gave him that nasty thing that made the smoke prelis naturally looked startled why sir oliver brought the herb from east Mr. Island himself. At least I fancy he did. I don't, my lord, and what's more, he didn't. I went into the library to ask Master what he'd have for dinner, and Madame Epengrave, if that is her name, the old bag of rags, was showing, Master, a lot of dry stems and purple leaves, and talking about trances and such-like rubbish. That was just a week before Sir Oliver's death. What do you make of that, Mrs. Blexley? asked Prelas thoughtfully. I don't make anything of it, sir.

Starting point is 05:08:22 But it was strange that the nasty smoky weeds she gave master should bring about his death. Madame Marie had no reason to wish Sir Oliver did. Oh no, my lord, why she lost a good friend in him and often must have desired him to be alive and kicking. All the same, sir, she gave him them withered leaves, and through them master came by his end. prelis nodded absently he required time to think over the matter and turned away to be alone then a thought struck him and he returned to the housekeeper what about the will he demanded

Starting point is 05:09:02 it wasn't burnt you must be mistaken the court much them lawyers knew about it cried mrs blexley struggling to her feet i never said it to them because they said as it would help miss mona to get out of their nasty clutches if the will was proved to be burnt so i said what i was told for miss mona's sake but sir oliver was writing out another will how do you know asked prelas sharply and much disturbed i saw him writing it said mrs blexley firmly it was never signed to my knowledge but you can take my word for it my lord that the unsigned will was burnt and that miss mona is entitled by the other to the property end of chapter fourteen chapter fifteen of the sacred herb by first This Levervox recording is in the public domain. Jadby plays a card. Mrs. Blexley's communications certainly afforded Lord Preliss ample food for reflection. What she had said about Madame Marie, as the young man mentally termed her, implied that the fortune

Starting point is 05:10:30 teller was somehow implicated in the tragedy of Sir Oliver's death. yet he had been a good friend to the lady, and by his death she lost a valuable client. It was impossible to think that she had killed the baronet herself, or had been a consenting party to his death. But undoubtedly, according to Mrs. Blexley's firm asseveration, she had given Landwin the roots and leaves of the sacred herb. and from using these in the prescribed way to induce a trance, Sir Oliver had been rendered helpless. Had he not been chained hand and foot by the fumes of the herb, he could not have been killed, as in spite of his lost leg, he was no despicable antagonist. The herb, therefore, was the main factor in the tragedy, and Madame Marie had placed the same in the man's hands.

Starting point is 05:11:30 Of course, it was just possible that someone, name unknown, had found Sir Oliver helpless, and so had taken the opportunity to kill him. Madame Marie may have discovered the guilty person, and to recompense her for the loss of a wealthy friend, had been bribed by the same person to silence. This pointed to the guilt of Captain Jadby, who might have been anxious to get rid of the baronet, so as to enter into his heritage. But the assertion of the housekeeper about the new unsigned will went far to show that the sailor was innocent. Captain Jadby assuredly would have destroyed the will which gave the property to Mona, and not an unsigned document, which mattered

Starting point is 05:12:22 nothing to him. Much puzzled by the new aspect of the case, Preliss sought out Mr. Mordaubon, and related what he had heard in the kitchen garden. The solicitor at first scoffed at the idea of the unsigned will being destroyed, but later cautiously ventured the remark that there might be something in it. Though mind you, he remarked thoughtfully, Mrs. Blexley does not prove her case, as we say in legal circles. She states that Sir Oliver made a new will in his own handwriting, but she cannot prove that this was the particular will which was burnt but sir oliver's handwriting would be recognized urged prelis it was replied mardubon tersely the will leaving the property to miss chint was in my late client's handwriting also he always preferred to write out his own testaments to draw them up you mean not in this a special instance my lord the will leaving all to Captain Jadby and made in the South Seas years ago is a personal document since I have seen it.

Starting point is 05:13:36 The unsigned will also was personal, as so far as I know Sir Oliver did not employ any lawyer to draw it up. But I drew out the document by which Miss Chent inherited, and Sir Oliver copied it himself, and had it signed by Mrs. Blexley and Agstone. So you see that we can't actually say, which will was burnt, as there is not sufficient remaining of the document. From some of the scraps found, which alluded to Miss Chant as my dear niece, it would seem that the will in her favor must have been destroyed, since Sir Oliver, when angered, would not have spoken kindly of her in the document alluded to by Mrs. Blexley.

Starting point is 05:14:23 Preliss nodded absently. I presume that the new will would also have been signed. by mrs blexley and agstone as witnesses i think so since sir oliver trusted both but according to the housekeeper the will was not witnessed for all we know it may not even have been signed mrs blexley says that it wasn't i think she is right said martybon thoughtfully since the testator has to sign in the presence of the witnesses and mrs blexley would probably have been one what about captain jadby he was absent on many occasions and had he signed as a witness he would not have benefited madame marie eppengrave hmm mardubon considered she and agstone might have signed certainly but in that case she would have come forward to state to whom the new will left the property it could not have been jadby since the old will held good if the second was destroyed madame marie may have been bribed by jadby to hold her tongue about the third will so that the first could stand which points to the fact that the second must have been destroyed yet mrs blexley says that it was not i agree admitted prelis but as you say she does not prove her case

Starting point is 05:15:56 mordaubon nodded the sole way in which the case can be proved is by the production of the second will or of the third remarked prelis quietly The assassin of Sir Oliver burnt one will. We know not which, and holds the other. He will produce it when he is ready. And so lay himself open to arrest, ended Mortaban neatly. He paused and went on deliberately. I advise a waiting game. A waiting game? Mordabon nodded. Let the other side move first. Do you mean, Captain, Captain, and Jadby? Ask Prelis abruptly. And this unknown assassin, who holds one of the last two wills. Jadby, we know, retains the first, which gives the property to him. He will probably come down to insist upon his rights. I shall refuse to let him have the Grange or the income until the other wills are proved to be destroyed, or at least until he proves that the burnt will is the one giving the property to Miss Chint. That was proved at the trial. Quite so. But Mrs. Blexley's story requires that the case should be reopened. Not for the trial of Miss Chent,

Starting point is 05:17:22 cried Prelis in alarm. Mardabon laughed heartily. You can make yourself easy on that score, my lord. No one can be tried twice for the same offense. Well, I agree with you. I agree with with you that it is best to wait and see what jadby does and then we can checkmate him as you suggest meanwhile i shall go to london and call on madame marie in new bond street she may know of something likely to elucidate the mystery of the landwin grange crime If she does, said Mardibon, with a chuckle, she certainly will not speak out. A clever woman, Madame Marie. I can deal with clever women, said Prelis rather conceitedly. Deal with Miss Chet, then, finished the lawyer, and the conversation ended for the time being. It was all very well for Mardabon to suggest dealing with Mona, but that young lady was much too femininity.

Starting point is 05:18:23 but that young lady was much too feminine for prelis to tackle. He could make nothing of her. Sometimes she was kindness itself to him, and then she would hold him at arm's length with freezing politeness. Even as yet he could not determine her relations to Ned. Otherwise than that an official engagement existed. She gave him no chance of learning the exact truth. When he praised Ned, she would assent cordially to the most enthusiastic eulogians,

Starting point is 05:18:59 and yet when he hinted, and being in love, he could not help hinting that Ned did not behave as a lover should. She entirely agreed. In desperation, he would have spoken to her about Constance Rover, but a feeling of loyalty to his absent friend prevented his doing this. once or twice prelis determined to leave for london and wash his hands of all these mysteries of which miss chent was not the least but he was so deeply in love that awkward as the position was he could not tear himself away yet like a true gentleman prelis never revealed by word or deed or even look that he was at mona's feet it was with a feeling of relief that prelis came one day to the grange and found lady sophia officially established as mona's friend all day long the young man had been walking off his feelings on the downs trying by violent exercise to calm his agitated nerves he tore along at top speed for miles cursing himself for a fool in submitting to be lured by a will-o-wisp since seeing how matters stood between mona and ned he could not hope to make the girl lady prelis but however far he went the lodestone of the grange magnetized by miss chent's mere presence always drew him back to her dainy feet there to sigh hopelessly

Starting point is 05:20:40 for the moon. On this occasion he arrived back to afternoon tea and was greeted effusively in the drawing-room by his aunt. Though I can't say that you look well, Prelis, said Lady Sophia, putting up her lawn yet. What have you been doing with yourself? Late hours and indigestible suppers, no doubt. Ask Miss Chint, replied Prilus, somewhat sulkedly. she knows what a rake i am mona who was presiding over a well-provided tea-table glanced at the dark circles under the young man's eyes at his lack of color and noted his cross looks the survey for some reason appeared to give her a large amount of satisfaction i don't know lord prelis's character she observed demurely he's a dormouse always asleep said lady sophia sipping her tea so ned tommy and his nickname also but he's a very energetic dormouse surely in exploring the world as he has done hmm it would be much better if he stayed at home and married prelis could not stand this observation in mona's presence that is entirely a personal matter aunt sophia he snapped

Starting point is 05:22:10 not at all answered the lady coolly as you are the head of the house its members should have some say in your marriage unless you marry a nice girl i shan't call on her have some more tea lord prelis said mona sorry to see how very annoyed he was yet secretly pleased heaven knows for what reason thank you he passed his cup i am glad to see you aunt sophia and surprised he ended with emphasis lady sophia put up her lorgnette again one is always surprised to find virtue in unexpected places she remarked coolly. I plagiarized that from Monnier, my dear. Yes, I am virtuous, coming over into these wilds on a hot day, and I want the reward of my virtue. What reward do you want? asked Prelis, gruffly.

Starting point is 05:23:14 The right to look after this dear girl, Lady Sophia, patted Mona's arm. I propose that she shall come abroad with me for a few months. then next year we can return, and I can present her again at court. I never believe the rubbish that people talked, my sweetest Mona, so you can safely trust yourself under my wing. I shall be delighted, said Mona, giving the elder lady's arm a little affectionate squeeze. But don't you think I ought to remain here until the truth is found out? You silly child! truth has positively been shouted from the housetops.

Starting point is 05:23:58 Everyone knows that you are innocent, not, added Lady Sophia in her usual, inconsequent fashion, that I should blame you if you were guilty. I never liked Sir Oliver. He was very kind to me, said Mona impetuously. He meant well. That condemns him. People one doesn't like always mean well. However, he's dead, so we'll say no more about him.

Starting point is 05:24:27 But you'll come to Germany with me, my dear. I'm going to some bad... I can't tell you the name exactly. It's too long and sounds too much like swearing. But it's a new bad that has to do with the new disease. And have you got the new disease? Aunt Sophia? I never was healthier in my life, my dear boy.

Starting point is 05:24:49 But there's a cave near this bad, with bones and skin. skulls of the stone age. I want to see what like the poor dear things were in those happy times. They won't look pretty as merely bones, said Prilus dryly. Perhaps not. Only dogs like bones, but I dare say there will be some dear little axes with which they cut off the heads of animals that lived before the flood, and beads too, perhaps, fancy beads. It brings the poor dear things so near to us to think they wore beads. While Lady Sophia rattled on thus, talking about everyone and everything to set Mona at her ease, the girl herself was listening. I hear a fly, she said, starting to her feet, expectantly.

Starting point is 05:25:44 Where? asked Lady Sophia, looking up at the ceiling. What sharp ears you must have, child. hark miss chint walked to the drawing-wim door opened it and passed through a moment later they heard her voice raised in joyful welcome and prelis tried hard to suppress his jealousy he did not need lady sophia to tell him that it was that sheppworth man all the same he contrived to be fairly amiable when ned entered with greetings how do you do lady sophia dory i am so glad to see you what a hot day it has been thank you mona i shall be glad to have a cup of tea prela stared as ned sat down in a comfortable chair near miss chent for he could not understand who had so lately escaped peril chatting in this silly fashion the barrister did not look well either as his face was pale and his eyes sunken i expected you down here before growled preliss after a pause i could not get down rattled on ned stirring his tea another lump of sugar please mona there was much to do but now that agstone has been buried and my character cleared i have come down to circumvent our friend captain jadby mona started nervously oh ned is there anything wrong not at present but jadby will try and put things wrong he will be here in a quarter of an hour here mona rose in dismay are you sure

Starting point is 05:27:30 shepworth nodded and cast a hasty glance at prelis he came to me yesterday and said that he was coming down to see you for a certain purpose as prelis is here and i know very well what jadby wants to say i thought it best to come down too. By watching at the station, I found what train he was going by, and nipped in also. At Hyde, I secured the only fly, and so have gotten ahead of him. Shepworth glanced at his watch. He'll soon be here, and then, he paused. And then, queried Lady Sophia, astonished, bless me, Mr. Shepworth, what then? How mysterious you are. you surprise me captain jadby will surprise you more rejoined shepworth dryly and so i am glad that you are here dory why demanded that young gentleman who was as astonished as his aunt sheppworth merely nodded mysteriously and whispered to mona who nodded in reply with very bright eyes and with another glance at the puzzled prelis he could not understand even in the presence of the engaged couple if they really were in love sheppworth was certainly attentive and mona was extremely amiable

Starting point is 05:28:58 but there was something wanting in their behavior they had not kissed for one thing as engaged lovers surely would do but perhaps that sign of future marriage had taken place in the hall Lady Sophia also puzzled would have asked questions which her more diffident nephew was afraid to put, but that the footman brought in a card. Captain Chadby, said Mona, reading the same, Ned, must I see him? It will be as well, rejoined Shepworth significantly, and in the presence of Mardaban. He has gone out on a walk and won't be back for some time. explained the girl nervously, But I feel safe with you and Lord Prelis. Why with me?

Starting point is 05:29:49 Prelis asked, when the footman departed to usher in the South Sea sailor. You were always so kind, she observed in a low voice, and cast down her eyes, blushing scarlet, much to Prelis' amazement. He really did not know what to make of all this. but Mona's sudden color ebbed from her cheeks when Captain Jadby entered, for she appeared to be rather afraid of the buccaneer. Jadby, halting and bowing on the threshold, did look rather lawless in spite of his civilized flannel garb.

Starting point is 05:30:28 He had arrayed himself in white and wore a scarlet cumberbun and a scarlet tie. These touches of too vivid color added to his smooth, dark face with fiery black eyes and curly black hair, and general hint at foreign blood, bespoke him the buccaneer from the fringes of the empire. His manners also left something to be desired, for after bowing to Lady Sophia and Miss Chent, and greeting Prelis with a sullen nod, he turned towards Shepworth, then his eyes flashed and his mouth grew hard. You have stolen a march on me, he declared, coming forward. As you see, replied Shepworth very coolly, after what you told me yesterday, it was necessary. I wonder that you are not afraid to come,

Starting point is 05:31:23 said Jadby, sneering viciously. Why should Mr. Shepworth be afraid? demanded Mona, catching at Lady Sophia's hand to keep up her courage. Ask him, snarled, the captain. posing picturesquely. Why should you be afraid? Mona reiterated, turning to her lover. Captain Jadby can explain, replied Shepworth, swively. And may I suggest, said Prelis politely, that in explaining Captain Jadby might remember that there are two ladies present.

Starting point is 05:32:02 The buccaneer shrugged his shoulders and pointedly turned his back on Prelis, a rudeness which that young gentleman noted carefully, intending to rebuke Jadby later for the same. You are, I understand, Miss Chint, engaged to Mr. Shepworth. He said to Mona, insolently, she glanced at Shepworth, but kept her temper. Everyone knows that news. It is common property. And I love you, he went on steadily.

Starting point is 05:32:36 Rather a public. place to speak like that to me, Captain Jadby. I am true to you, and he, pointing to Shepworth, is false. He loves another woman. And I forbid you to mention that woman's name, cried Shepworth, meaningly. Then you admit it, cried the sailor triumphantly. He does, said Mona unexpectedly,

Starting point is 05:33:02 because I know it. What? Chadby recoiled in dismay. His thunderbolt had fallen and failed. My engagement, pursued Miss Chent, is merely official. End of Chapter 15. Chapter 16 of the Sacred Erb by Fergus Hume. This leverbox recording is in the public domain. Dr. Horace intervenes. In the dead silence which followed my,

Starting point is 05:33:42 Mona's enigmatic announcement. A pen could have been heard to drop. Freelis's head was whirling. Here at last was the explanation, and he would now know the true relationship between the girl he loved and Ned, who apparently cared nothing for her. Shepworth stood quietly beside Miss Chint with a perfectly calm face, but his eyes were fixed threateningly on Captain Jadby, who appeared to be much amazed at the calm way in which Mona received his news. Lady Sophia glanced from one man to the other, and having a shrewd idea of what was coming made up her mind to depart, so as to spare herself a scene and shepworth an awkward explanation. Most interesting, she said, rising and shaking out her skirts,

Starting point is 05:34:38 But I have so much to do that I really cannot wait. Mona, child, you must come and see me at Folkestone, the Piccadilly Hotel, you know. Though why Piccadilly by the seaside, I really don't know. Will you not wait and hear what I have to say? asked Jadby, who seemed desirous of having as many listeners as possible, so as to cast shame upon Shepworth. No, my good man, rejoined. lady Sophia, with all the polished insolence of a grand dame, other people's affairs do not interest me.

Starting point is 05:35:16 You had better go back to the South Seas, where I am sure you will be much more at home. Prilus, help me on with my dust cloak. She pointed to a gray silk mantle, which her dutiful nephew duly adjusted on her shoulders. Now, Mona, child, don't forget. Goodbye, Mr. Shepworth. Prelis, you had better come with me, she ended, sailing towards the door. The young man hesitated and looked at Mona doubtfully. She interpreted his look promptly.

Starting point is 05:35:54 Lord Prelis will stay at my request. My dear, Lady Sophia at the door, sunk her voice, so very awkward if you really know what that creature. So she designed Jad. be is going to say. It has to be said sooner or later, whispered Mona, and I want Lord Prilis to hear. Oh, a new thought seemed to strike Lady Sophia.

Starting point is 05:36:24 She glanced from her hostess to her nephew, and then pursed up her lips, guessing in a flash what was coming. You had better come with me, Prilus, she repeated, raising her voice, and at the sound of it mona shrank away but prelis looked dogged and declined to come i must stop and support miss chint he said mr sheppworth can do that cried captain jadby insolently he can said the barrister taking a step forward and he can support the cause of with emphasis any lady the advocate of the stone age standing at the open door raised her lorgnette and surveyed the group most interesting she said with cooled impertinence quite a comedy let us hope that it will not merge into a tragedy and biting her lip she departed with a glare at her obstinate nephew guessing that lady sophia was offended and pretty certain of the reason mona did not dare to follow the motor-car of lady sophia was heard whirling down the avenue in the hot sunshine and only when the sound died away did miss chint return to the three men what more have you to say captain jabby she asked

Starting point is 05:37:52 asked politely. It seems to me that there is little need of an explanation, he answered, with another shrug and compressing his lips. None at all that I can see rejoined Shepworth in a cool voice. I think Captain Jedby had better go. Not until I received Mona's answer from her own lips, he snarled, and looked a very ugly customer in his impotent wrath. Miss Chint to you, said the girl, equally.

Starting point is 05:38:26 Mona, Mona! vocificated the captain. I have a double right to call you by your Christian name. I did not even know that you had a single right, she retorted. I have. Sir Oliver wished us to marry. Quite so, and for that reason I became engaged to Mr. Shepworth. Prelis gave a gasp and turned to his friend. Ned nodded. It is true, Dory, said the barrister.

Starting point is 05:38:56 When I was stopping here during the lifetime of Sir Oliver, this man, he indicated Captain Jadby with contempt, pestered Miss Chint with his attentions. Sir Oliver was on his side, why I can't say, but... I can tell you now, interrupted Jadby hoarsely. I am Sir Oliver's son, and Mona is my cousin. There was a second silence. I don't believe it, said Preliss decidedly, and his opinion was echoed by Miss Chint and Shepworth. Jadby threw back his handsome head scornfully.

Starting point is 05:39:35 It matters little what you believe, he said violently, since what I say is the truth, and no denial can make it anything else. My mother was the daughter of a great chief of Tahiti. Oh, broke in Prelis impulsively. then you are a half-cast yes admitted the captain his nostrils working and his native origin becoming more and more apparent as he lost his temper my father was married to my mother in native fashion but that i learn does not entitle me to inherit my father's title and property which it should do however my father made a will in my favor before leaving the south seas he never had much love for me and therefore i dreaded lest he should change his mind and leave his property to someone else i came to england to look after my interests and then learned that a new will had been made leaving the money to mona My father, to give him his due, was ashamed of himself and proposed that the affairs should be settled by marriage, so that both Mona and I should benefit.

Starting point is 05:40:49 I loved her, and agreed to the arrangement, but she scorned me, and so— And so her uncle died, ended Prelis, looking sharply at the captain. Jedby whirled round furiously and stamped. my father's death has nothing whatsoever to do with my engagement to Mona. I never was engaged to you, she interposed swiftly. It was because you persecuted me that I asked Ned to stand between us. I have known Ned for years and he is a loyal gentleman. Very loyal, sneered Jadby with quivering lips to love one woman and become engaged to another.

Starting point is 05:41:32 Sheppworth would have spoken, but Mona prevented him. There is no need for you to excuse yourself, Ned, she said coldly, and addressed herself to the fuming captain. When I asked Mr. Shepworth to pretend to be engaged to me so that your worrying might be stopped, he told me that he loved another woman. A woman who is— Shepworth threw up his hand. If you dare to say a word, he cried menacingly. I shall break your neck. There is no need, said Mona again, while Prelis keenly observant held his peace.

Starting point is 05:42:11 I can explain to Captain Jadby, and then he can go. I have heard enough, said the sailor harshly and glared. To fool your uncle, my father, he added with emphasis, and to fool me you pretended to engage yourself to this man. You have stated the position, accurately, said Mona with great calmness. Mr. Shepworth and I have paid you out. We have played a comedy by which you, for your insolence, have been deceived.

Starting point is 05:42:46 Mona! The man took a step forward, imploringly. Miss Chint receded. I am not afraid of you now, she declared in a clear voice, although you did your best to frighten me, and I do not allow anyone to call me Mona, save those I love. You may be my cousin for all I know, but I don't like you, and I shall have nothing to do with you. My fictitious engagement with Mr. Shepworth is at an end.

Starting point is 05:43:18 She concluded, slipping off a ring and passing it to Ned, who put it in his pocket. And you, I understand, have the property since the will in my favor has been destroyed. there is no more to be said there is this to be said shouted jadby the veins on his forehead swelling dangerously that this house is mine and you shall leave it mona faced him coolly mr mardubon looks after my interest she declared quite composed as soon as he tells me to leave i shall do so but until then i am mistress here and i order you to go jadby would have disobeyed as he was furious at the failure of his two thunderbolts he had hoped to overwhelm mona by stating that he was her cousin and he had hoped to separate her from sheppworth by telling of the latter's infatuation for mrs dolly rover having failed he looked like a fool and would have tried to recover his ground by insisting upon remaining but that prelis rose to his feet and shepworth took a step forward Jadby was no coward, for the drop of white blood in him came from a brave old stock. But the odds were too great. Moreover, he really and truly loved his cousin, and his soul was torn within him at the thought of losing her.

Starting point is 05:44:48 With a sudden revulsion of feeling, the tears sprang to his dark eyes, although he was by no means a tearful individual. putting out his hands blindly, he groped his way to the door. Mona's generous heart smote her when she saw the man brought thus low, and she sprang forward to lay her hand on his arm. Do not go in anger, Felix, she pleaded, using his Christian name, as Sir Oliver had often done, if you are my cousin, and I believe that you have spoken the truth, let us part in peace, shake hands.

Starting point is 05:45:26 "'Jadby dashed the tears from his eyes and her hand from his arm. "'Her appeal brought back the original devil to his semi-civilized heart, "'fearser than ever. "'Will you be my wife?' he demanded savagely. "'No, I cannot.' "'Do you love anyone else?' "'Mona drew herself up, quivering. "'You have no right to ask that.'

Starting point is 05:45:52 "'Perhaps not,' raged the captain with contempt, because you love a man who is in love with a married woman and Shepworth ran forward, his face white and his eyes bright. Silence, he exclaimed, and took Jadby by the shoulders. I shall not be silent, shriek the half-cast, becoming feminine and abusive in his towering passion. You and your Mrs. Rover, who, what else could he have said, neither Mowna nor Prilis knew, for the barrister becoming suddenly silent after the manner of the angered white man ran Jadby swiftly out of the room. The semi-Polynesian kicked and shrieked and swore and even tried to bite. But Shepworth, with set teeth and grim eyes, forced him along the hall and out of the front door.

Starting point is 05:46:47 The next moment Jadby was lying on his back some distance away, with Shepworth blocking the door of the house, he clans. you devil yelled the half-cast and he leaped up to slip his hand behind him the barrister flung himself down while three shots rang out from the captain's derringer then sprang to his feet on hearing no more apparently only three chambers had been loaded for shepworth filled with wrath at this treachery dared the worst and ran blindly down the steps jadby flung away the still-smoking weapon with an oath and sped down the avenue, as though the fiend himself was after him. For some little distance Shepworth followed, until he lost him on the wide downs, and then returned to the Grange to meet Prelis coming down the avenue at top speed. Are you hurt, Ned? shouted his friend. One of the bullets ripped my arm, but it's nothing to speak of, was Shepworth's reply.

Starting point is 05:47:51 Where's Mona? she ran upstairs to see mrs blexley i'll send up and let her know that you are all right i say ned you have made a dangerous enemy oh damn the danger growled shepworth who was furious the low mean sulking hound he insulted me before on account of constance and that was why we fought he hadn't a revolver then and i gave him a black eye the brute and are you really in love with constance asked prelis doubtfully yes said ned gruffly and not seemingly inclined to talk about the matter just then i'll tell you all about it some day meanwhile let us reassure mona and get my arm bathed it's only a scratch but one moment ned said prelis holding him back from entering the house you are not actually engaged to mona i mean miss chint no i only agreed so as to save her from jadby's insolence and Sir Oliver's persecution. Then Miss Chent is heart-whole? Entirely, so far as I know, replied Shepworth dryly.

Starting point is 05:49:08 And then, wheeling to face his friend, why do you ask these questions? I'll tell you all about it some day, said Prilis, echoing the former speech of the barrister. Hello, there's Mona, that is Miss Chent herself. It was indeed, Mona, who appeared at the top of the steps with Mrs. Blexley and two footmen behind her. She looked pale and hurried forward. Are you hurt, Ned? she asked anxiously. I heard the shots. It's only a flea bite, said Ned quickly.

Starting point is 05:49:44 Don't bother about it. I'll go to my room and bathe it. Let me do that, sir, said Mrs. Blexley, and Shepworth, nodding a faint assent, for he had lost some blood, went into the house, and up the wide oaken stairs. Prelis lingered behind with Mona. I am so glad, he said meaningly, that Ned has been shot? How cruel of you! No, no, no, you must be aware that I am glad because I have a time to listen now, said Mona, her face crimson and her eyes very bright.

Starting point is 05:50:21 I have to send a telegram. to whom demanded prelis as she disappeared through the hall to dr horace came back the reply and then the young man in addition to his other puzzled thoughts had this new one concerning his former fellow-traveller i wonder what she wants with horace he asked himself the answer came at dinner when mona was in the safe presence of ned and prelis could make no demonstration of the feelings he had for her feelings which were she had guessed long since existed. Shepworth's wound, which was worse than he admitted, had been bound up and he was in very good spirits. Mona, startled by the events of the afternoon, looked pale, and was rather restless. But Prilis said nothing. In the first place, he could not in the presence of a third party, even though that party was his school chum, and in the second he was too happy to speak much.

Starting point is 05:51:23 all he could do and did do was to fill his eyes and heart with the pale beauty of mona chint after all the gods had been very good to him by removing an apparently impassable barrier it was shepworth who asked why mona had sent the wire to dr horace and prelis listened with great interest to her reply after the case explained the girl more to mardubon than to the young young men. Dr. Horace sent and congratulated me on the verdict. Also, he wrote a note saying that if Jadby proved dangerous, those were his words, that I was to wire to him and he would draw Jadby's teeth. His own words again, Mr. Mardibon. Do you know, Dr. Horace? asked the solicitor, looking puzzled. No, I never set eyes on him until he stepped into the witness box to give evidence about the herb. But when I heard the shots, I knew then that Captain Jadwe was becoming

Starting point is 05:52:29 dangerous, so I sent off a telegram to Dr. Horace. Just before dinner, a reply came. And the reply? asked Shepworth, also puzzled. Dr. Horace will be here by 10 o'clock tonight. Prelis stared. It must be something very important to bring Horace down so promptly. Have you any idea of what he means? No, replied Mona, quietly. All I know, I have told you. But if this Dr. Horace can stop Felix from shooting people,

Starting point is 05:53:05 it will be as wise to have him down. Felix, muttered Prelis discontentedly, Mona shot a smiling glance at him, not ill-pleased to see how openly jealous he was, even though he had no official right to be so. He is, my comely, cousin, you know, she said sweetly. I don't believe it, said Shepworth sharply.

Starting point is 05:53:29 I do, and if you will look at Uncle Oliver's portrait up there, she turned to point at the wall, you will see that there is a likeness between him and Felix. Only Felix is darker, finished Mona. Preliss did not argue, but sat restlessly in his seat. When Mona left the three men over their wine, they had a long discussion. concerning the present aspect of things, and formed a committee of three to decide what was best to be done. Lord Prilis insisted upon going up to London for an interview with Madame Marie, while Shepworth was equally certain that the trail of Jadby ought to be followed.

Starting point is 05:54:12 As to Mr. Mordabon, he openly bewailed the loss of the will, which would have placed Mona in possession of the land-wind property. as the dinner was late the three men lingered for a considerable time talking of what was best to be done and the stable clock struck ten before they were aware of the passing of time at once prelis jumped up and walked into the drawing-room there to his surprise he found dr horace more shaggy and uncouth than ever sitting comfortably beside mona chint the two looked like tatania and bottom the one the two looked like titania and bottom the weaver how on earth did you come here asked prelis amazed walked retorted horace gruffly i caught an earlier train and so got here before the time mentioned in my wire good evening sheppworth so you've been killed eh oh i'm alive yet laughed the barrister and then dr horace was introduced to mr martyvon to whom he immediately addressed himself. I'm glad that you are here, he said, in his usual growling tones.

Starting point is 05:55:27 I mean you, sir, the land shark. I've some business for you. Is this the time to talk business? Said Mordovan, somewhat annoyed, as after a good dinner he did not feel able to give advice. Judge for yourself, said Horace, fishing a blue envelope, foolscap's size, out of the breast pocket of his shirt,

Starting point is 05:55:49 shabby coat. Look at that. Mordabon did so, and so did Prelis and Shepworth, peering over the shoulder of his dress coat. Mordaubon uttered a cry of amazement. Why, it's the missing will, he almost shouted. End of Chapter 16. Chapter 17 of the Sacred Erb by Fergus Yume. This Levervox recording is in the public domain. The Old Old Story On hearing Mortibon's surprised cry, everyone stood still and silent out of sheer amazement. The unexpected had happened with a vengeance, and Dr. Horace, quite delighted with the sensation that he had produced, rubbed his hairy hands with a grim chuckle.

Starting point is 05:56:49 Quite dramatic, isn't it? said Horace. Mordaubon drew a lest. long breath and clutched the document as though he feared that it would vanish into thin air like macbeth's witches i am surprised he confessed staring at the doctor how did you become possessed of this sir and in asking that very pertinent question he anticipated the speech of the others horace did not answer immediately without requesting permission he produced his immense german pipe already stuffed as full as it would hold with strong tobacco and lighted it calmly. Prelis looked annoyed at this breach of good manners and would have stepped forward to remind Horace that he was not in his native wilds, but that Mona, guessing his intention, made a little gesture to stop him. Seeing what Dr. Horace had done, she was prepared to forgive him everything.

Starting point is 05:57:52 besides the great traveler was such an eccentric person that no one could be angry when he behaved like a bear it seemed natural that he should meanwhile the lawyer becoming impatient repeated his query how did i become possessed of it said horace lying back luxuriously and puffing out white clouds of smoke well i might say that i murdered landwin mightn't Yes, you might, remarked Mona, smiling, but you did not. No, sighed Horace, with an odd expression on his large face, it would be an anti-climax. Oh, hang your dramatic instincts, said Prilus crossly. Why can't you answer the question? I am about to, if you will hold your tongue and sit down. You always did have too much chin music, Prilus. Well, he looked round with a grin, like a somewhat malicious monkey. If you must know, I got that will from Agstone. Mona dropped back into the seat whence she had risen, and her example was followed by the three men. Horace's calm announcement took their several breaths away,

Starting point is 05:59:14 and their individual legs could support them no longer. It seems to me, cried Prelis, much annoyed, that you are presuming on our credulity. No, I am telling you the truth. But did you know, Agstone? Demanded Shepworth, staring. Oh, yes, he was my brother. What, what, what?

Starting point is 05:59:41 Quacked Mordabon like an excited duck. Go slow, old son of a gun, said the doctor, smoking calmly. I told Lord Prelisle. yonder of my relationship. And there is no need for me to explain the same to you, beyond stating the fact that Steve Agstone was my brother. He knew of my address in London and came to see me on the day after the murder. Why didn't you give him in charge? asked the lawyer. Horace surveyed the red face turned towards him in an aggravatingly calm way. For two reasons, he grunted.

Starting point is 06:00:20 firstly agstone was my brother and dog doesn't eat dog secondly i had no reason to believe that he had anything to do with the death but the knife which he brought to mr sheppwer's flat oh yes horace glanced at the two young men and chuckled but you see there was no mention of the knife when steve came to see me still i must admit that he feared lest he should be accused of the crime "'Oh!' cried Mona, sitting, bolt, upright. "'Then he did not accuse me again?' "'Not to me,' answered the doctor promptly. "'In fact, Steve seemed to be rather friendly inclined towards you.' "'No, no, no,' cried Mona earnestly. "'He never liked me.

Starting point is 06:01:11 "'He was jealous because my uncle loved me.' "'Well,' Horace looked at his pipe rather than at the speaker, I should not say that if I were you. In my opinion, Steve was not so very devoted to Lanwin as was made out. But I thought, never mind what you thought, said Horace rudely, and rose to walk up and down the room. I am here to tell you facts. When I have explained, as much as is possible for me to explain, I'm going. Won't you stop here for the night? asked Mona, surprised. "'No,' retorted Horace abruptly. "'I won't.

Starting point is 06:01:53 "'Now listen, as my time is valuable, "'and I can't remain here chattering nonsense "'and behaving rudely,' finished Prelis with sarcasm. "'Oh, you're there, my son, with your monkey-brand manners. "'They're there,' he went on teasingly as Prelis jumped up, flushing. "'Don't get out your little gun. "'There's a lady present.' "'I wish you would remember that.'

Starting point is 06:02:18 oh so i do there's a lady present who wishes to hear how i became possessed of a document which gives her ten thousand a year very good don't interrupt or horace broke off with a gruff laugh what bad manners you civilized people have Prelis looked despairingly at Shepworth. It seemed impossible to bring this uncouth person to the point. But Mona was laughing at the bear-like antics of the traveler, although Mr. Mardibon's indignant face showed how his feelings were outraged. This, cried the lawyer, is quite intolerable. Cockadoodle-do, cried Horace, derisively. then unexpectedly whirled a chair round between his stumpy legs and sat down, leaning his arms over the back, to address his audience as if it were from an imaginary pulpit. Listen, said Horace gravely, and the smiles gave place to watchfulness on every face.

Starting point is 06:03:26 My brother came to see me on the day after the murder. I had already read of Landwin's death in the papers and asked Steve how his master came by his end. Steve swore that he did not know, but stated that he quite expected to be accused. He then lugged that blue envelope which Mr. Mardaban is holding out of his pocket and passed it along to me. Before I could open the envelope, he was out of the house, and I never heard of him again, until Prelis yonder brought me the report of his death in Shepworth's flat. When alone I opened the envelope and found the will. Why didn't you bring it forward at once?

Starting point is 06:04:09 Fumed the lawyer, because I thought that its production might implicate Steve, and I didn't wish to have Steve hanged for a crime which he did not commit. Are you sure that he did not? asked Shepworth meaningly. One is sure of nothing in this old ran-shackle world, said Horace. philosophically. But what I want you all to understand is that Steve told me nothing. Why he should bring me the will, I can't say, and he did not wait to tell me how he became possessed of it. I should have brought it forward at the trial, but that the papers hinted at the burning of this

Starting point is 06:04:52 will being a point in Miss Chint's favor. I therefore waited until Miss Chint was acquitted, and resolved only to use the will when Jadby, whom I was. don't like. Try to secure this property. Miss Chint sent me the wire tonight, saying that Jadby was making himself disagreeable, so I came down with the will. You have it, Mr. Landshark, he added, looking at Mordabon. So that is a present for you, Miss Chant. He pulled out a small white paper packet from his breast pocket and flung it dexterously across the room.

Starting point is 06:05:31 You will find that. useful should Captain Jadby proved to be troublesome. As he will now that he has lost the money. That is all my mission here. He jumped away from his chair unexpectedly and trotted to the

Starting point is 06:05:47 door where he turned to survey the company. Good night. Stop, stop! cried Mona, running to the door, through which he had so promptly banished, and the others following echoed her urgent cry. But by the time they reached the hall,

Starting point is 06:06:02 the door was wide open, and Horace had disappeared as completely as though the earth had swallowed him up. Beyond was the darkness, which veiled him. Is he mad? asked Mona, turning an amazed face to the three men. Mad or not, he has done you a service, said Mordabon, looking down at the will which he still held. This is undoubtedly your uncle's last testament, which was not burnt. It is something. It is something. signed by sir oliver in the presence of stephen agstone and emma blexley what a facer this will be for our south sea friend ended the lawyer actually becoming slangy in his delight ought we follow horace shepworth asked no replied prelis who was frowning at horace's manners even if we caught up with him he would say nothing we must wait to see if he will again intervene in the case. He seems to have washed his hands of it, said Ned,

Starting point is 06:07:09 saundering back to the drawing room. He did so before, yet when Miss Chint wired, he came down. I wonder, Prelis paused and bit his fingers. You wonder what? If Horace killed Sir Oliver and Agstone. Shepworth stared. That's a rotten bad shot, Dory. Why should he?

Starting point is 06:07:31 Oh, I can assign no reason, but... My dear old chap, it is absurd. I know you're a thinking of the will being brought here by Horace, but why should not his story be a true one, since Agstone is his brother? Well, Prelis threw out his hands with a despairing gesture. I can't understand the whole business. It passes my powers of comprehension.

Starting point is 06:07:58 Before Ned could reply, Mona summoned both the young men. Along with Mardubon, she had been opening the parcel which Horace had thrown across the room and was now exclaiming at its contents. Ned, Lord Prilus, here is the sacred herb. They hurried over

Starting point is 06:08:17 to have a look, and there sure enough was the yellowish stalk of the herb from Easter Island, bearing seven or more purple leaves. In addition, there was a written paper which Mona read aloud. use the enclosed when Jadby comes to close quarters and makes himself unpleasant. She read in a bewildered manner. Also, it will be as well for you to use your power over Lord

Starting point is 06:08:43 Prelis to prevent his searching further in this case. If he meddles with what does not concern him, it means sorrow and perhaps a public scandal. There was a dead silence. Now what does that mean? asked Mona. No one knew, no one dared to suggest an explanation. Preliss was the first to speak. I advise you, Miss Chint, to obey Horace and keep this herb constantly in your pocket. He is not the man to give a warning without some grave reason. He has saved you once from Jedby, and this herb, as he plainly says, intimates that it will save you again. but why should oh prela shrugged his shoulders i can explain nothing and with your leave i shall go back to hide ned i remain here for the night replied the barrister all right i shall see you in the morning and prela saundered to the door after bowing to miss chent he did not dare to take her hand for fear he should never let go of it again but she hurried after him and spoke

Starting point is 06:09:57 anxiously in the hall as he put on his light summer overcoat. This hasty departure annoyed her, as she showed plainly. Why will you not remain and talk over this strange matter? she asked. No, no, answered the young man, averting his eyes and quickly opening the door himself, since no footman was at hand. But if you will permit me, I shall come here at five in the morning. At five? Why at five? "'Then is the breaking of a new day,' whispered Prelis in a somewhat tremulous voice, "'and in the gardens, in the light of the dawn. "'You can then say—you can then say—'

Starting point is 06:10:42 "'He repeated the phrase, raised his eyes to meet hers, "'and left with a hurried good-night. "'Mona stood where she was, amazed and confused. "'What did he mean?' she asked herself. and immediately her heart explained. A light broke over her lovely face and she whispered to herself. At five, in the gardens, in the light of the dawn.

Starting point is 06:11:12 Meanwhile, Prelis rushed downward to hide through the darkness of the night. There was no moon, but the purple sky scintillated gloriously with stars. A warm wind laden with the fragrance of wildflow, was blowing with strange murmurings over the bare spaces of the downs, and the young man's spirits thrilled to the beauty and peace of the night. He should have thought of the case, of Horace's queer warning,

Starting point is 06:11:43 repeated for the third time, and of the behavior of Captain Jadby now converted from a secret foe into an open enemy. But he considered nothing of these pressing matters, which had to do with the everyday world. Rather did he think of Mona and her starry beauty. Rather did he recall with joy the great truth, which he could scarcely realize, that he was free to woo her without being disloyal to his bosom friend. Mona was not engaged to Ned. Her heart was free to receive a loving occupant, and Prelist, striding through the leafy lanes,

Starting point is 06:12:26 swore inly that he would be that occupant. Lady Sophia would be hostile. He knew that from the way in which she had taken leave of the girl. But what did that matter, so long as Mona received him at dawn, in the enchanted gardens of the secluded Grange? All that night, Prilis slept soundly. As a lover, the tumult of his heart should have kept him wide awake, but the transcendental heights, to which his thoughts raised him, so drew him away from earthly matters that he lost consciousness of physical surroundings. Lying on his bed, the sound of the breaking waves on the rugged beach below the hotel lulled him to sleep. And then his spirit soared to a higher world, spiritual and pure, in which there was no pain or sorrow or weary misunderstandings. When he aware of

Starting point is 06:13:26 woke with the rosy lights of sunrise streaming through the curtainless window. His spirit told him little of what it had seen in the superphysical world. But Prelas was conscious that somewhere in the vast spaces of the unknown he had met with Mona, and had talked with her for endless periods of time. True, according to the clock, he had slept but a few hours. But living in eternity as a true lover should, he took no count of earthly time man's measure of the eternal he had lived for thousands of years during the dark hours kneeling at the feet of mona crowned queen of dreams of kisses and now he was to see her again in the flesh gracious and lovely and as he knew she would be truly kind the spirit of the man having bathed in the fountain of sleep rose therefrom pure and undefiled it seemed meet to prelis although he was not usually so imaginative that he should wear a suit of pure white as symbolic of the coming interview and as he passed uphill clothed in spotless flannels with the purity of the dawn stealing into his soul he felt as though he had been reborn into a fair and more perfect world

Starting point is 06:14:55 passing swiftly over the grassy uplands his eager feet bore him down into the hollow through the ancient woods and on to the bird-haunted lawn and there in the cold searching chased lies of the dawn hours, he beheld his lady standing amidst the dewy grass, waiting for his coming, and she also was clothed in white. As Prilis came across the lawns, his eyes far off met those of Mona, which shone like twin stars in the rosy flushing of her face. According to the precedent, he should have raised his hat. He should have greeted her with a handshake. he should have explained his desire for this unconventional meeting but he did none of these things neither did she desire that he should do them without a word without a pause he came to her swiftly and clasped her in his arms their lips met in one long kiss and the awakened bird sang joyfully in the rustling trees so might adam have greeted eve in paradise when God presented him with the helpmate who was to be the mother of all mankind.

Starting point is 06:16:18 And you knew, you knew all the time, murmured, Mona on his breast. No, I did not know. More shame to me. I really thought that you were engaged to Ned. I don't mean that, but surely you knew. You guessed that I loved you, and you only. No, how could I when I showed my love in a hundred ways, she said with a playful laugh. Oh, Lord Prelis, how very little you know of women. I know more than is good for me, he murmured, smiling. What? That is, Lord Prelis does, he protested hedging, but George is an innocent boy who knows nothing.

Starting point is 06:17:05 Who is George? I am, and he kissed her again, victoriously. Mona laughed happily. I am afraid that George is not so innocent as he makes himself out to be. Teach him to be good, my darling. A hard task you set me, George. She lingered lovingly over the name, and, oh, what you must think of me,

Starting point is 06:17:31 who takes so much for granted? I think that you are an angel, he calls. cried fervently. Dear, I loved you from the moment I saw you in that cruel court. And I loved you, she whispered. I thought that it was merely friendship until we met again. And then, then I knew, she gave him a delighted little crow of laughter, which stirred the young man's heart to his depths.

Starting point is 06:17:58 Impulsively he dropped on his knees and kissed her hands alternately, scarcely able to speak. I am not worthy of you, he muttered. Dear, she stooped and raised him to her breast. Let me find out your imperfections by myself. I have many, he said humbly, and I love you for them. I marry a man in the world of men, and not an archangel. In the same way as you take a faulty woman and not a spirit of light,

Starting point is 06:18:31 but we are spirits, although clothed in coats of skin. She ended gently, and when the hour strikes, we shall know each other. Do we not know each other now? No, that is, Mona Chant knows George Prelis. The young man jumped gaily to his feet. Enough for the day is the delight, therefore, he cried. I am quite content to know Mona Chent until she becomes Mona Prelis. When will you marry me?

Starting point is 06:19:04 So like a man, laughed. the girl. You wish to settle an important future in five minutes. We must wait. Wait. Oh, no, no, why should we? Because Mona laid a gentle hand on his shoulder. Your wife must be like Caesar's above suspicion. You wish me then to go on looking into the case? I do, unless you accept the warning of Dr. Horace. us threw his Panama over the hedge. I accept no warning, since you make me strong to dare it. I shall go on with the case. Tomorrow. Why tomorrow? Oh, Mona, let me enjoy paradise for 24 hours. No, you must act, and at once, lest we lose our paradise altogether. I don't understand what Dr. Horace means, but in spite of his hints, I wish you to look into matters. in order to find out who murdered poor uncle oliver and in order to clear my name you must go up to london to-day and begin your search it is a sacrifice i ask of you no doubt but then love true love means sacrifice

Starting point is 06:20:25 very good said prelas sedately i shall go up by the midday train and interview madame marie eppengrave why her particularly she gave the herb to your uncle mrs blexley mistrusts her now he closed her mouth with a kiss not a word more the gates of paradise will close in a few hours until then yes yes until then let us play at being adam and eve in a garden and they did end of chapter seventeen chapter eighteen of the sacred herb by Fergus Yume. This leverlock's recording is in the public domain. The Power of the Herb. It had been Prilis's intention to ask Ned about his love for Constance Rover before leaving the Grange. But on second thought, he resolved to wait until he learned more concerning the murders before putting Shepworth in the witness box. Nevertheless, he was somewhat upset to think that his best friend was entangling himself with a married woman.

Starting point is 06:21:43 Prelis was no prude, and had not been a Sir Galahad himself. All the same, he did not think that Ned was acting rightly. Of course, the case was a hard one, since the two truly loved one another. Constance had been sacrificed on the family altar, and to a man who took advantage of her sacrifice to play the tyrant as much as he dared. The poor woman was very unhappy, and it was to be presumed that the man who loved her was unhappy also. It said a great deal for Shepworth and Mrs. Rover that they had not long ago defied conventionality and eloped. Since they had not gone this length, Prelis argued that they

Starting point is 06:22:29 were trying to bear their several burdens as honorably as possible. But how long would such endurance last. According to Shepworth himself, Mona knew of his love for Constance, since he had explained the same when the pretended engagement was made to save the girl from Jadby's wooing and Sir Oliver's persecution. But Prelis, in the first flush of his love, shrank from questioning her about so distasteful a subject. And on her side, Mona was loyally silent until Ned chose to speak. Thus, it came about that although Prelas met his friend at breakfast, he made no remark about this very private business,

Starting point is 06:23:17 and Shepworth did not volunteer an explanation. Rather did the conversation turn on the unexpected appearance of the lost will. And Mardubon explained his future actions. These included an immediate journey to London with Mrs. Blexley, who had to make an affidavit as to the authenticity of the document. Under these circumstances, as Shepworth could scarcely remain at the Grange when both Mardibon and the housekeeper were absent, he arranged to go to London with them by the ten o'clock train. Prilis would fain have lingered in those delicious gardens with Mona, but as he knew her views,

Starting point is 06:24:00 he kept to his determination. However, when the trio drove away to hide, Prilus had a golden hour or so all to himself, and very wisely made the most of it. It was with great regret that he took his way to the station at Hyde and to the train which was to bear him miles away from his goddess. But the memory of the last kiss which she gave him cheered his somewhat despondent mood all the way to charing cross, and on stepping on to the platform of the Metropolitan Station, Prilus shook off his dream. dreams and addressed himself to the task in hand. As the day was fine and preless, as usual, felt the need of exercise to tame his exuberant spirits, which had quite recovered during the journey, he walked to New Bond Street, and somewhere

Starting point is 06:24:53 about three o'clock found himself reading a brass plate inscribed Madame Marie Epengrave. And afterwards, he entered a narrow and dark passage to mount a steep flight of stairs, and finally came to the second floor of the building, where the fortune-teller received clients. A dark-complected lad of fourteen dressed in white robes with a blue scarf round his waist, received the newcomer, and informed him that Madame Marie was engaged for ten minutes or so. Preliss, therefore, sat down, and glanced over some papers lying on a round table. these mostly dealt with occult matters up to date and he speedily grew tired of reading much which he could not understand the room was small and commonplace and even ugly in its adornments the table aforesaid a few cane chairs and an old harsh-hair sofa completed the furnishings and two dingy uncurtained windows overlooked bond street there was nothing of the mystical about this very ordinary apartment. And Prelis concluded that Madame Marie certainly did not spend her earnings

Starting point is 06:26:11 on magical ripery in order to impress those who called upon her. After a glance round, he spoke to the lad, who was seated, cross-legged at the door, and asked him if he was a Hindu. No, answered the boy in very good English, and with a flash of snow-white teeth, I come from the South Sea. I come from the South Sea, "'Indeed,' answered Preliss in his turn and somewhat astonished. "'Has your mistress been in the South Seas?' "'Yes, sir. She brought me from Tahiti, but I want to go back again.' Prelis reflected. Tahiti was the home of Captain Jadby and the former haunt of Sir Oliver Landwin.

Starting point is 06:26:57 He wondered if Madame Marie had met the baronet there, but the lad was not likely to know that, so he asked him another question. Does your mistress know Captain Felix Jadby? The effect on the boy was somewhat strange. He leaped to his feet and muttered some words in his native tongue, which apparently were not complimentary to the captain, judging from the savage expression of his face. Madam does know him, he said at length, and he comes to see her here very often. I don't like him. He kicked me. I would kill him if I were in Tahiti, but here, the boy shrugged his shoulders to show that the English law was much too particular. Madam loves the captain and wants to marry him, went on the boy, apparently so carried away by his

Starting point is 06:27:54 hate that he said more than was wise, considering his dependent position. But he loves another and hear the sound of the inner door opening made the lad aware of his folly in speaking secrets to a stranger. He cringed and caught Preliss's hand. You will say nothing to her? He implored. No, no, Prelis assured him, and slipped half a crown into his hand. But later you must tell me more. I also dislike Captain Jadby.

Starting point is 06:28:28 I'll tell you what I can to harm him, said the boy. viciously he kicked me and struck me me the son of a chief but don't tell her he added pointing with a trembling hand to the inner door oh my soul don't tell her for she can send the spirits to torment me the young man promised again thinking that the lad in a way was somewhat like caliban in his fear of spirits and looked upon madame marie as a sort of female prospero who could have him pinched black and blue but he had little time to think about this new ally who might be of assistance in undermining jadby's schemes for a lady fashionably dressed and holding a handkerchief to her face emerged from the inner room. The lad showed her out, and Prelas waited for his reception. A silver bell sounded within, and the boy returned to point meaningly at the door, laying his finger on his lips in token of silence. Prelis nodded reassuringly and stepped into the shrine. If the approach to this holy of holies was commonplace, the shrine itself certainly was not. Prelis beheld a room

Starting point is 06:29:47 of no great size furnished very oddly, that is to say, it was not furnished in the ordinary acceptation of the word. The ceiling was painted a dull red, and a plain carpet of the same hue was spread over the floor. Two windows looking on to Bond Street were filled in with painted glass, representing various mystical signs, and the four walls were hung with lustreless black stuff, which made the place look like a chapel during a funeral service. But the odd thing was that the red carpet was strewn with perfectly white cushions, and there was neither table nor chair. Tall pillars of black marble stood in the four corners, each bearing a glass ball on its summit, and between the windows was placed a bronze tripod,

Starting point is 06:30:43 in which smoked a perfumed fire. What would, With the dim religious light, the black walls, the red carpet, and the snowy cushions of silk, Prelas felt somewhat dizzy. All this theatrical parade was evidently designed to produce a confusing effect, and unseat as much as possible the reason and judgment of Madame's dupes. Annoyed that he should give way so easily, the young man pulled his wits together and looked at the priestess who had conceived this artful mizant-seen. Madame Marie clothed in a long white silk robe, made perfectly plain knelt,

Starting point is 06:31:26 Japanese fashion on a cushion in front of the tripod and with her back to the painted windows. She was a stout, heavy-looking woman of apparently no great height, with a colorless face, very large and smooth, and with masses of snowy silvery hair which tumbled down her back in waves of white. What her figure might be, Prelis could not judge because of the robe, but he noted that her hands were slender and beautiful and also ringless. Indeed, she did not wear a single ornament of any description, and kneeling perfectly motionless with closed eyes,

Starting point is 06:32:08 looked like an idol carved out of alabaster. it was cleverly done and prelis the skeptical could quite understand how the majority of people yielded to the carefully prepared spells of this managing woman but it was when madame marie opened her eyes that prelis became aware of the true secret of her power over weaker minds these were large and blue and clear looking from under white eyebrows in a penetrating way fathomless as the sea and as mysterious prelis met this mystical gaze calmly but felt his skin prickling and his will-power growing weak aware that the cyrus was trying to hypnotize him as she doubtless hypnotized her other clients the young man concentrated his will to meet and baffle hers for some time they stared at one another prelis looking down from his height and madame marie gazing upward from her cushion then the woman closed her eyes again with a somewhat annoyed expression you are not a weak man she said in a deep melodious voice like the sound of a mellow bell no answered prelis calmly i am not and he sat down cross-legged on a cushion directly in front of the sibyl then why do you come to me she asked looking at him steadily only weak persons wish to know the future the man who is strong and self-willed and skeptical as you are

Starting point is 06:33:51 need learn nothing of the future which lies in his own hands in the hands of god rather corrected prelis do you know who i am you are lord prelis how do you know i might say by magic but you would not believe that i always suit myself to the nature of those i meet therefore i shall give a commonplace explanation i saw you in court when you gave evidence during the trial of chint for murder. Prelis nodded. I might have guessed that. Do you know why I have come? Madam Marie folded her hands calmly before her, and replied equally calmly. You have come to solve the secret of the murders.

Starting point is 06:34:40 That is a very clever guess, and I rather think that you can solve the secret, madam. Why should you think so, she asked, with absolute calmness, You gave the sacred herb to Sir Oliver. I did. The sacred herb of Easter Island, but I need not explain to you, since you heard what Dr. Horace said in court. The herb induces trances,

Starting point is 06:35:07 and Sir Oliver wished to go into a trance by its aid. I therefore gave him a few twigs. Why did Sir Oliver wish to go into a trance? He desired to explore the astral, plain if you understand that i quite understand i have studied theosophy well there is nothing more to be said rejoined madame marie with a little shrug which hinted at french blood he went into a trance and while his spirit was absent from his body he was murdered who by i can't tell you even with my powers and they are great i am not permitted to know who killed sir Oliver Lanwin. It was his karma, and he had to bear it, since he reaped only as he sowed. The karma of his murder has nothing to do with me. Therefore, my sight is veiled, and I cannot read the

Starting point is 06:36:07 truth. And if I could, added the woman with emphasis, you must be aware, if you have studied the occult, that I would not be permitted to tell without permission from those who rule. "'The Lords of Corma?' asked Prelis, wondering if she was talking in earnest, or merely wiggling out of an awkward position. Madame Marie bowed solemnly, I see you understand somewhat, but may I ask you to be more open with me regarding the purpose of your visit? You can hardly have come to accuse me of these crimes.' "'No,' said Prelis, studying her face carefully,

Starting point is 06:36:49 i think that you are innocent let us leave the murders alone for the moment i want you to help me he paused to add effect to his next words with captain felix jadby the woman's hands moved restlessly and she began to lose her calmness when the name was pronounced i know nothing about captain jadby beyond the fact that i met him at lanwin grange but he is not guilty of sir oliver's death if that is what you mean oh dear me that is not what i mean at all rejoined prelis in his most airy manner and resolving to be very plain but the fact is that captain jadby is my rival madame marie rose as though moved by a spring and he then saw that she was little but tremendously dignified your rival she repeated and her her marble white face became crimson with angry blood. At length he had managed to break through her calculated calm. I understood that Miss Chint was engaged to Mr. Shepworth. Oh, the whole world knows that, replied Prelis, still airy in his manner, but that was

Starting point is 06:38:10 merely an official engagement to prevent Jadby from worrying Miss Chent. Sir Oliver was in favor of the engagement with Jadby, for a reason. I know those reasons. I know that Felix, she let slip the name, forgetting that she had disclaimed intimacy, that Felix is his son. His illegitimate son, said Prelis with emphasis. Yes, by the daughter of a chief to whom he was married in native fashion, Lord Prelis, of course, Captain Jadby, she had the name stiffly by this time, remembering her slip, came home to look after his interests and wished to marry another woman forgetting cried madame marie beginning to pace the room that he was engaged to marry another woman myself lord prelis myself remembering what the native boy had said prelis expressed no surprise but rapidly resolved to work on her jealousy i congratulate captain jadney more than i do you he remarked

Starting point is 06:39:18 bravely oh i know he is not a good man she cried now quite the woman and kicking several cushions out of the way but i loved him i have always loved him and he owes much to me he promised when we met in south seas that he would make me his wife not that i am young or beautiful but because he found in me so he said a good comrade i gave him the money to come home and see his father and secure his inheritance, if possible. But he saw that girl and loved her. Oh, how I hate that girl who stole his heart. You need not, said Prelis very dryly. Miss Chant dislikes Jadby immensely, and pretended to be engaged to Shepworth so as to escaped his clutches. Otherwise, Sir Oliver might have worried her into consenting to a marriage which she hated. But Jadby came down the other evening to Lanwin Grange, and knows now that the engagement was a false one. What he does not know, ended Prelis emphatically,

Starting point is 06:40:25 is that Miss Chent is now engaged to me. To you? Madam Marie stopped in sheer surprise, then went on pacing the room, talking half to herself. But why should I be astonished? I saw her look at you in court. I noted how you glanced in her direction.

Starting point is 06:40:45 I told Jadby that you loved her. and that she loved you. Oh, you couldn't be certain, cried Prelis blushing. I have occult powers which enable me to read hearts, said Madame Marie coldly. Believe or disbelieve as you like. I shall believe if you will read my heart now. There is no need of my exercising occult powers for that, she replied, waving her beautiful hands. You wish to learn the truth about the murders,

Starting point is 06:41:17 so that Miss Chint's name may be cleared and Felix thwarted. Yes, said Prelis coolly, you are right. And you can help me to clear Miss Chint's name, to discover the truth as I can help you to marry Jadby. How can you do that? By marrying Miss Chint myself. Madam Marie nodded and thought, pressing her hands to her head.

Starting point is 06:41:44 I can help you by the power of the herb, she said rapidly. Listen, I shall go into a trance induced by the herb. Do whatever I say, but do not attempt to awaken me. Simply listen to what I say, and then leave the room. I shall send my spirit to seek out the truth. But first, she said, slipping down on the cushion again, tell me how much you know.

Starting point is 06:42:11 Brila saw no objection in being thus clear, even if Madame Marie wished to a woman. work against him and seeing that her love for Chadby was at stake, he did not think that she would. All that he told her would do little to harm his own schemes. He therefore made no demur, but detailed everything from the time Lady Sophia had first drawn him into the case by sending him to the new Bailey. Madame Marie listened intently, nodding at intervals. It is useless for Felix to strive.

Starting point is 06:42:47 she said when he ended and with an air of triumph the fate of yourself is mingled with that of the girl you love so speedily now because you loved before in previous incarnations her karma is your karma felix can never marry her nor can mr sheppworth marry her even if he did not love mrs rover pardon me cried prelis quickly i made no mention of mrs rover beyond the fact that she wore the green domino and the scarlet embroidered dress, and she, as I explained, is innocent. You have no right to talk of Mr. Shepworth's love for a married woman. Lord Prelis, said Madame Marie quietly and moved towards the wall. My knowledge of these affairs is greater than you imagine. Mrs. Rover has consulted me, and Felix learned how it matters not,

Starting point is 06:43:45 that she loved Mr. Shepworth. However, we can talk of these things another time. I will go into a trance and search the Alexander Mansions for what I can find. Only, as I said, after I have spoken and have become silent, leave this room at once. In due time I shall come out of the trance when the power of the herb is exhausted. Prilis nodded in silence, and Madame Marie, drawing aside a side of portion of the black hangings revealed a small recess. From this she took some purple leaves and moving towards the tripod, threw them on the perfumed fire. Lie down on your face. She commended.

Starting point is 06:44:32 Else the fumes will send you into a trance. Quick! The smoke rises. It certainly did in a thick white cloud. Madame Marie stood over it, letting the odor flow into a her nostrils not wishing to experience the power of the herb as he had witnessed its results before prelis lay full length on the red carpet the smoke was circling so high up that he could not breathe it although a sickly whiff of two rows perfume came to his nostrils perhaps the draught sweeping under the door neutralized the power scent at this lower level but be this as it may prelis lay perfectly flat, and as in a dream heard Madame Marie speak after the manner of the tranced, in an unemotional voice and very distinctly. I leave this room, she said in her mellow tones. I rise high. I pass across London. The streets are under me. I see the park.

Starting point is 06:45:40 And now I poise above Alexander mansions. I sink. i passed through the roof i am in mrs rovers flat search for the dress commanded prelis softly there was a pause and then the convoy sounded again i search in mrs rovers room the dress she wore is there in a wardrobe together with a green domino search for another dress said prelis risking the chance another dress of the same style again there came a pause i am searching said the voice and a silence ensued for quite two minutes it endured then madam spoke again still with the same awful calmness a man's dressing-room in the flat across the landing i see a cupboard in which many clothes are hanging up men's clothes they are hanging up men's clothes they are behind them is a green domino with a scarlet embroidered dress sewn to it who wore it asked prelis his heart beating i cannot tell it is not permitted by the powers then came a long silence end of chapter eighteen chapter nineteen of the sacred herb by fergus eum this levervox recording is in the public domain.

Starting point is 06:47:24 Circumstantial evidence It was with extraordinary feelings that Lord Prelis emerged from that mystic room into the everyday world of Bond Street. After the refusal to declare the name of the person who had worn the dress, Madame Marie had become silent and Prelis raised his head

Starting point is 06:47:46 to see her standing rigid and white between the painted windows. the white smoke had disappeared into thin air, and save that the strong two-brose scent still lingered behind. There was nothing to show what had placed her in the trance. Obedient to instructions, the young man left the still figure in the lonely room and passed through the outer apartment on his way down the stairs. The boy, cross-legged in the corner, looked up anxiously as he went out. You have said nothing? He breathed. He breathed. apprehensively nothing answered prela softly and descended the stairs when he stood in the street again he removed his hat and drew a long breath of the smoky london air

Starting point is 06:48:35 impure as it was it dispelled the slight dizziness which the odor of the sacred herb had produced then the young man chartered a hansom to reach his rooms in half moon street but not until he was in his very own den and seated in an arm-chair with a brandy and soda within reach did he find time to reflect his reflections were considerably aided by a first-class cigar a queer adventure thought prelis meditatively what am i to do next i should like to know of course the answer to this was obvious he should go at once to alexander mansions and learn if what matters Madame Marie said was correct. A very difficult errand to go upon, Preliss thought, as it would be hard to induce Mrs. Rover to explore her husband's dressing-room in search of evidence which might bring him into trouble. And what excuse could he make without telling the whole truth? Then again, Mrs. Rover might scoff at Madame Marie's astounding statement, made under such astounding conditions. Yet, on reflection, Preliss did not think that she would scoff,

Starting point is 06:49:57 considering that she had consulted the fortune-teller herself and believed in the occult. There was a considerable vein of what the vulgar call superstition in Constance Rover. That the dress was there, Preliss had not the least doubt. Of course, on the face of it, An ordinary mortal would laugh at the idea of evidence being procured in such a way, but Prelas had traveled too widely, and he had seen too much to make him a skeptic. In Cairo, in the West Indies, in South America, and in the South Seas, he had witnessed occult ceremonies and doings, which proved clearly the existence of that unseen world,

Starting point is 06:50:46 at which many people laugh and of which all people are afraid. Drink, drugs, music, rapid movement, and even absolute stillness are all aids to open the psychic senses, as Prelis knew very well. Madame Marie had used the fumes of the sacred herb to rend the spirit from the body, and he quite believed that she had gone to Alexander. and her mansions to make the strange discovery when she woke from the trance she would be according to psychic laws quite unconscious of what she had said but here lord prelis began to doubt madame marie had admitted that she knew more than prelis imagined seeing that she had been at the grange during the tragedy and was closely connected with chadby it seemed very probable that she was aware of of much, which was necessary to learn before the actual truth could be made manifest.

Starting point is 06:51:53 So far as Prelas could judge, and he was a shrewd reader of character. The fortune-teller was entirely honest in her dealings with him. If she wished to gain Jadby as her husband, it was necessary that she should be so, since only by the marriage of Lord Prelis could the girl whom the buccaneer loved, be removed from her path. It was not worth her while to play Prilus false, since his aims and hers were identical. Preelis desired to marry Mona, and Madame Marie wished this also. She was anxious to make the sailor her husband, and Prilis was quite willing that this should be so, since it would put an end to Jadby's troubling, and might perhaps take him out of England.

Starting point is 06:52:45 Therefore, Preliss believed in Madame Marie Eppengrave. He credited her powers also, for she had the true eyes of one who can see into the astral world, but he could not be certain if she had used her occult powers on this occasion. She may have known beforehand of the dress, and might merely have used the trance as a means of communicating it without arousing Jadby's wrath. If the dress was found, and evidence therefrom was forthcoming, likely to solve the mystery of Agstone's death, the captain, wishing to keep Mona in uneasy terror for her reputation, would be much annoyed. But then Madame Marie could explain that she had only gone into a transfer prelis as an ordinary client,

Starting point is 06:53:38 and was unaware of what she said. Under these circumstances, the buccaneer could say nothing. Well, said Prelis, stretching himself and talking aloud, a habit which he had contracted when traveling in silent places. It's rum business altogether. If the dress is in Dolly Rover's wardrobe, what then? I can't accuse him, as he certainly had no reason to kill Agstone. Huh. I wonder if this is what Horace meant when he said that I would be sorry if I

Starting point is 06:54:15 searched further into the case. I certainly don't want Dolly to be hanged, but if he were, I am quite sure that Ned would console the widow. Ugg. Prelis shivered. What a horrible thought. Rover is a bounder and a blighter and a cad, but I honestly don't think that he is a criminal of this sort. I don't believe that he has the plunk, for one thing, and for another. He had no motive. Hmm, he reflected. I'd best get along and see Constance. On glancing at his watch, Preliss learned that it was half-past five, and concluded that probably Mrs. Rover would be at home sipping tea, after the manner of women worn out with shopping. He decided to give her, half an hour and then catch the seven train from charing cross to hide.

Starting point is 06:55:13 Come what might, the young man intended to get back to hide that night in order to walk over and see Mona. He assured himself that she would be anxious and would wish to learn how he had sped. But he might as well have confessed the truth to himself, namely that he pined hungrily for the sight of her face, and that every moment passed away from her side, was spent in the outer darkness where there is wailing and gnashing of teeth said prelis to himself quite ready to wail and gnash if he missed his train as fate would have it mrs rover was at home and came forward to greet her friend in a wonderful tea-gown which suited her queenly figure the rose-yued blinds were down and the room looked like the grotto of the venusburg but in spite of these softening aids mrs rover appeared somewhat haggard nor was her greeting of prelis very friendly indeed it was so harsh that he congratulated himself on finding her alone. But then, had anyone else been present, she would have been all

Starting point is 06:56:26 smiles and gentle words. How dare you come and see me after leaving as you did last time? Was Mrs. Rovers polite, salutation? And I know why you went, too. Yes, you may look and look, Lord Prilus, but I know. I explained your conduct to Ned, and he told me how he had described the addressed to you which means asked prelis calmly and unflinchingly means she cried in stormy tones it means that you believed me to be the woman who came in and waved the bronze cup under ned's nose i did believe it for one minute confessed her friend making a clean breast of it in view of what was coming but of course on reflection i saw how ridiculous it was to see how ridiculous it was to suspect you. It was, it was, it was, retorted Mrs. Rover, sitting down and tapping her foot. I have not many friends, Lord Prilus, but I did think that Dory was one of them. Dory is, he assured her. A fair weather friend, poo, to suspect me. She went on angrily,

Starting point is 06:57:44 me of all people, as if I would have hurt Ned. had it been that chint girl you might have had some cause speak gently about miss chint said prelas quietly i shantnt why should i because i am engaged to her you mrs rovers started to her feet in delighted amazement but ned ned's engagement was merely an official one to prevent jedby oh yes yes i know all about that but i didn't believe that Ned was speaking the truth. I thought that he was throwing me over for that horrid girl. No, no. Don't look at me like that. She isn't a horrid girl now that she is engaged to you. I shall love Lady Prelis much more than I loved Mona Chint. Engaged. Mrs. Rover made a ball of her handkerchief and tossed it in the air. What a rage Lady Sophia will be in. She is in it already, said Prilus dryly.

Starting point is 06:58:49 I don't care. Of course you don't. You're a man. A man. Oh, how I love a man. Not that my married life gives me any experience. She ended bitterly. Constance, said Prilus seriously.

Starting point is 06:59:06 Sit down and let us talk quietly about your married life. I don't wish to talk of it, she retorted, but nevertheless took the seat he pointed. pointed to. You must. I am your friend. As you very truly say, I admit it now that you are engaged to Mona. But I say, Dory, yes, I'll call you Dory now. I say, isn't it rather sudden? You have only known her a week or two. It was a case of love at first sight, said the young man very earnestly. Poo, poo, poo, I don't believe in such a thing. I didn't either until I experienced the sensation. But I really did love Mona from the moment I saw her in the dock,

Starting point is 06:59:52 and it was only honor which held me back from speaking even earlier. Honor? What honor? asked Mrs. Rover contemptuously. She was supposed to be engaged to Ned, you know. Only when I learned that the engagement meant nothing was I able to speak out. You have very many scruples, said Mrs. Rover with her. the shrug and evidently forgot that all is fair in love and war that's a purely feminine view constance had ned really been in love with mona and really engaged to her i should have left england without saying a word so like a man retorted constance scornfully why if a dozen women loved ned i shouldn't give him up constance you forget that you are married i don't Dolly never gives me a chance of forgetting. Constance, Prelis spoke sharply.

Starting point is 07:00:53 You are a foolish, headstrong woman. Do you want to be disgraced? There is no chance of that, cried Mrs. Rover in a fury. How dare you talk to me like that? Because I see you going headlong to ruin. You see nothing of the sort. I am a loyal wife to Dolly. Ned knows that I love him now as I loved him before my marriage.

Starting point is 07:01:18 And you know, Dory, as he does, how my marriage came about. I know, but you ought to make the best of it. I am making the best of it, cried Constance, rising to stamp her foot in a royal rage. There is not a breath of scandal against my name. No one can couple my name and Ned's together. We scarcely ever meet. but we can't prevent our feelings. Still,

Starting point is 07:01:47 urged Prelis, in a rather futile manner, since you have elected to become Mrs. Rover, you must consider your husband. Let him consider me first. I made a bargain with him, and he accepted, knowing that I love Ned and not him.

Starting point is 07:02:04 He has broken that bargain in the meanest manner, and my father died of sheer worry through the breaking of it. Now I have, have to stifle my deep love for Ned and act the part of a loving wife. I feel like a hypocrite. I don't think you need, Constance. People say that you treat Rover badly. It is as well that you should know. I do know. I have heard that before, but Dolly himself put that story about. I don't love him

Starting point is 07:02:36 and I don't pretend to, but I am as obedient and kind as I can be. I told him, I told him. I don't you that I treated him like a dog. So I do, like a pet dog. A dog that is fed up and smoothed and costed it and given cream and meat and all the things poodle dogs like. But Dolly goes about posing as a husband that is badly treated. He does not dare to say that I have deceived him, however, she added, drawing a deep breath. He would suffer for it if he did. Miserable as I am, I abide by the bargain which he broke. But what is to be the end of it? I don't know. I don't know, wailed Mrs. Rover pacing the room and holding her hands to her head.

Starting point is 07:03:29 I really believe that Dolly wants to see me disgraced. He took these flats above Ned's, in spite of my protestations. I want him to go away, but he won't. "'Oh,' said Prelis thoughtfully, "'so Mr. Rover took these flats above Neds, did he? "'Purposely?' "'I don't know.' "'Constance paused, looking startled. "'Why do you ask?'

Starting point is 07:03:58 "'Lord Prelis considered. "'Constance, I want you to do me a favor.' "'Yes.' "'Mrs. Rover spoke softly and with an effort. Do you think that your husband wishes to get Ned into trouble? Constance put her hand to her head. He hates Ned, she said at last in a strained voice, because he knows that Ned loves me and I do Ned.

Starting point is 07:04:26 But for all his jealous watching, he cannot find anything wrong between Ned and myself. Because, she added, drawing herself up to her full height, there is nothing wrong and never will be you have not answered my question repeated prelis quietly do you think that rover wishes to get ned into trouble yes i believe that he would be glad to see him dead well then constance answer me another question would you like to see your husband get into trouble no she said with a startled air dolly is a fool and cruel and i can scarcely endure him all the same i don't wish him any harm that is all right said prelis rising then i can trust you to hold your tongue about what why are you so mysterious my poor girl i would rather hold my peace than tell you what i am about to tell but it is necessary that you should know if i do not move in the matter someone else less friendly to you and roe may do so. And then only God knows what would happen. Dory! Constance caught his hand and passed her tongue over her dry lips slowly. What do you mean? I have gone through so much that I'm quite able to face the worst.

Starting point is 07:05:58 You won't scream? No, I'm not a fool. Oh, what is it? She blazed out with a stamp, clenching her hands and clenching her teeth also. Prelist raised his hand. I must tell you as best I can. He said in a peremptory tone, which quietened her. After all, I may be mistaken. Is that dress you wore at the ball in your room? For answer, Constance pressed the bell button,

Starting point is 07:06:30 and when the footman appeared, gave an order. Tell my maid to bring me the frockycky, and domino I wore at the ball, at the masked ball, she said, then faced Prilis when the man went out. Are you about to accuse me? No, don't ask questions, Constance. I am sorry to keep you in suspense, but I can't help it. The whole thing is so extraordinary. What thing? What thing? But Prilus, perhaps mistakenly, would not tell her. The maid entered with the domino and the, and the woman, and dress which preliss at once recognized as the masked ball costume he simply cast one glance at it and then you can tell her to take it away again he remarked mrs rover did so wonderingly and waited to hear what he had to say next take me to your husband's dressing-room in the other flat what far she asked and how do you know that dolly's dressing-room is in the

Starting point is 07:07:35 other flat. Never mind, take me there, said Preliss impatiently. He wished to get the things over as speedily as possible, as he saw how strung up she was, and yet, until he was certain, how could he accuse Rover? In his heart of hearts, Lord Prelis wished that he might be spared the disagreeable task of accusing Rover at all. But if he did not do so, it was not imprompt. It was not improbable that Jadby, to further his own ends, might intervene. And it was much better that Jadby, at all costs, should be kept out of the business, since he was not likely to spare either Constance or her husband. Come, come, cried Prelis impatiently, and seeing that she did not move, take me to your husband's dressing room. And Constance led him thither like a woman in a dream. They left,

Starting point is 07:08:34 one flat and crossed the landing to the other when in the dressing-room which was luxuriously furnished mrs rover remained silent and observant at the door while her friend examined the sanctum of her husband so mysterious were his words and movements that she began to wish that she had not admitted him since she did not desire to harm dolly objectible as she found him but if she could not trust dory in all ways. Who could she trust? Meanwhile, Prelis peered into a wardrobe and shook out the many suits it contained. He searched a large wooden press, wherein shirts and under linen and handkerchiefs and collars were neatly laid out. But in each case he failed to find that for which he hunted, and drew a long breath of relief. Perhaps, after all, Madame Marie was wrong, in spite of the magical powers to which she had laid claim. When at his wits' end,

Starting point is 07:09:39 Prelis turned to Constance. Isn't there a cupboard? He asked. Over there, she said, pointing to the hither side of the fireplace. You must be blind not to see it. Oh, it is unlocked, she added, noting that he hesitated. Dolly has no secrets.

Starting point is 07:10:00 There is nothing in it but old clothes and ruby which trimmer this was Mr. Rovers-Villet. Stowe's there. Look into the cupboard by all means. The young man made no reply to the sarcasm, but opened the cupboard of Bluebeard. It was deep and wide, with many pegs at the back and round the sides, upon which hung many clothes,

Starting point is 07:10:25 out of date and slightly worn. On the floor was a headier, genius pile of shabby slippers. discarded boots, sundry medicine bottles, ten boxes of polish, and many odds and ends, showing that this was a bag of rags receptacle for sheer rubbish. Prelispededly pulled out all the clothes and threw them on the floor, while Mrs. Rover shrugged and stared at his zeal. Suddenly, he came upon a green silk domino, inside which was sewn the front of a white dress streaked with thin lines of red velvet.

Starting point is 07:11:05 The whole made one garment, easy to slip on and off, which, when worn, would look both like a dress and a domino. This very ingenious garb was hidden behind the discarded clothes, which apparently had not been disturbed for some considerable time, and only by removing all, as Preliss had done, could the domino and its clever fixings have been discovered. There, said the young man, holding it up for Mrs. Rover's inspection. With staring eyes Mrs. Rover drew near and handled the fabric. An imitation of the frock and domino I wore at my ball, she gasped. Then added after a pause,

Starting point is 07:11:53 A woman never wore this. Ned said that the person who waved the bronze cup under his nose to make him insensible was a woman, said Prilis significantly. Oh, gasped Constance, taking his meaning at once. Dolly? It's a lie. End of Chapter 19. Chapter 20 of the Sacred Erb by Ferguson. this levervox recording is in the public domain mr rover explains it's a lie repeated constance seeing that prelis did not say a word dolly is a little cruel fool who tyrannizes to the full extent of his weak powers but i don't believe that he killed agstone well drawled prelis reflectively on the face of it there appears to be no reason and yet this sham frock is in this rubbish cupboard. Dolly can explain, breathed Mrs. Rover, hopefully.

Starting point is 07:13:10 Can he explain why he entered Ned's flat to, He didn't, he didn't, it's impossible, I tell you. Constance, declared the other seriously, you said yourself that Mr. Rover would be glad to see Ned did, out of sheer jealousy. I quite believe that. and I believe also that he had not the plunk to kill him. But he did his best to get Ned into trouble.

Starting point is 07:13:38 By killing Agstone, what rubbish! cried Mrs. Rover feverishly. If he killed the one, he would have murdered the other, and would have chosen Ned in preference. Huh. Perhaps with a refinement of cruelty, Rover wished Ned to be hanged and so slaughtered Agstone in the hope that Ned would be a kill. accused. An accused Ned would have been, cried Preliss decisively, but that I brought in your guest to see him helpless. Mrs. Rover twisted her hands in her hair. It's impossible. I tell you,

Starting point is 07:14:15 she limited, hoping against hope. Dolly is a fool. He never would be a murderer. He hasn't the plunk. Heaven knows that I have no cause to love him and that he stands in the way of my happiness, but I tell you, Dory, that I would have cut off my right hand sooner than have brought you in here to spy out his shame. I am glad to hear you say that, Constance, returned Prelis quietly, for it shows that you have honor, if not love, and that, even to secure your happiness with Ned, you will not stoop to injure the man who is your husband. But think, my dear girl, is it not better that I should find this than Jadby? Jadby, the man who loves Mona?

Starting point is 07:15:05 What has he got to do with it? Everything, said Prelis, Tersely. He wishes to secure Mona as his wife and will stop at nothing. You may wonder how I came to guess that your husband's dressing room was in this flat, and how I came to know that this sham dress was hidden behind these clothes. I can explain very shortly. I consulted Madame Marie Epengrave. That fortune-teller gasped Constance, staring, I have consulted her myself, and she told me a lot of rubbish.

Starting point is 07:15:42 Surely you do not believe what she says in that shoddy room of hers. I am bound to believe, said Prilis dryly, seeing that the domino with the attached frock front is here, as she stated, but she may not have told me so by means of occult power, in spite of her claim to exercise the same. In some earthly way, I know not how, she knew where this, he touched the domino, was to be found. She will tell Captain Jadby, to whom she is much attached, and then he will come here to make what trouble he can. Therefore you can understand that it is better for Rover, that I should be the discoverer.

Starting point is 07:16:28 Yes, I see, I see, murmured Constance, and tottered towards a chair to fall into it. Oh, horrible, horrible! But there must be some explanation, Dory. Think of one. Think of one. Women, as Preliss reflected at the moment, were most extraordinary.

Starting point is 07:16:52 Here was a wife who avowedly hated a husband of the trickery, effeminate sort. Yet when Chance placed a weapon against him in her hand, she refused to use it, despite the temptation of thus ridding herself forever of a marital incubus. Rover had practically killed her father. He had cheated her into a match which she loathed, and he was doing his best to make her unhappy.

Starting point is 07:17:20 In the face of it all, his deceived wife defended him, and this against the strong desire which she had for the man who truly loved her. Truly, women were strange. However, it was not Preliss's business to analyze Mrs. Rover's feelings. What he had to do was to learn the meaning of Rovers hiding the domino in his cupboard, and this he proceeded to do. Was Jedby at your ball? he asked abruptly. I never asked him.

Starting point is 07:17:54 don't know him, she replied, clasping her hands tightly. But you know that, owing to the mass, many people, shady people too, were there. Captain Jadby might have come also. He did come, said Prilis quickly, for he was one of the first to unmask when seeing Ned insensible, and to blame me. Certainly he may have come up the stairs opportunely, but since he wore a domino and mask, I am sure that he was at the ball. What color was the domino? Blue, light blue, rejoined Prelis promptly. There were many blue dominoes, murmured Constance.

Starting point is 07:18:37 I wonder why this man came to my ball. Ah, that is what we have to find out. But another question. Prilis cleared his throat. Presuming as we must that your husband wore this made-up thing. Did he know what you would wear? Yes, ascended Mrs. Rover, then started up with a cry and a very pale face. Oh, Dory, Dory, are you going to say that my dress was imitated by him, so that I might be accused? It looks like it, said Prelis reluctantly. What else could he say?

Starting point is 07:19:18 But I can't believe that Dali would be so wicked, said the the poor wife anxiously, and yet the dress is the same. There is only a front to be sure, but when worn, anyone would have mistaken him for me. A man always looks taller in women's clothes. These are hardly women's clothes. Sufficiently like them to deceive anyone, but she said that you spoke to someone wearing a dress like mine. It was not me, Dory. I should have remembered. Was it Dolly? I never spoke to you or to anyone dressed like you, said Preliss quickly. I only told you that to get at the truth, but I never expected to hear you say that you had worn the dress.

Starting point is 07:20:03 One thing I may tell you, he added, that the green dominoes seemed to be ubiquitous. I saw him, presuming your husband is the person, talking and drinking and dancing all over the place. I was dancing also, said Constance. and if Dolly wore a similar dress, it is natural that you should see the frock and domino often. Dolly received my guests unmast, you know. I remember, but later he vanished, and then might have... Prelis touched the domino significantly. Still, there is one thing to be said, he added.

Starting point is 07:20:42 How did your husband enter Ned's flat? Don't you remember, she said, raising her head. Agstone brought in the lady. Dolly, I suppose, when Ned was in that catalyptic state. I forgot that. But who admitted Agstone? What is the matter? He asked this because Constance rose suddenly to her feet with a cry of astonishment.

Starting point is 07:21:09 Mr. Haken was at the ball, she said, alarmed. I know, I saw him. That is, I recognized him by his chuckle. Well, Mrs. Rover sat down again. You know that Mr. Haken is my godfather, she remarked. And when Prelas nodded, went on, he was much distressed over my preference for Ned, seeing that I was married, and came to remonstrate with me on the night of the ball. Hmm, said Prelis coolly.

Starting point is 07:21:42 I wondered why he was at the ball, a most unusual festivity for a dry, as dust old man like uncle simon to be at i gave him the key said constance in a low voice the key what key the key of ned's flat constance how did you become possessed of the key with a bent head and a hurried low voice she explained dolly was very cruel to me at times he even struck me and i could not strike back at a little rat like that. I told Ned, who was furious and wanted to frighten Dolly, I prevented him, so that there might be no scandal. Ned then gave me the key of his flat. He had an extra key, and told me if Dolly ever struck me again to come to him. I should not have thought of doing so, but to quiet Ned I consented to take the key. What an injudicious thing to do, breathed Preliss, alarmed? If your husband knew, he might do a lot of damage. But how did Uncle Simon get the key out of you?

Starting point is 07:22:55 I told him about it the night of the ball. He got me into a quiet corner to remonstrate, so I explained everything. Mr. Haken was angry at Ned for having given me the key. He was quite right, interposed prelis. Ned ought to have had more sense than to do such a mad thing. Go on. Mr. Haken insisted upon having the key, and then said that he would go down and see Ned. Prelas turned suddenly pale. Was this what Horace had warned him against when he advised him to leave the case alone? Did Uncle Simon go? He asked in a stifled voice.

Starting point is 07:23:37 I don't know. He certainly said that he would go down and give Ned back the key and talk to him about his folly in letting me have it. prelis felt uncomfortable and his thoughts flew to his aunt with her merry ways it would be terrible for lady sophia if haken were involved in this dreadful case and indeed if he were as seemed apparent from constant's story preliss wished that he had taken the doctor's advice and had left it well alone while he was puzzling over this new problem and trying to find reasons against his uncle's complicity he heard constance cry out and looked up to see rovers standing in the doorway the little stockbroker dressed to perfection and overdressed at that looked more dapper and neat than ever his face was more colorless his eyes more plaintive and blue than they had been in the artificial light in which he had received his wife's guess such a mean-looking bloodless man could scarcely get into a rage yet a venomous look crept into his eyes as he surveyed his wife and her visitor what is the meaning of this he demanded trying to assume the dignity of an injured husband which sat very badly on him

Starting point is 07:25:02 before constance could speak lord prela stepped forward with a domino over his arm and spread it out this is the meaning of my being in your dressing-room mr rover he said sharply and perfectly cool I found this behind some clothes in yonder cupboard. How dare you search into my private affairs, cried Dolly, standing on tiptoe and growing red. Is it not better that I should do so than the police, Mr. Rover? The little man looked genuinely puzzled. The police? What do you mean by mentioning the police? This dress, this domino, both are an imitation of the dress.

Starting point is 07:25:46 and domino which your wife were at the ball and the lady who was introduced by agstone to make shepworth insensible if you remember the case was a raid in this way instead of turning pale dolly became redder than ever and turned like a snake on his wife you he said savagely you entered chepworth's flat you dared to i never was near the flat said constance coming very close to him and looking down contemptuously from her great height. And if you dared to hand it such a thing, I shall leave you forever. I have put up with enough from you. Don't drive me too far.

Starting point is 07:26:29 Mr. Rover has enough to do to defend himself without troubling you, Constance, said Prelis quietly. Dolly started. What do you mean? He asked nervously. This sham dress was hidden in your cupboard. I never saw it before. I didn't know it was there, Dolly gasped, for he was beginning to scent danger. The presumed woman introduced by Agstone was dressed in this. Went on, Lord Prilus mercilessly.

Starting point is 07:27:02 You hated Shepworth. You wished to get him into trouble, and so, Prilus stopped. I leave you to draw your own inferences. He ended. Dolly trembled, as well he might, for the visitor had drawn up a very good case against him. I tell you I never saw the dress before, he quavered. And how did you find it? That is neither here nor there, said Prilus, wishing to shield Constance from the mean wrath of the little man. Later on, the police can explain. The police? The police! Dolly grew as well as well as. white as a sheet. Constance laid her hand on his shoulder. Don't be afraid, Dolly. I do not believe that you killed that man, Agstone. Dolly brushed her hand away with a snarl of a terrified cat. Keep yourself to yourself, he snapped, showing his teeth. You hate me, so you need not defend me.

Starting point is 07:28:07 I don't love you, answered Constance, bitterly. I have small cause to. considering the way in which you tricked me. All the same, I do not wish to see you get into trouble over a crime which I truly believe you had not plunk enough to commit. You were quite right, retorted her husband shamelessly. I never did have plunk enough to kill a fly, much less a human being. I should have stabbed your lover long ago if I had. Shepworth is not Mrs. Rovers' lover, said Prilis quietly. he is she is always howling after him taunted the venomous little man but she sold herself to me and-and you did not pay the price said constance scornful and still no dolly chuckled i got the better of you there but you are my wife now and i'll make you pay shepworth can marry that criminal girl whenever he likes i hope he will so as to torment you

Starting point is 07:29:12 Mrs. Rovers' eyes flashed. "'Ned shall never marry,' she began, when Preliss made a sign to her to keep the secret of the new engagement and spoke himself coldly and sternly. Miss Chent's character has been perfectly cleared by her acquittal, Mr. Rover, and if you dare say a word against her, I shall throw you out of the window.' "'How brave you are in defending Shepworth's bride,' said Don. dolly, wincing at the flash in Prilus's blue eyes.

Starting point is 07:29:47 I am, replied the other, not contradicting the mistake under which he saw, Dolly labored. But as yet you have not proved your innocence. There is no need to prove it. Rover's voice whimpered unsteadily. It is ridiculous to accuse me. This dress was hidden in your cupboard, insisted Prilus. What of that? This room was used. used as a place for the coats and hats of the men who came to the ball. Any one of them might have hidden the domino and frock there.

Starting point is 07:30:20 I did not. I received my guests unmast, and afterwards put on a black silk domino. Ah, Prelis took a step forward. Then it was you who appeared in Shepworth's dining room, and who gave the alarm. Yes, it was me. I came down to see Shepworth,

Starting point is 07:30:42 and to make it plain to him that he was not to make love any longer to my wife. He never did make love since our marriage, flashed out Constance with scorn. Ned has been true to honor, as I have been. Prelist raised a hand to stop a promising quarrel between the ill-matched couple. Only you, Rover, knew what kind of dress your wife was to wear at the ball, he said judicially. Only you could have had a similar one made. so as to get her into trouble, I expect. Another person knew, cried Dolly, with a flash of triumph in his china-blue eyes.

Starting point is 07:31:23 Yes, I asked Haken to come to the ball to remonstrate with Constance about her love for Shepworth. He is godfather to Constance, as you know. I was aware that Constance would try to dodge Haken, as she didn't want to be scolded, so I described her dress to him that there might be no mistake. Haken was at the ball, Lord Brilus. Why don't you accuse him? The young man sneered, although he felt distinctly nervous at the many proofs accumulating against his uncle. Haken had no reason to get Shepworth into trouble.

Starting point is 07:32:00 You had. Nothing would have pleased me better, but I should have stopped short of putting my neck into a noose, and I did. I tell you again that I don't know how that does. domino frock thing came to be in my cupboard, that I never entered Shephyrus flat, as I certainly could not do so, without a key, and that I was the man in the black silk domino who gave the alarm, and when I entered the flat then, you had left the door open. All this explanation was perfectly natural, and Dolly gave it with such an air of truth that Prilus was reluctantly obliged to believe him.

Starting point is 07:32:40 The young man threw the domino over his shoulder and moved to the door. I shall take this with me, he said curtly. And see the police? Asked Rover with twinkling eyes. No, not at present. Not at any time if you value your uncle's liberty. What do you mean? Prelis faced round sharply.

Starting point is 07:33:06 I mean nothing as I know nothing, but there is as much evidence against Heakin as against me, and if you accuse me, I shall accuse him. How will Lady Sophia like a scandal of that sort? Eh? Prelis turned away without vouchsafing a reply. I shall see you again, Constance, he said coldly. You shall not see her until Shepworth marries Mona Chint, snapped the venomous little husband, and I shall move heaven and earth to bring that about.

Starting point is 07:33:39 you will need to retorted prelis remembering his engagement and thinking how angry dolly would be when he learned the truth and let me tell you rover that if you ill-treat your wife i shall make it my business to thrash you dolly drew back and snarled but seemed distinctly afraid prelis with a nod to the unhappy wife passed from the room and out of the flat he felt distinctly nervous us about Simon Haken. End of chapter 20. Chapter 21 of the sacred herb by Fergus Yume. This levervox recording is in the public domain. A possible scandal. After all, Lord Prelis did not return to hide on that night, much as he desired to.

Starting point is 07:34:37 In view of this new complication, which threatened the domestic peace of Lady Sophia Haken, her name. My nephew decided to remain in London and give all his energies towards solving the problem. He could not think that Haken had anything to do with the murder of Agstone. In the first place, he had no reason to kill the man. In the second, he did not possess any leaves of the sacred herb with which to make Shepworth unconscious. Certainly it was Agstone who had kindled the leaves in the bronze cup, but he must have obtained them from Mr. Haken, presuming he was the disguised lady, since he could have obtained them in no other way.

Starting point is 07:35:24 Sir Oliver had possessed a portion of the plant, but had used it in the library when he was murdered. So the old sailor could not have procured the leaves in that direction. Prilus began to wonder if Haken had got the leaves from Madame Marie Epengrave to execute his purpose. but then so far as prelis knew his uncle was not acquainted with the bond street fortune-teller and again he was well acquainted with dr horace who admitted to possession of the leaves and more than this had actually burnt the sacred herb in the new bailey lord prelis decided first to call upon his uncle in the city and lay the facts discovered before him and then to interview dr horace in these two several ways he might get at the truth also somewhat later he decided to again speak with madame and if possible see her in the presence of captain jadby when the buccaneer learned that mona was engaged to another man and that she had inherited the property he might bow to fate and leave things alone finally prelis knew that he had a powerful ally in the fortune-teller from what he had seen of her strong-willed character he guessed that she would stick at nothing to secure as her husband the man with whom she was infatuated bearing all these circumstances in mind prilus sent a wire to mona stating that business retained him in london and also went to his club to write his first love-letter

Starting point is 07:37:02 in this he carefully refrained from mentioning the case and merely poured out his heart in a passionate ditherem in honor of his goddess mona for the moment felt some disappointment when she noted the absence of information regarding madame marie but later confessed that her lover was right it would never have done for the first letter which had passed between them to be soiled by the sordid tragedy in which she had been implicated all the same much as she appreciated prelis's slightly turgid prose her heart hungered to learn of his doings relative to the case she felt that she would not know a happy moment until the truth were made manifest then she could become lady prelis with a light heart the next day preliss went into the city to see his uncle and learned that mr haken had gone to paris for a few days he was expected back on the morrow as he already had been absent for some time so all that his eager nephew could do was to possess his soul in patience prelis returned to his club rather disappointed and there found a telegram waiting for him it had been sent to his hide hotel and had been repeated on to his club since it was marked urgent it proved to be from horace and asked prelis to come up at once be at my house at three in the afternoon important said the wire

Starting point is 07:38:40 i wonder what this means prelis asked himself uneasily and fretted over the matter until the time came for him to go to rutland square there was no getting over the fact that the mystery of this case was telling on prelis's strong nerves nor was his uneasiness diminished when he found that Dr. Horace was not alone. With him were Captain Jadby and Madame Marie Epengrave, both of whom appeared to be on very good terms with their host. As usual, the room was untidy with its litter of curiosities, but Prilus managed to find a seat with his back to the light. This he did so as to keep his face well in the shade, as he had a premonition that there was about to be a duel of words. Indeed, the first whispered remark of Horace hinted at a storm about to break. You silly ass, grumbled the doctor in his beard as he went forward to welcome his guest.

Starting point is 07:39:45 Why couldn't you leave things alone as I told you? Now all the fat is on the fire with a vengeance. Prilus shrugged his shoulders with a carelessness which he was far from feeling. and saluted madame marie with a bow of captain jadby who stood fidgeting by the window he took no notice the buccaneer noticed the omission and resented it english manners i suppose sneered the half-cast pointedly prillis sat down calmly and took up the challenge considering our last meeting when you treacherously fired on my friend you can hardly expect me to behave courteously i wish i had killed him flashed out jadby viciously i quite believe that but you did not harm him in the least retorted prelis lying bravely to defend ned and to annoy the captain i wounded him in the arm snarled jadby didn't die marie i certainly saw that mr sheppworth was slightly hurt replied the fortune-teller in a trance of course ah replied Preliss, negligently.

Starting point is 07:41:00 Your trances are not always reliable, madam. I think you have found that this one is, at least, she replied in her turn and very significantly. What does Captain Jadby think? asked Prelis, genially. He felt sure that the woman had not dared to risk the buccaneers' rage by explaining what she had said. Madam Marie told me that she went into a trance on your account, said Jadby, taking a chair sullenly.

Starting point is 07:41:31 But of course, she did not remember what she said and could not explain to me. Since Madam is certain that this special trance is reliable, was Preliss's retort, she must remember something. Oh, the deuce take your chatter, shouted Horace, ruffling his shaggy red hair in a high state of irritation. I didn't ask you here to waste my time and dribble. In that case, as my time is also valuable, I had better go. No, no, confound you, said Horace crossly, and seeing that Preliss knew well how to treat his humors,

Starting point is 07:42:10 Madam here and Jadby wished to speak to you seriously. I failed to see upon what subject. Upon the subject of Miss Chint, cried the buccaneer savagely. I declined to discuss an absent lady, said Prelis coolly. you are engaged to her am i indeed but you shan't marry her won't i see here prelis rose very tall and very straight and very cool-headed if you persist in going on like this captain jabby i shall be compelled to twist your neck english manners sneered the half-cast again not at all colonial manners south sea manners south sea manners if you will, and very necessary manners for dealing with a ruffian such as you are. I'll kill you for this, muttered Jadby, sinking back into his chair. With your little gun, taunted Prelis pleasantly, I hope you'll shoot straighter.

Starting point is 07:43:11 I never saw so rotten a shot. I can do more than shoot. Yes, you can bark and bite too. See here, I ask you here to tell you in the presence of Horace that if you don't stop meddling with things which do not concern you, I'll disgrace your uncle. Preliss never winced. He had a kind of idea that something of this sort was forthcoming, and merely laughed aggravatingly. Which uncle? said he calmly. I have two or three. Mr. Simon Haken.

Starting point is 07:43:47 Oh, indeed, Prelis turned to Horace. Are you on my side or on the side of these blackmailers? he demanded. "'Madame Marie arose furiously. "'I am not a blackmailer,' she cried, "'and her deep-toned voice became shrill with anger. "'I did not want to say anything, "'and if Felix does not swear to give up this girl, "'I shall refuse to speak out.'

Starting point is 07:44:13 "'No,' snapped Chadby with a fierce glance, "'at which, strange to say, "'the courageous woman looked cowled. "'You shall speak as I direct. "'Are you on my own. my side are theirs, Prelis asked Horace again. On yours, hang you, snarled the ugly little man, and if I were not, you would find yourself in queer street, I can tell you.

Starting point is 07:44:39 Prelis took no notice of this outburst, but turned to the woman. Are you against me? He demanded. I am neutral, she retorted uneasily. I see, and Jadby, there is an open enemy. Well, now that I understand. understand the situation perhaps you will let me know how mr haken can be disgraced by you two or you three we can accuse him of murder said jadby choking with anger at the exasperating coolness of the young aristocrat good go on of two murders spat out the half-cast better and better ha i understand then that you captain jedby and you madame

Starting point is 07:45:26 re accused mr haken of killing sir oliver lanwin and steve agstone yes snapped the captain and yes breathed the woman very pale prelis looked quietly at them prove these charges he said one moment said dr horace getting out his german pipe remember prelis that this business is none of my bringing about i warned you against meddling in the case and you would not take my warning. You have only yourself to think for what is coming. I am perfectly ready to take the responsibility of my actions, was the stiff retort of the young man, and he turned to Jadby. Go on! The captain, bursting with venom, was only too pleased to relieve himself in a torrent of words. Before my father, Sir Oliver, died, he frequently talked to me about the estate, sought my counsel, In fact, I thus learned that Mr. Haken, although supposed to be a wealthy man, was in difficulties owing to disastrous speculation. He asked Sir Oliver to lend him 50,000 pounds to tide over a crisis, and this my father refused to do. Naturally, Mr. Haken was very angry. Probably, put in Prelis coolly, but what you say does not prove that Mr. Haken killed Sir Oliver. Let me speak now, said Horace rapidly. I was the sole possessor of the sacred herb, which, if you remember, Priilus, I brought

Starting point is 07:47:04 from Easter Island. I gave some to Haken, who desired to get the same for Sir Oliver. You see, pursued the traveler, Haken knew that Landwin was much interested in occult studies, so thought to tempt him to lend the necessary 50,000 pounds by getting him this rare herb, which, as you know, produces. a trance. I see, Preliss nodded. Then Mr. Haken confessed to you that he desired the loan of this money?

Starting point is 07:47:34 He did, saying that his affairs were in a bad way. With the gift of the sacred herb, he hoped to soften Sir Oliver's heart, which was somewhat hard where money matters were concerned. I never knew that Mr. Haken was aware of Landwin's inclination to the occult, said Prelis quietly. he was in a way said madame marie suddenly and taking up the story but of course i told him more being very friendly with sir oliver as you know mr haken was superstitious himself as the saying goes and frequently consulted me about stocks and shares what prelis looked incredulous do you mean to tell me that a hard-headed man like mr haken consulted you he did and i was enabled to serve him by my powers i understood lord preliss that you believed in the occult world i do rejoined the young man dryly because i have had considerable experience and possess imagination but mr

Starting point is 07:48:43 he believed also interrupted the fortune-teller quickly and came to me for advice it was i who recommended him to apply to his old friend and Sir Oliver for the 50,000 pounds. When Sir Oliver refused, I told Mr. Haken that he should get some of the sacred herb from Dr. Horace, and give it to Sir Oliver, in the hope that the gift would make Sir Oliver hand over the money. How did you know that Dr. Horace had the herb? asked Prilas sharply. Madam Marie and I were acquainted in Samoa, put in the traveler, and when we met in London, I told her that I had succeeded in giving. getting the famous trans herb of Easter Island. She asked me for some of the leaves to use in her

Starting point is 07:49:29 business, and I declined. Why, when you gave the same to Sir Oliver, inquired Prelis? Because I wish to keep the herb to myself, said Horace, his rugged face growing dark, but when Haken asked me for it to get money out of Landwin, I gave it readily. I hated Landwin. He thwarted me in Tahiti. It matters not how. And he's a man. And he was a lot. And he he treated my brother Steve like a dog. I knew that Haken would lose the 50,000, and wished Lanwin to see the last of the cash. I would have ruined Landwin if I could. This is quite a new light on your character, Horace, said Prilis, with uplifted eyebrows. However, I understand that for your own purposes which you have so kindly set forth,

Starting point is 07:50:18 you gave the herb to Landwin. Not personally, retorted the doctor. scowling. I gave it to Haken, and he passed it to Madame Marie. And it was I who presented the herb to Sir Oliver, after retaining some leaves for my own use, said the woman coolly. It was on the night of the murder that Mr. Haken came down to see Sir Oliver. Can you swear to that? demanded Preliss watching her. I can. She assured him, emphatically. Mr. Haken knew that I was to give the herb to Sir Oliver on that night, and came down so as to strike the iron while it was hot, by explaining how he had procured the herb from Dr. Horace. Mr. Haken came in quietly by the window when I was conversing with Sir Oliver in the library. That was about nine o'clock. Agstone entered

Starting point is 07:51:14 to close the windows. They were not shuddered, remember, and also saw Mr. Haken. At five minutes after nine, if you recollect the evidence I gave in court, I went to bed, leaving Mr. Haken alone with Sir Oliver. She paused. And then? Questioned Prelis. There is nothing more to say. She replied coldly. Mr. Haken was in the library with a man from whom he desired to get money.

Starting point is 07:51:45 It was, I believe, refused. And then Mr. Haken murdered Sir Oliver. afterwards burning the sacred herb about the time miss chint entered the room needless to say before she entered mr haken had gone a very pretty story said prelas quite unmoved that is one crime no doubt but the other i can explain said jadby enraged at the young man's coolness from madame marie i learned that mr haken was going to mrs rovers ball to see his goddaughter and Shepworth, and, How did you know that? asked Prelis, turning to the woman. Mrs. Rover consulted me occultly about her marriage

Starting point is 07:52:30 and confessed, amongst other things, that Mr. Haken was her godfather. I saw that Mrs. Rover was in that reckless state which might lead to a scandal, and I told everything to Mr. Haken. He resolved to go to the masked ball and remonstrate with Mrs. Rover, and afterwards with Mr. Shepworth.

Starting point is 07:52:50 I told Captain Jadby. And I went there, said the captain quickly, because I knew that Haken had killed Sir Oliver and wished to see him in order to get some money. To blackmail him, in fact, said Prelis coolly. So you were the continental individual who my uncle was to meet. Yes, but he was too clever for me. He came in an ordinary domino and afterwards changed to a green one. with a dress similar to that of Mrs. Rovers. How can you be sure?

Starting point is 07:53:25 Because I was hunting for Mr. Haken and heard him chuckle. For the moment I fancy that he was Mrs. Rover owing to the dress, but when he chuckled, I guessed it was Mr. Haken. He eluded me, however, but not before I had smelt the perfume of the two rose, which the sacred herb gives out. When you discovered the crime, Lord Prelis, I guessed, that Mr. Haken, disguised as Mrs. Rover, so as to implicate her with Shepworth, should there be trouble, had gone down and murdered Agstone. How did Agstone come there? How did Mr. Haken know

Starting point is 07:54:05 he would be there? Jedby leaned back coolly. I cannot answer either of those questions, he said calmly. Perhaps Mr. Haken can. There was a few moments of silence. which Preliss broke. Well, he asked, rising, and what are your terms for silence? You must give up Miss Chint to me, said the captain with a glance of gratification, for he fancied that Prelis was yielding.

Starting point is 07:54:36 I shall marry her, and then we shall live at the Grange. Ah, but you see it will not be your property, said Prelis politely. Jadby sprang to his feet, not my property no i fear that dr horace has not informed you that agstone brought the will leaving everything to miss chint to him and that he has restored it to the lady you are a pauper captain jadby miss chint has the money and shortly she will have me as her husband jadby took scarcely any notice of prelis important as was the matter he talked about horace he cried, glaring viciously. You have played me false. I never intended to play you true, said Horace contemptuously. Then I shall ruin Hagen, cried Jadby, at his wits end with sheer rage. Do so, said Prilus, walking to the door. I declined to be blackmailed. Good day. And he walked out.

Starting point is 07:55:42 After him came Madame Marie before he could descend the stairs. She gripped him by the arm earnestly and looked into his face. Prilus could hear the captain and Horace quarrelling desperately in the room he had left, but waited patiently until the woman spoke. Swear to me, panted Madame Marie that Jadby will never, never marry that girl, and I will help you. In what way? For one thing, I shall stop Felix from denouncing your uncle.

Starting point is 07:56:15 Poo! That's bluff. Indeed, indeed it is. said the woman passionately. What I have told you is perfectly true. Your uncle will be in great danger if Felix speaks. But swear to save him from that girl, and I shall stop all trouble about Mr. Haken. I swear, said Prelas quietly, especially as it is the dearest wish of my life to make Miss Chint my wife. Beware! Oh, be careful, implored Madame Marie, clinging to Prelis, I know that Felix is desperate. He is dangerous. I am not afraid of him. He cannot hurt me.

Starting point is 07:56:57 But he may hurt her, cried Madame Marie. If anything goes wrong, come to me. I can help you. I shall do so, but why do you work against the man you love? Because I can secure him in no other way. I want him to leave England to marry me. While he stops here and is infatuated with Miss Chint, there is no hope. Hark! Felix is calling. Remember, we are outwardly enemies, but inwardly friends. You promise. On this she produced a small golden crucifix. Considering the exigencies of the case, Prelis was willing to promise anything, even to a doubtfully good woman, such as Madame Marie appeared to be, but the production of the crucifix took him a back.

Starting point is 07:57:50 I give you my word, he said stiffly. I want your oath, she retorted. Swear on this, to aid me to marry Felix or I do nothing. There was no help for it, and Prelis had to make allowance for Madame Marie's flamboyant, foreign way of exaggeration. I swear to help you, he said, and kissed the crucifix. End of Chapter 21. Chapter 22 of the Sacred Erb by Fergus Yume.

Starting point is 07:58:30 This Levervox recording is in the public domain. The Unexpected. Don't talk nonsense to me, cried Lady Sophia, wrapping the dinner table with her lorgnette. The idea is too ridiculous for words. To marry a girl out of jail. Monstrous. Your father would turn it. his grave, and he wasn't very particular. Lord Prelis was dining with his lively relative, when this speech was made at the tail end of a very

Starting point is 07:59:02 excellent meal. Haken had duly returned from Paris on the day after the interview of Prelis with Dr. Horace and his two friends. On finding a note from his nephew stating that he desired to speak on an important subject, Mr. Haken had responded with a wire, inviting the young man to dinner. Lady Sophia had also arrived in town from Folkestone and explained to Prelis when he appeared that she would do nothing for Mona. This remark led to a request for explanations which Lady Sophia was only too anxious to afford, and the presence of footman and butler at the dinner table alone kept her from raging at Prelis all the time he was eating. Haken, looking more dried up, than ever, sat at the foot of the table. His wife invariably took the top, and chuckled at intervals.

Starting point is 07:59:59 He had not yet heard what Preliss wished to speak about, and was waiting until Lady Sophia retired to the drawing-room, a thing she seemed disinclined to do at present, so rabid was she against her nephew. Having made the above remark, she waited for a reply, but as Prelis merely crumbled what was left of his bread and said nothing. She launched out again with preemptory question. Do you or do you not wish your father to turn in his grave? My dear aunt, replied Prelis very distinctly. I wish the corpse to take the position it finds the most comfortable. Oh, cried Lady Sophia, outraged in her deepest feelings. Oh, that I should live to hear my late brother called an it. have you no reverence prelis not so much reverence as i have patience he replied very bored ah lady sophia hugged herself i might have expected that you never never will face the truth

Starting point is 08:01:10 what is the truth asked haken his eyes twinkling and putting the question of pilate the truth said his wife majestically is that prelis must have been changed at nurse he has not the feelings of his ancestors i have their gout however said prelis humorously what possible objection can you have to my marrying aunt sophia it's not the marriage itself i object to my object to-a it's not the marriage itself i object to to, Prilus, but to the bride you choose. You know that well. There won't be a prettier bride in the three kingdoms than Mona. I am quite sure there won't, said his aunt, spitefully, if she only gets as far as the altar. The communion rails, you mean, I'll do my best to bring her there. Not in my presence, Prilus. All right, we'll have a quiet wedding. A quiet wedding, raged Lady Sophia, and with such a notorious girl as the bride, why all the...

Starting point is 08:02:17 Aunt Sophia, interrupted Prilus, growing restive under these insults. Permit me to remind you that Miss Chent is to be my wife, and that I am quite capable of managing my own affairs. Lady Sophia rose and swept to the door. I'm sorry for you. I am truly sorry for you, she said with scorn and throwing back her head. Thank you, replied her nephew meekly and politely holding open the door, the same to you and many of them. Oh, Prelis, how I would love to box your ears! And unable to say anything worse, Lady Sophia disappeared. in a royal rage.

Starting point is 08:03:03 Prelis did not feel very amiable himself for having been baited unnecessarily, and closed the door with a bang, which said volumes. Then he returned to the disordered dinner table, poured himself out a glass of port,

Starting point is 08:03:18 caught his uncle's twinkling eyes, and laughed in spite of his irritation. Haken nodded approvingly. That's better than banging the door, he said, stretching his legs in a genial fashion. Have a cigar?

Starting point is 08:03:35 Prelis accepted one of the best and lighted up, while his host followed his example. When the blue smoke was curling round the old head and the young, and the glasses were full, they dismissed the trouble of Lady Sophia by common consent. Haken looked interrogatively at the young man. Well, he demanded quietly, and what have you to say,

Starting point is 08:03:59 to me, if I know anything of young men, you wish to borrow money, and ended with a chuckle at his joke, knowing the wealth of his nephew. And if I know anything of old men, said Prelas coolly, I should advise them to borrow from their relatives instead of from strangers. Haken was somewhat startled by this speech, which was as rude a one as Prelis could well have made. But he felt irritable and wished to smash rather than break the ice. What are you talking about? asked the elder man cautiously. About 50,000 pounds. A very tidy little sum, said Haken, quite composed.

Starting point is 08:04:46 I required that precise sum myself a month or so ago to tide over a crisis. Did you get it? Not from Oliver Landwin. retorted the city man dryly. Prelis jumped up from his chair and let his cigar fall. He was far from expecting that Haken would own up so quickly. Leaning forward, he placed his hands on the table and looked straight into the withered face before him.

Starting point is 08:05:17 What do you mean? Don't burn the carpet with your cigar, said Haken, irreverently. And when Prelis stooped to pick it up, he continued, I should rather ask you that, my boy. You know something, or else you wouldn't talk of my borrowing, and of the exact sum which I required. I know a great deal, said the young man, and sat down. Haken settled himself luxuriously in his chair. Let us hear all about it, my boy, said he. Is your glass filled? Your cigar all right? Good. fire away. I'm in a mood for listening.

Starting point is 08:05:59 Are you in the mood to face danger? Question the other man. Astonished at this coolness. Haken wrinkled his brows as a monkey does. Danger, he repeated. And from whom? From Madame Marie, from Captain Jadby, and from Dr. Horace. I agree as to the first two, said Haken, perfectly calm.

Starting point is 08:06:24 but I am sure that the last-named will not harm me in any way. Prelis refected, You are right, he said thoughtfully. Horace is your friend and mine, but the others. Yes, I know all about the others, interrupted Haken in a level voice. They have their own fish to fry, and are not particular how big a blaze they make to fry them.

Starting point is 08:06:49 Of course I expected you would find out. Did you? and why? Why? Haken pushed back his chair and rose with a chuckle. Didn't Sophia envigle you into helping young Shepworth and the girl he was engaged to? You could scarcely do that and not cross my trail. Why didn't you confess to me? Asked Prilus much vexed.

Starting point is 08:07:16 Confess what? That I murdered Landwin and that you stabbed Agstone. The deuce. Haken started at this last remark. They accused me of that, do they? I didn't know that they would go so far. Well, he looked very straightly at his nephew, and with very bright eyes, you have no doubt heard what these people have had to say. And no doubt they have manufactured good fiction out of certain facts. My character, I take it, is as black as a crow. Blacker, if anything. No doubt, well, and what do you say? I say that Jadby and Madame Marie and possibly Horace are liars. Haken walked around the table and placed his hand on his nephew's shoulder. Do you believe that I am guilty?

Starting point is 08:08:14 Certainly not. Why? On what grounds? Prelis laughed. He had. always doubted the guilt of his uncle, ever since the telling of it in Redland Square. Now he was sure that, however cleverly the story had been put together, Simon Haken would be quite capable of reconstructing it so as to prove his innocence. He therefore answered with a

Starting point is 08:08:41 laugh, on the grounds that you are much too clever a man to commit a murder without making things much safer than they appear to be in this instance. Thank you. you, said Haken simply, and after a friendly squeeze of Preliss's shoulder, he returned to his seat. A weaker man would have required a more emotional denial, but Haken was too strong and too business-like to trouble about sentiment. You see, he remarked when again in his chair, it would not have suited me to murder Lanwin. No, assented Prelis, tickled by the remark, murder in this country is attended with certain disadvantages haken chuckled and drank a second glass of port in spite of his nonchalance he was more nervous than he chose to admit now tell me how our friends bring home the crime to me and why they told you about the business i shall tell you the whole case from the beginning said prelis after a pause my connection with it began

Starting point is 08:09:50 when Aunt Sophia came to bully me into doing something. Haken nodded sympathetically. When your aunt interferes, there is generally trouble. Well, Prelas settled himself to work and recounted the whole story, ending with his parting from Madame Marie on the stairs of Horace's house and the oath upon the crucifix. Haken smoked quietly while the narrative proceeded, merely raising his eyebrows when he heard how ingeniously the fortune-teller and Jadby proved his guilt. When Preliss concluded, Haken chuckled, and passed the port. Have another glass, my boy, he said quietly. You must be dry over that talking. All the same, Preliss noted that the perspiration was beating the old man's brow,

Starting point is 08:10:42 and that he was exercising considerable willpower to keep himself. in hand. While Prilis sipped his fresh glass of wine, Haken walked up and down the length of the dining room, keeping silent. After quite five minutes he began to talk, still walking steadily. I should have come to you for that money, he said in a conversational tone, only that I don't like taking advantage of my wife's relatives. I needed 50,000 pounds badly, and when Landwin refused to the money, I scarcely knew what to do. However, the cash turned up unexpectedly, although I had to make a sacrifice to get it. I calculate that I shall have to pay cent per cent for that money. However, it is worth it. The worst is over, and everything is going swimmingly. I shall have no further

Starting point is 08:11:39 trouble. So don't look glum, Prelis. Oh, I'm not afraid of your finances, said the young man quickly as i know your head for figures and know also that the soundest men in the city have their money troubles on occasions but i am thinking of your being in the power of these wretches that is added prelis correcting himself in the power of jadby i don't think that madame marie is so bad and horace is gruff but honest oh horace is all right but marie is as bad as they make them nonsense nonsense she was as bad as they make them nonsense she was wants to help me. Selfishly, in order to secure Jadby, she must make use of you, otherwise you could go hang. But I must tell you that portions of her story and Jadby's story and that of Horace are correct. I got the herb in the way you heard, and I did go down to hide to see Lannwin. Were you in the library when Madame Marie went to bed? I was, admitted Haken, coolly. But by that time, landwin had not commenced his hanky-panky with the herb i asked him straight out to lend the money he refused with a word or two of abuse so i walked away and back to folkstone where i was stopping there was no row as i disdained to reply to horace's coarse language madame marie left the library at five minutes after nine by fifteen minutes past i left also and by the window on my way to folkestone

Starting point is 08:13:17 what happened after i left i cannot say what was landwin doing when you left fiddling with his herbs he came and shut the window after i had gone and shouted out a word or two as i departed do you suspect anyone of the crime haken shrugged his shoulders unless it was jadby no he replied thoughtfully jadby was in london and did not return until later you heard his evidence in court then agstone must be guilty agstone certainly hated his master said haken why prilus looked astonished i understood that agstone was devoted to sir oliver so lanwin said and every one believed but the fact is as i learned from madame marie that agstone was lanwin's slave sir oliver knew something about him which he used as a threat and so kept him in bondage landwin was not a pleasant character ended the city man twirling his cigar oh prilus sunk his chin and his breast and thought he knew well enough that so far as the evidence of the knife was concerned agstone could not possibly be guilty nevertheless since agstone had brought the missing will to his brother and the assassin could only have procured that will it would say that seemed that the old sailor, after all, had struck the blow. But why had he tried to put the blame on Mona, both by placing the knife in her hand and

Starting point is 08:15:04 by accusing her? Did Madame Marie say that Agstone hated Mona? asked Prilus, raising his head. No, on the contrary, I understand that Agstone liked Miss Chint, because she was kind to him. Sir Oliver, however, was of a jealous, disposition, and Agstone was afraid to display his liking. Do you suppose that Madame Marie herself killed Landwin? Certainly not. She had nothing to gain by doing so, and moreover lost a valuable client by Landwin's death. Marie is fond of money, too. She wants to make all she can,

Starting point is 08:15:46 so as to marry Jadby. She is strangely infatuated with that rascal. "'Jud be as good-looking in a way,' replied Prelis. "'Han, it seems to me that we are as far as ever from learning the truth.' "'No doubt,' assented his uncle. "'Still, one thing is certain that I did not kill Lanwin. "'As to Agstone,' he hesitated. "'You are not going to confess that you killed him,' said Prelis, "'with a wryi smile.

Starting point is 08:16:20 Haken chuckled. No, I never tell unnecessary lies, but I certainly saw him dead, and Shepworth insensible. Oh, Prelis was quite unmoved. So you did make use of that key? No, said Haken again and unexpectedly. There was no need to. I went down, intending to remonstrate with Shepworth on behalf of Rover, and found that the door was unfastened. I entered and saw what you saw, so at once I came upstairs, reclosing the door as I had found it. Why didn't you give the alarm? What, with Jadby hanging about, already intending to blackmail me for Landwin's death? I should have given myself into the hands of the Philistines with a vengeance had I raised the alarm. I see. So Jadby was the continental swell whom you told me that, you were to meet. Yes. He insisted upon seeing me at the ball. Why he chose such a place I don't know,

Starting point is 08:17:29 and how he got to the ball I can't imagine. Oh, that was easy. Remember the mask? Jedby had only to assume a mask and domino and could slip in easily. But this dress, I didn't wear it, interrupted Haken quickly. Woman's disguise is the last thing I should think of assuming, with my figure and face, to say nothing of my age. It's my opinion. He paused. Well, well, questioned Preliss, impatiently, that Madame Marie wore the dress herself. But how could she come to the ball?

Starting point is 08:18:10 Constance never invited her. You answered that question yourself a few minutes ago with a reference to Jadby. Madame Marie could easily have slipped on a mask and domino and have come to the ball to meet Jadby. Probably she wore that dress to implicate Constance and concealed it in Rover's dressing room to bring him into the matter. Remember, Madame Marie herself told you where the sham dress was to be found. Yes, assented Lord Prilus thoughtfully, but how did Madame Marie learn what kind of costume Constance would wear? rover told her yes he came to me about constance's love for sheppworth and told me that in his efforts to gain his wife's love he had gone to see if madame marie could give him a filter of sorts infernally silly to act in that way nowadays madame marie told him to learn the exact costume which constance would wear at the ball you see constance was keeping her style of dress a secret from her husband

Starting point is 08:19:17 so that Rover could watch if she went down to see Shepworth. Rover learned about the dress from Constance's dressmaker and told me, and also told Madame Marie. It was easy then for Madamee to get the frock imitated and slipped down to Shepworth's flat. By doing that, she managed to kill Agstone, to implicate young Shepworth, and to throw the blame on Constance. A confoundedly clever woman is Marie Ebengrave, ended Haken, chuckling. Lord Preliss rose thoughtfully. The further we go into this case, the more complicated does it become, he remarked.

Starting point is 08:20:01 Certainly Agstone, knowing Madame Marie would bring her into the room, while not knowing Constance, he would not. Then again, Madame Marie knew about the herb and, Constance did not. It would seem he stopped and walked abruptly to the door. I must sleep on this, he said wearily. But you know that I am innocent now that I have explained, said the old man, following and speaking anxiously. He liked Prelis and did not wish him to have a bad opinion of his uncle by marriage. Prelis grasped Haken's hand. I believed in your innocence before you gave the explanation, he replied.

Starting point is 08:20:49 Wish my aunt good night for me, Uncle Simon. I'm going home to think over things. Your aunt will be annoyed. Not so much as I will be if I listen to her scolding. Good night. Haken grumbled a trifle at being left to explain to Lady Sophia, but on going to the drawing room he found that his wife had gone to a concert in Park Lane. thus he was saved the trouble of making things smooth and went to bed very thankfully haken was not a young man and the interview with prelis had shaken him greatly meanwhile prelis himself had driven straight to his rooms and had gone immediately to bed thinking that he could better argue out the case as it stood when lying down than when sitting or standing but he was so weary with talk and with the strain of the last few days that he fell sound asleep before he could arrive at any conclusion regarding the guilt or innocence of madame marie It seemed to him that he had only been resting for five minutes when his valet woke him in the morning at nine o'clock. Woke him also in a most unpleasant manner by presenting a telegram.

Starting point is 08:22:08 Preliss, half awake, tore open the orange-yued envelope. But he was wide awake when he finished reading the news it contained. The wire proved to be from Mrs. Blexley. Miss Mona has disappeared. That was all the wires said, but it was quite enough. End of Chapter 22. Chapter 23 of the Sacred Erb by Fergus Yume. This Levervox recording is in the public domain.

Starting point is 08:22:48 Helpless. At Landwin Grange, all was confusion. About 12 o'clock on the previous day, Mona had left the house with the intention of going to Folkstone to interview Lady Sophia. She was unaware that this formidable personage had returned to London and wished to explain how much she loved Lord Brilus, so that Lady Sophia might offer no opposition to the marriage. From the time that she had left the grain she had not been seen,

Starting point is 08:23:20 Mrs. Blacksley was not alarmed until her young mistress failed to return to dinner, as she had promised. Then the housekeeper had sent a girl. room with a dog cart over to the Folkestone Hotel at which Lady Sophia was supposed to be stopping. The man had returned with the information that Miss Chint had not been seen at the hotel, and that Lady Sophia Haken had gone back to London. It was then that Mrs. Blacksley grew terrified. "'Whatever will his lordship and Mr. Shepworth say,' she wailed,

Starting point is 08:23:55 "'they will be fit to take the skin off me.' the butler advised an immediate wire to both the young gentleman but mrs blexley hoping to save the situation refused to listen alleging that perhaps miss mona walking across the downs towards folkestone had lost herself but when the night passed and still the girl did not put in an appearance the housekeeper was compelled to send telegrams to prelis and the barrister the two friends oddly enough met at charing cross station to go down by the same train. Naturally, they secured a first-class carriage in order to talk over the disappearance of Miss Chint. What do you think about it? asked Shepworth anxiously. It is a new move on the part of that black guard, Jadby, replied the other between his teeth. But would he dare? He would dare anything to gain his ends. He tried to shoot you, and now he has kidnapped Mona. Are you sure of that, Dory? What other explanation can there be, Ned?

Starting point is 08:25:04 Mona has not returned, and she never went near the Piccadilly Hotel in Folkestone, where my aunt has been staying. I expect after our meeting at Horace's this scoundrel came down and watched for an opportunity to get Mona by herself. Then he kidnapped her. But he could not do that alone, and in England? No doubt he had help of some sort, and the downs are lonely. Besides, he threatened at Horace's to do me an injury, and what greater one could he inflict than to carry off Mona? Also, Madame Marie hinted that Jadby would strike at me through the girl I love. By the way, I have sent a special messenger to bring that lady down to hide. For what reason, Dory? Madam Marie, said Prelis quietly, may be a bad woman. Uncle Simon says that she is. All the same she loves that Jadby beast, and will move heaven and earth to secure him. If he has carried off Mona, as I suspect, Madam Marie will help me. How can she? She can go into a trance and see where Mona is hidden. Shepworth raised his eyebrows.

Starting point is 08:26:23 dory do you really believe in these magical things there is no magic about them retorted lord prelis bluntly save to people who can't see farther than their noses everything works under well-defined laws both in the scene and in the unseen worlds it only needs a person to learn and understand these laws to work what the unthinking call miracles "'And you believe that this woman—' "'Yes, I do,' interrupted Preliss, impatiently. "'You have only to look into Madame Marie's eyes to see that she has the sight. "'She may be a bad lot, as Uncle Simon says, "'but there are black magicians as well as white ones. "'But there,' he ended abruptly,

Starting point is 08:27:11 "'I am only talking in high Dutch to you.' "'I confess that I am not superstitious,' said Shepworth thoughtfully. occult powers have nothing to do with superstition said preliss in a calm and decisive way everything is law as i tell you and when the law is known certain things can be done by means of the sacred herb the spirit that is the astral body can part from the flesh and go where it will when madame marie arrives at the grange i shall make her help me in that way she will be quite willing if only to thwart jadby but there prelis again brushed away his words with the gesture i have explained enough to a sceptic such as you are let us talk of other matters What do you intend to do about Constance? Shepworth colored and looked out of the window at the landscape, which was flying past dream fashion. I do not like to discuss Mrs. Rover even to you, Prelis, he said stiffly.

Starting point is 08:28:21 Ned, answered his friend, don't be a fool. If you had confide in me when we first met at Jetty's restaurant, a great deal of trouble might have been avoided. Besides, you told Mona, why should you not tell me? And Prelis waited for a reply. I only told Mona that I loved Constance, said Shepworth, after an uneasy pause. Naturally, I didn't like to say too much. I quite understand, but the fact remains that you love Constance and that Constance loves you. She is a married woman.

Starting point is 08:29:00 Unfortunately for me. said Shepworth bitterly. And unfortunately for her also, seeing that she is tied to a man who hates her more than he loves her, Rover's pride is wounded, Ned, by his wife's preference for you, and he'll make trouble. I see that, and I wish to avoid trouble for Constance's sake. But what can I do?

Starting point is 08:29:25 You can move from Alexander Mansions for one thing, and take a trip to the colonies for another. Rover may die. There is no chance. Pooh, said Prelis contempulously, the man's a bloodless little rat. And look at those dilated eyes of his. Like those of a fierce rabbit,

Starting point is 08:29:48 if there is such a thing in nature. I shouldn't be at all surprised if Rover pegged out unexpectedly. He doesn't motor, nor golf, nor bicycle, nor shoot. In fact, he avoids. he avoids all excitements. So Aunt Sophia told me that shows how weak his heart is. Depend upon it. No, no, said Shepworth impatiently. Even for Constance, I do not want to build my

Starting point is 08:30:16 future happiness on a man's death. I shall take your advice and go to Australia for a few years. It will be better for me and for Constance, since here we can only look at one another and dare not meet. much less speak save in the presence of others but there has been no scandal since rovers marriage and so far as i'm concerned there shall be no scandal there we have talked enough poor old chap said prelis leaning forward to shake shephyr's hand you're having a deuce of a time your karma oh hang your theosophy very good one waste words in speaking to the deaf besides the matter of mona's rescue is more important than anything else hang it how slow this beastly train is this was hard on the engine driver who was doing his best and actually was sending along the train at top speed but had prelis been mounted on a flying bombshell he would have found its speed too slow since his thoughts outstripping all other means of locomotion had flown long since to the house in the hollow however the longest river's river's get to the sea in the end, and the young men found themselves on Hyde platform. A motor-car, ordered in advance by wire, waited them, and they were soon buzzing upward to Landwin

Starting point is 08:31:44 Grange. On arriving at the Great Mansion, they were met by Mrs. Blexley, all tears in lamentation. But Prilus, in his stiff military manner, soon reduced her to common-sense talk, and learned that although every inquiry had been made and every possible place searched, as yet Mona had not been found. She had disappeared as completely as a dewdrop does in the ocean. Even the local police could do nothing. Which is just like the local police, growled Prelis. I say Ned, you take the car and scout over the downs. Somewhere about there, Jadby may hold her prisoner. Oh, sir, wailed Mrs. Blexley. Do you think that such a nasty man has run away with Miss Mona?

Starting point is 08:32:35 It is the sole solution of her disappearance that I can think of, Mrs. Blexley. There, there, don't talk anymore. Ned, you go round the downs and use the car for speed. I'll wait until the arrival of Madame Marie and then search Folkestone. Hmm, Prelis looked sharply at Ned. Do you know if Jadby has a boat or a yacht? or a steamer of any sort? Yes, said Shepworth, starting to his feet. Now you mention it, I did hear him say to Sir Oliver

Starting point is 08:33:09 that he had a small steamer anchored in the tames, but I can't give particulars. Never mind, I'll set the police to work on this possible clue. If that steamer has been brought round to Folkestone Harbor, you may be sure that Mona is held prisoner on board. But if this is so, and Jadby has gone off to the South Seas, which is just what he would do, I'll borrow Uncle Simon's yacht. Twin screw, triple expansion, and a devil to go.

Starting point is 08:33:45 I'll follow Jadby to Polynesia, and to hell if necessary, ended Lord Prelis grimly. Arrangements being thus made, Shepworth went off in the car with a policeman who knew the neighborhood, and with the chauffeur who was a magnificent driver and driving of the best was needed on the rolling uplands of the downs preliss left behind waited for madame marie and in the meantime asked mrs blexley about the herb which horace had given to the girl was it in a small white parcel asked the housekeeper yes it contained some roots and leaves miss mona took it with her explained mrs blexley she asked me to make a linen bag and then sewed it inside her dress good said prelis adding to himself if she has the herb and can make use of it she may render jadby insensible and escape the reflection that mona had this means of protection quietened him somewhat but his anxiety rose again to fever heat when madame marie appeared on this woman and on her occult powers depended the chance of saving mona but had prelis told this to the police he would have been jeered at however he had his own methods of going about things and it was not needful for him to expose himself to ridicule he watched anxiously for the fortune-teller, and was amazed when she arrived in the unexpected company of Mr. Dolly Rover.

Starting point is 08:35:25 What the devil are you doing here? asked Prelis rudely. I shall tell you, said the little man very deliberately, and looking at the other with his dilated blue eyes. This morning I went to see Madame Marie about my wife. She loves Shepworth, and I want Shepworth removed out of her path and mine. do you propose murder to madam asked prelas coolly no replied rover with a shudder while the fortune-teller sat down but i wished captain jadby to marry miss chint the douche you did to sheppworth that is i fancied that jadby could manage the business and i offered through madame marie here a sum of money if the marriage could be brought about oh indeed and did madameurie tell you i told him nothing interrupted the woman in her deep voice i never intended to without your permission as i said that i was your friend Your wire came while Mr. Rover and myself were talking.

Starting point is 08:36:34 That is, your messenger came, so I brought Mr. Rover down with me. And I came to help find Miss Chint, said Rover hurriedly. I want her to be found and married to Shepworth. Any money I can offer to help in the search. I have ample money to deal with the matter, said Prilis, pleased to find that the fortune teller had respected his confidence about the new engagement. but I don't see why you need have applied to Jadby to bring about this marriage. Because I know that Jadby loves Miss Chent and wants to marry her, Lord Prelis.

Starting point is 08:37:13 As you know, that would not remove Shepworth beyond my wife's reach. I wish to bribe Jadby into letting Shepworth marry Miss Chant, as was arranged. Then my wife, all right, all right, cried Lord Prelis irritably. Don't worry your head, Rover. i'll see to this and you had better clear off back to london jadby is a rough customer and if we get involved in a row it will be bad for your heart my dear lord prelas yes anyone can see oh pooh don't worry me my heart is weak said rover with dignity and my wife's behavior is not likely to make it strong nevertheless i shall wait and help in the search for me miss chint and bribe jadby as i said he must not marry this young lady he won't madam assured him coolly he shall marry me prelis turned to the fortune-teller will you go into a trance and see where mona is i have already been in a trance before leaving bond street then you know madam looked at him unflinchingly i could see nothing but clouds and clouds and clouds she responded

Starting point is 08:38:34 only one thing i am certain of and that is that miss chint is hidden somewhere amongst these downs prela shrugged his shoulders much good that information does i quite believe it but where i can't say but added madame marie with animation i can tell you that the steamer which felix owns is coming round to folkestone harbor this afternoon felix asked me two days ago to tell his captain to take the boat round i didn't know why he wished that i can understand now so can i rejoined lord prelis quickly jadby intends to take miss chint to the steamer at nightfall and do a bunk yes replied the fortune-teller breathing hard leaving me in the lurch but he's shantened he's shenten't i'll kill him first the young man looked at her curiously and wished to ask her if she had killed agstone but he did not think that it was wise to irritate her at so critical a moment so merely asked what is the name of the steamer the canaro that is the name of one of the easter island statues which are worshipped by the natives jadby seems to be very closely connected with easter island he certainly has made good use of the sacred herb what do you mean asked madame marie angrily nothing replied prelis wondering why she should grow so angry but i think we have talked enough mr sheppworth is exploring the downs in a motor-car so you and mr rover here can go also if you like yes yes said the fortune-teller eagerly and with very bright eyes we can do that but i would rather go alone

Starting point is 08:40:34 no said dolly piping out his decision i wish to aid in finding miss chint i must get her married to sheppworth very good said prelis with a short laugh go and hunt i shall go to folkestone and see after the canaro describe her madam the woman did so at once and prelis left the house an hour later with a full knowledge of what kind of boat jadby owned walking to hide he took the train to Sandgate, and then used the funicular to reach the Lees. Here he swept the horizon and the harbor with his marine glass to seek for the steamer in which Jadby intended to fly with Mona Chent, but he could see no sign of the boat. Had Prilis been absolutely wise, he would have gone to the police station to engage a couple of constables to board the vessel. But he preferred to trust in his own strong arm and in his own wits,

Starting point is 08:41:40 which had hitherto served him excellently. Also, unless the constables had a warrant, they could not board the yacht if refused permission. It was better, thought the young man, to go alone and interview the captain. If Chadby was not open to argument, the captain might be, and an intimation that the law would be put in force if Miss Chint was kidnapped might prevent the commander of the Canaro from risking his own liberty and the liberty of his crew. So Prelis went down to the harbor and watched for the coming of the steamer. To his surprise, he found that she had arrived an hour since and was anchored some distance away from the land. There was no doubt that this was the Canaro, as not only did she correspond to the description given by the fortune teller, but by means of the glass

Starting point is 08:42:37 he saw the name on her stern. Lord Prelis acted promptly and engaged a boat to be rowed on board the steamer. When he climbed up the rope ladder hanging over the side, he was greeted unceremoniously by a rough-looking man in a nondescript sort of uniform. In reply, Prelis handed his car. upon which the officer's manner changed to one of courtesy he conducted lord prelis to a richly furnished cabin and removed his cap with an explanation i know your name my lord he said politely madame marie mention it to me i am captain bryson in command of this yacht it belongs to captain jadby bryson shrugged his heavy shoulders so he says my lord but i think that it is the property of madame marie herself still as captain jadby is to marry her they can both own it captain jedby wants to marry a young lady whom he is kidnapping was prelis's sharp reply and if you aid him to do so the law stop sir said bryson rising my first mate said something of this to-day i'll bring him in and he tramped heavily out prelis waited but the man did not return then he tried the door of the cabin and found it locked It flashed across him at once that he had been trapped.

Starting point is 08:44:15 End of Chapter 23. Chapter 24 of the Sacred Erb by Fergus Yume. This Levervox recording is in the public domain. The beginning of the end. After a strong word or two, Prelisset down philosophically, to consider his position, a weaker man might have raged aimlessly and have wasted aimlessly and have wasted his strength in battering at the closed door,

Starting point is 08:44:48 but Lord Prelis was too wise to kick against the pricks. He had been trapped, sure enough, and he did not see any way out of the trap. No one knew where he was, save the boatman who had brought him. And even as this thought came into his mind, he heard the raunchest voice of Bryson, telling the man that his passenger would remain on board. More than this, Bryson paid the waterman,

Starting point is 08:45:14 and sent him away until the ewe and cry was raised the owner of the boat would say nothing so it was absolutely certain that prelis would have to remain in durance vile without hope of immediate rescue the situation however was not devoid of certain consolations without doubt jadby's plan was to bring mona on board the canaro and steam away with her to polynesia prelis at all events would be on the same boat as the girl and if it came to fighting with jabby he felt certain that he could hold his own moreover if as bryson declared the yacht belonged to madame marie he as her captain owed fealty to her rather than to jadby and the fortune-teller certainly would not allow her steamer to carry mona chint to the south seas to be the bride of her precious and the fortune-tellers certainly would not allow her steamer to carry mona chint to the south seas to be the bride of her precious Felix. No. Things on reflection were not so bad after all. In any case, Prelis felt that he was in the thick of the whole villainous business, and soon would be within arm's length of Mona. When she was dragged on board by her scoundrely kidnapper, it would then be the time to act. Prelis lovingly fingered a revolver which he had strapped behind him and wondered if it would be necessarly

Starting point is 08:46:43 to use it. The weapon formed a strange addition to the very civilized suit of tweeds which he wore, and was out of place in sober, law-abiding England. But then danger and murder and sudden death had entered into his life, and it was necessary to prepare for emergencies. I am not a bloodthirsty man, said Prelis, while seeing that his gun was well-loaded and worked without a hitch, but I should like one clean shot at Felix Jadby. And it may be mentioned that if the shooting took place, Prilis would probably hit the bull's eyes represented by the buccaneer. He was a clean shot and very quick with his weapon,

Starting point is 08:47:29 as those who inhabited uncivilized parts knew from experience. The afternoon wore on to six o'clock, and still Prilis was left alone in his floating dungeon. Probably Bryson did not desire a personal explanation, knowing that he could not make any very pertinent reply to this breaking of the law. And it was possible that he preferred to leave the explanation to Jadby when he arrived with his prey. Personally, Prelis cared very little. He knew that Mona was safe, though in the power of a scoundrel, for she was a brave girl, and a religious girl who firmly believed in God.

Starting point is 08:48:12 So did Prelis, and he was quite content to think that God, who was slightly stronger than Felix Jadby, would look after his angel. This being so, and the young man knowing that God would bring everything to pass for the best in his own good time, Prelas quietly smoked cigarette after cigarette throughout that weary afternoon. Then he stretched himself on the debate, and went to sleep, wondering how Ned was getting on with his search and what Madame Marie and Rover were doing. He was awakened about eight o'clock by a bright light and a sense that someone was looking steadily at him. With a yawn he opened his eyes and saw that a steward was lighting the

Starting point is 08:49:00 swing lamp over the central table and that Captain Bryson was looking down upon him. The sailor had a rugged but someone good-natured face and possessed an extraordinary athletic figure, which promised well for fighting purposes. Well, said Prelis, swinging his legs onto the floor, are you going to starve me? Bryson burst into a harsh laugh, while his unwilling guest blinked and rubbed his eyes. You're a plucky chap, my lord, said he approvingly. Thanks awfully, but I prefer food to compliments. i'm just about to eat myself hurry up stuart then when the man had gone out bryson threw his cap on a chair and resumed you wonder maybe why i keep you here no said preliss stretching himself it's all in the game what game asked bryson abruptly the very dangerous one you are playing along with jadby and your mistress with dr horace too for all i know

Starting point is 08:50:08 I've never met Horace, whoever he may be, retorted Bryson, gruffly. But all I know of the game is that I have to obey orders. If you break owners, finished Prelis, remembering the saying, and you will break them before you're done. None of your larks, my lord, I've got a gun. So have I, answered Prelis, loaded in all six chambers. But you need make no mistake, Bryson. I intend to stop here and see the game.

Starting point is 08:50:38 game out to the end. Captain Jadby and I have to settle accounts. What sort of accounts? Well, Jadby is kidnapping the lady to whom I am engaged. You can't expect me to stand that. I guess not, assented Bryson agreeably. I'm hitched up with a girl of spirit myself, and if anyone dare to... He clenced his huge fist, looking pistols and daggers and maximum guns. the proper spirit bryson by the way prelis got out a cigarette you might tell me how much you know of this business very little i reckon answered the captain more and more puzzled by the young man's coolness jadby and madam came to london some months ago and she started the fortune-telling racket while he went to see his uncle i anchored the boat in thames river and went a loaf round the coast at times to keep the barkey and trim. Then the other day, Madam sends a message that I'm

Starting point is 08:51:42 to bring the Canaro around here, which I have done. Now I'm waiting for further orders. When Jadby comes on board with Miss Chint, Bryson nodded. But I don't take any orders from any son of a sea cook. You can bet your boots. Madam's

Starting point is 08:52:00 owner, and she wants to run in double harness with Jadby. Rum, though her taste may be. If he's skipping with a girl, that's Madam's lookout. I don't sail until she gives me the office. Preliss nodded his approval. In that case, Jadby will get left, he remarked coolly, for he's trying to play low down on Madame Marie. By the way, if you know so little of the game, why? Detain me. Well, said Bryson, scratching his head. Madam visited the yacht.

Starting point is 08:52:38 at times when we were swinging off gravesend. She told me there was some trouble over these murderers. You know about them? Only what I read in the papers, but Madam said that you were taking a hand in the meddling way and that she'd like to keep you out of the whole business. As I like Madam, who is a dandy fine woman with a temper, I put you in quad the moment I heard your name. You must stop here, my lord, until Madam comes on board. You have acted in a somewhat high-handed manner, and without any instructions to go upon, said Prelis calmly. If I wanted to make a row, I could. Not in this ship, growled Bryson. Oh, I think so. Yonder is the porthole,

Starting point is 08:53:27 and there isn't very much distance between this boat and the shore. Also, there are other steamers lying at anchor close at hand. Not to speak of my boatman, having been in a position to be spoken to from the porthole. I could fire a shot or two and rouse the harbor. And I could have hailed my boatman before you sent him away. I did none of these things. And why? Because I am in the very position I wish to be in.

Starting point is 08:53:57 Jadby is coming on board and I want to meet Jadby. and to rescue the girl. To rescue the young lady, corrected Prelis coldly. If you attempt to clear out with Miss Chint, I'll make it hot for you. What can you do? What I said, I have my revolver, see? Prelis whipped out his weapon before Bryson could move. I have you covered.

Starting point is 08:54:24 What is to prevent me from shooting you and racing on deck to swim ashore? the captain did not move a muscle you can put the gun down my lord said he with a note of admiration in his voice i promise you that i won't steam for the southern cross until madam gives the word madam won't come on board then i wait until she does retorted bryson will you put that gun down or am i to be shot you are more used to me alive than dead said prelis and slipped his derringer behind him handy for the grip but i see the tea is on the table i'm infernally hungry bryson smacked his great thigh and looked at prelis with much admiration guess you'll come home on the winter said he as they sat at the table and i should just love to see you get the bulge on that son of a sea cook meaning jadby meaning jadby assented bryson gravely have some salt tack the hungry guest assented very readily and ate a decent meal of extremely bad seafood prelis was not fastidious when in the wilds and passed over the table like a prairie fire at the conclusion of the meal bryson mixed him a tot of rum and handed along a box of very good cigars which had never paid duty then to pass the time until jadby arrived they chatted amongst other things prelis learned that bryson had met sir oliver landwin and did not like him the baronet had a bad record in the south seas i was in his service once growled bryson cutting up tobacco with a clasped knife but he gave me the chuck cause i wouldn't pile up a schooner which he'd insured for wrecking

Starting point is 08:56:20 agstone did though and he filled a dirty little pipe with the rank tobacco hum you knew agstone bryson nodded he was a fairy-tale pirate was agstone said he lord i could put in the night yarning about his doings murder amongst them too and he spat sir oliver knew of that and got the hang of aggie no wonder aggie got square with him do Do you mean to say that he murdered Sir Oliver? You can hold on to that, my lord. Sir Oliver treated Aggie like the old devil treats a holy man. Of course, I wouldn't swear to Aggie's knifing him in a court of law, but it sounds like Aggie. Wonderfully quick with his sticker was Aggie.

Starting point is 08:57:11 And who do you think murdered Agstone? Bryson Leared. You've got me there, he confessed. I can't. lay my hand on the son of a gun that did that. Prilis nodded. Possibly Agstone had turned on his tyrant to send him below, but it was impossible to say who had sent Agstone to join the baronet.

Starting point is 08:57:36 About Madame Marie now. Is that her real name? He inquired. Oh, yes. Marie Epengrave. She's the daughter of a Tahiti merchant and a French lady. There's no half-cast rubbish about Madame Yenka. You bet. She's got cash, too. This yacht, and a slap-up island all to herself. Why she wants to collect Jadby into her life, I don't know. But there, you can't understand women, folk. You like Madame Marie?

Starting point is 08:58:08 Seeing she nursed me through a yellow fever bout and gave me this command, I do, said the man of the sea. A good sort is madam, with a temper of sorts, of course, as every one. woman should have. She'd knife a man as soon as look at him and nurse him square after her temper had busted. Wish she'd knife Jadby. He's a rotten beachcomer. Hmm. Prelas thought for the space of half a cigar. And Madame Marie's fortune-telling? Well, I guess there's no explanation of that, my lord. She's got piles of cash, but maybe her hearts in them hocus-pocus things. I've seen her do some rum business on occasions. When she looks at you, you feel cold water freezing your spine. Can't say I'd like to have her to be Mrs. Bryson, even if I put my old gal into her wooden

Starting point is 08:59:03 overcoat. But Madame Marie's a dandy-fine woman. No mistake about that. In such life conversation did the two while away the time until ten o'clock. Then they went on deck. Brison was quite willing to allow Preliss to accompany him, as he had grown to like the young man, and moreover was ready to take his word that he would not try to escape. But Preliss warned him that he would make trouble to save Mona if needful, and Bryson being on the side of Madame Marie was agreeable that it should be so. Besides, he had a sneaking liking for Prelis' somewhat stormy wooing, and wished to help him. Perhaps a strong dislike for Jadby had said, something to do with Bryson's attitude. It was a perfect night, lighted by a brilliant moon and

Starting point is 08:59:55 countless stars. A warm wind was blowing from the land, and far up on the heights twinkled the innumerable lights of folk stone. The canaro rocked at anchor a stone's throw from the shore, and many other vessels of a less piratical nature were anchored in the harbor. The water shone like a sheet of silver, and the green and red riding lights of the ships glittered in the sheeny depths. Preliss leaned over the side of the boat and strained his eyes to see if any craft was approaching the Canaro. But for quite half an hour he beheld nothing. However, he was tolerably certain that Jadby would come carrying Mona with him, and felt if his revolver was ready in his hip pocket. If need be, he was resolved to shoot the buccaneer, and who can blame him, considering

Starting point is 09:00:50 how basely Jadby had acted. It was when the clock from the church tower boomed out 11 that the trouble came. Bryson laid his big hand on Preliss's arm and pointed to a boat which was putting off from a somewhat deserted part of the shore. Three figures were in it, two rowing and one seated, holding the tiller ropes. The rowers were laboring hard to reach the Canaro, and Prilis saw through his glass that other figures on the land were launching another boat to follow. There's going to be a holy show, swore Bryson under his breath. I wish. He fingered his revolver, but did not dare to use it. The place was too civilized. The first boat came on swiftly, and Prilus discerned that Jadby was rowing with the other man, and that Madame Marie was seated in the stern.

Starting point is 09:01:46 He could see nothing of Mona, and his heart thrilled, as he thought from the presence of the second boat, which had now put off, that the girl had been saved, and that her kidnapper was now being pursued. Bryson watched the race between the two boats, and then ran on to the bridge. Prilus heard him shout to the engineer to start the engines, for the boat had steam up, and a minute later he heard the steady throbbing of the screw, while a rush of men hastily pulled up the anchor. Apparently, Bryson saw that the only chance of safety for Madame Marie and Jadby was to have the boat ready to start, and risked the engines going before the anchor was up. Indeed, this ladder took

Starting point is 09:02:31 so much time, and time was so precious that he shouted out to let the anchor slip, and the roar of the chain showed that his orders had. had been obeyed. Meanwhile, many people were rushing to and fro on the shore. It was apparent that everyone knew something untowards was going on, and that there was intense excitement. Already other boats were putting off, and Bryson was cursing, like the old salt he was, at the danger of his beloved mistress. The first boat swung near the side of the yacht, and Bryson raced from the bridge to the side to shake out the rope ladder. Madame Marie rose to grip the rope, but in a moment Jadby was on his feet and catching her around the waist had thrown her into the sea.

Starting point is 09:03:19 Bryson gave a cry of wrath, and as Jadby placed his hand on the ladder, he leaned over, fumbling behind with his hand. The next moment there was a clear, sharp crack of a revolver and Jadby, with a wild cry, fell off the ladder into the sea. The boatman cowered in his craft, and Prelas could see the head of Madame Marie appear some distance away as she came to the surface and drifted with the tide. On witnessing the sudden catastrophe, the second boat rode towards the drowning woman. Bryson uttered a shout of rage as Madame Marie was pulled into the boat and ran up again onto the bridge. Damn it! They've got her! he yelled and twirled the dwind. to full speed ahead, then he sprang to the wheel and wrenched it out of the stearman's hands. Prilus soon saw what he meant. The Canaro bore straight down onto the boat.

Starting point is 09:04:19 Bryson was evidently prepared to kill his mistress rather than let her fall into the hands of her enemies. A shout of dismay arose from the boat as the great bulk of the yacht swung forward. In a flash, Prilus took his choice and poised his reeked his re-exam. revolver at the mad captain. There was a crack of the revolver, a cry from Bryson, and he went down like a shot, while the boat swung helplessly in the harbor, the engines working powerfully, but the wheel swinging idly. Two or three sailors, seeing that Prelis had shot the skipper, came towards him with a rush. The young man did not lose time. He jumped on the taff rail and dive straight into the silver tide. As he rose to the surface, the crew flung,

Starting point is 09:05:08 belaying pins and spars and bits of coal lying on the deck at him. One man with a straighter aim than the others hit Prelis with a lump of hard coal. The young man uttered a gasping cry and flinging up his hands, went down. His last look was at the yacht, and he saw that she swung round and was heading full speed for the entrance to the harbor. End of chapter 24. Chapter 25 of the sacred herb by Fergus Yume. This levervox recording is in the public domain.

Starting point is 09:05:52 Explanations. When Lord Prelis recovered his senses, he opened his eyes in a comfortable room on a comfortable bed, and saw as in a dream that Ned was seated beside him. his head felt confused and sore, but he regained sufficient command of his wits to recognize his friend. Where am I, Ned? he asked, in a feeble voice, and put up a weak hand to his head, which was bandaged. At Landwin Grange, replied Shepworth quietly, thinking it best to explain reasonably, and glad to think that Prelis was sane. The knock on his head had been a nasty one.

Starting point is 09:06:37 Who pulled me out of the water? One of the Bowwats that followed us picked you up when you rose for the second time. You have had a narrow escape from death, Dory. Mona? asked Prelis, closing his eyes. She is all right, but somewhat shaken after her experiences. With that blackguard, Jadby, what of him? Dead.

Starting point is 09:07:02 shot through the heart. His body was found and now lies at Folkstone, awaiting the inquest. And Bryson? The man who shot him? Oh, Bryson did that, did he? said Shepworth. He's got a good eye and saved us a lot of trouble. Well, Bryson and the Canaro have gone into the wide world. I expect he's on the high seas, making for Polynesia, and won't be caught. I hope not, for after all, he only saved Jadby from the hangman. Why? What did Jadby do? He murdered Dolly Rover. Nea, do you mean to say?

Starting point is 09:07:42 I mean to say nothing just now. Try and go to sleep. Here, drink this first. You are still weak. Hang it, Dory, you have been unconscious for 24 hours, and heaps has happened. One last question, and then I'll sleep, said Prelis, who felt that he was weak from loss of blood.

Starting point is 09:08:01 "'Madame Marie?' "'Dead. "'She killed herself after confessing.' "'Confessing what?' "'Many things. Go to sleep, Dory, I tell you.' "'Preliss did not answer, but closed his eyes with a groan, "'feeling very stiff and sore and wonderfully weary. "'But sleep, the great healer,

Starting point is 09:08:25 "'soothed his too restless brain "'and mended his broken body, "'so that he woke again. again, after hours of slumber, feeling hungry and refreshed, and eager to learn all that had taken place. It was candlelight when he closed his eyes, but the sun was shining into the room when he opened them again, and beside his bed Ned had been replaced by Mona. She was hanging over him like a mother over her firstborn, and uttered a coup of satisfaction when he looked at her and smiled. "'Mona, darling,' said the sick man, thrusting out one week hand.

Starting point is 09:09:06 She kissed it and tucked it again under the clothes. "'Go to sleep.' Prilus, feeling ever so much stronger, objected to being treated like an infant, sweet though it was when Mona was the nurse. "'I have had enough sleep,' he said, yawning. "'One can overdo laziness, my dear girl. "'Besides, I am hungry.' "'Ah!

Starting point is 09:09:29 Mona laughed. You can't live on love? No, said Prelis ruefully. I am too earthly. Now breakfast is waiting. Come, let me place this pillow behind you and sue the clothes so and kiss me so, said the invalid, suiting the action to the word. The future lady Prelis tapped his cheek in pretended displeasure and went to the door.

Starting point is 09:09:56 In another minute she returned, followed by Mrs. Blitz. lexley bearing a tray which she placed before the hungry young man coffee and cream two lightly-biled eggs thin bread and butter and honey from our own bees said mrs buxley arranging the tray i hope that your lordship is better my lordship is starving mrs buxley and no wonder sighed the housekeeper placing one fat hand over her ample breast you ain't had anything for hours and hours my dear if you'll excuse my boldness in calling you so and to think of all the terrible things that had happened while you were lying there as pretty and neat as though you were in your coffin and blexley you're a ghoul go away said mona imperilously i'm a united inhabitant of the celestial regions said mrs blexley with dignity but i see that you want to feed him my dear lady may the dear lord bless your man marriage, and happy I am that I should have lived to see this day. She waited for a reply, but Mona was too busy assisting Preliss with his breakfast to answer, and the young man was too busy admiring Mona to worry about the stout housekeeper. So she heaved a sigh and retired in a flood of tears as she thought how happy they would be. It was an odd way of showing her joy,

Starting point is 09:11:27 but Mrs. Blexley, after the manner of her class, wept indiscriminately for a wedding or for a funeral. Mona, dearest and best, said Prelis when halfway through his second egg, I am a selfish beast. You are looking tired, and here I am letting you feed me. I am not tired at all, denied the girl vigorously, but my nerves are a trifle out of order after what I have undergone. hush eat your breakfast you tiresome boy will you give me a kiss if i drink another cup of coffee no i'll give you a cigarette then you can sleep and get up at midday mr sheppworth and mr mardabon want to see you on business why do you speak of ned so stiffly mona i am engaged to you now she replied demurely that doesn't mean poor ned is to be left out in the cold he won't i expect that he'll marry mrs rover after her months of morning or over ah yes ned mentioned that jadby had murdered dolly how did it happen mona my dear the girl shuddered and took away the tray i don't think captain jadby meant to kill him she said in a low voice madame marie denies that he did but mr rovers's heart was weak and so

Starting point is 09:12:55 give me that cigarette and tell me all about it from the beginning dear said prelis coaxingly mona did as she was asked as he really now looked much better for the food and the night's rest in fact prelis was in such good spirits that he apologized for his untidy appearance i must look a regular bill sykes with this rough chin he said passing his hand over his face oh how delicious this cigarette is well i'll tell you all as quickly as i can said miss chint sitting beside him and allowing him to hold her hand on the principle that sick people must be humored you know that captain jadby carried me off in a motor-car infernal insolence hush george the poor wretch is dead so i forgive him everything all right i'll try and be a christian such as you are although it is not easy fire ahead i started to walk to hide to catch the train to folkestone in order to see lady sophia explained mona slowly i did not know that she had returned to london just as i got into the belt of woods between hide and the downs a motor-car met me coming up. Captain Jadby was driving it. Didn't know he could drive, growled Prelis restlessly. Oh yes, Uncle Oliver talked of having a motor and asked his son to learn driving so that he might take him about with him. And in fact,

Starting point is 09:14:34 I think that Uncle Oliver presented this motor to Captain Jadby when he learned how to handle the machine. Didn't your uncle tell you that he did? No, and you? And you, and you? yes that is he let slip a word or two but what does it matter captain jadby had this motor and a very good one it was at least ned says so ned and not mr sheppworth that's right darling and prelis patted her hand go on sweetness i can't if you keep interrupting me said mona severely well then captain jadby got out and said that he was coming up to see me and while he was speaking to me he lighted a cigarette hang him confound him but it wasn't a cigarette after all as i found went on miss chint hurriedly he had twisted up a leaf or two of the herb into the form of a cigarette and when it was lighted he suddenly seized me and held it smoking under my nose i screamed but no one was near to hear me and then i was lighted he suddenly seized me and then i was lighted he suddenly seized me and then i screamed he was nearer to hear me and then i screamed he was nearer I became rigid and helpless. Owing to the scanniness of the smoke, I did not become quite insensible, but fell into a cataleptic state, as Mr. Shepworth did. And as you did in the library? No, for then I became quite insensible. Of course, had not Captain Jadby tricked me by twisting

Starting point is 09:16:08 the leaves into a sham cigarette, I should have run away. As it was, the smoke seems, seized me before I could do anything. I became catalyptic, as I said, and could move neither hand nor foot, although I was quite conscious all the time. Captain Jabby put me into the car and arranged the rug round me. Then he, Mona hesitated and colored. He, he kissed me. Damn him, hang him, curse him, raged Preliss, banging on his pillow, I wish he was alive that I could horsewhip him, the beast, the hush, hush. Mona placed a cool hand over her lover's mouth. He is dead now.

Starting point is 09:16:57 Leave his punishment to God. But you can fancy my feelings when, owing to the herb, I had to suffer his kiss. She passed a handkerchief across her mouth. Then while Prilis swore under his breath, she continued quickly, so as to prevent another outbreak of anger. Captain Jadby drove the motor up the hill and over the downs. As I was conscious, though helpless, I carefully noted the way so that I might return if I escaped.

Starting point is 09:17:31 Did you see anyone on the road or on the downs? Not a soul, she replied. We went far inland and then turned to one side. Captain Jadby drove the car off the road, and across the grass for over a mile. It swayed and bumped, but he is a wonderful driver and managed to prevent the car from overturning. At last we came to a small hut in a hollow, quite concealed from the surrounding country. No one would have noted it, for the side and the chimney were built of turf, and the roof was thatched with green rushes. It looked quite like a part of the hollow itself, and great gray stones were lying about on all sides.

Starting point is 09:18:19 Captain Jadby drove the car into some bushes and carried me into the hut. He then sat me down and talked. What did he say? asked Prelis, frightfully pale and grinding his teeth. I am bound to acknowledge, said Mona quietly, that after the one kiss, he behaved like a gentleman. He told me that he would keep me here until the next evening, when he intended to take me on board Madame Marie's yacht, and steam for the South Seas. I heard all he said, but could not reply until the effects of the drug had worn off. Captain Jadby had evidently prepared the place for my prison. The door was strong, and the one window was barred.

Starting point is 09:19:08 And then there was a girl to wait on me. a girl prila stared in great surprise yes i was astonished and thankful to see one of my own sex after captain jadby had explained that he intended to carry me off in the canaro he went out and brought in the girl she was a native of the south seas very handsome and dark called vavi but could speak very little english captain jadby told me that the girl was madame marie's maid and that he had brought her here to be my companion Then he went away, and I never saw him again until eight o'clock the next evening. At least, added Mona, correcting herself, I fancy it was eight o'clock. But it might have been six or seven. I lost all count of time. So that was how I was kidnapped. It was cleverly done, said prelis caustically.

Starting point is 09:20:11 Go on. In about an hour I came out of the catalytic state, and tried to escape but the girl showed me a knife and intimated in her broken english that she would stab me if i did i tried to bribe her but she would not be bribed i had therefore to make the best of it as i was alone amidst those lonely hills with a half-savaged woman for a companion all the same george i was not afraid i knew that you would look for me and that god was watching over me dear i thought the same prilus kissed her hand then i remembered the sacred herb which dr horace had given me i got it ready and when captain jed became the next evening with the car to take me on board the canaro which he told me was at folkestone i waited my opportunity vavi had been cooking there was plenty of good food said mona in parenthesis and the fire had smoldered two red ashes when captain jadby entered he sent vavey away where she went i do not know but captain jadby sat by the fire and made me sit also We had two stools. Then he talked a lot of rubbish about loving me and the necessity of getting away from Madame Marie.

Starting point is 09:21:35 He said that she was an old fool who loved him, but that he intended to make use of her yacht and run away with me. He finally said that by the time Madame Marie found him again in the South Seas, I would be his wife. After that he called you names and, I can guess the stuff he spouted, said Prilus, continued. tempulously. What about the herb? Did you make use of it? Yes. When Captain Jabby was not looking at me, but bending over the fire, stirring it with his cane, I dropped all the leaves onto the ashes. A thick white smoke arose. I got up quickly and sprang on Captain Jabby's shoulders to hold his nose over the smoke. It caught him in a second, and he received the full volume in his face. I felt dizzy myself, but managed to pull him back out of the fire and ran to the door.

Starting point is 09:22:33 It was not locked since Vavi went out, so I escaped into the open. It was growing dark, and I ran up the hill to get out of the hollow as quickly as I could. And Vavi with her knife? asked Prelis excitedly. I never saw her. I don't know where she went. I ran without a hat or cloak up the hills and over the downs. then I saw the road and struck out for that.

Starting point is 09:23:01 It was very late when I reached the Grange, and I fainted in Mrs. Blexley's arms. No wonder, muttered Preliss, but thank God you tricked the beast, and with the sacred herb too, Prelis chuckled. You paid him out in his own coin. But what happened next? I can't tell you myself. I can only repeat what Ned told me. told me. He gathered a lot from Madame Marie when she confessed. What did she say? Wait and I'll tell you in an orderly manner, George. After I ran away, Vavi came back to the hut. She found that I was gone and Captain Jadby insensible with the smoke. Instead of hunting for me,

Starting point is 09:23:48 very luckily, she set to work to revive him. But could she, seeing that the herb, vavi said mona quickly came from easter island and knew all about the herb the priests there have a way of reviving those who go into such trances how vavey did it i don't know but she managed in an hour to bring captain jadby to his senses as soon as he got them he rushed out still half dizzy to search for me just as he left the hut he came upon madame marie and mr rover who had been searching on the downs for me yes yes i remember they started out well captain jadby thought in his dizziness and in the twilight that mr rover was you and seized him by the throat saying he would kill you rather than let you marry me Madam Marie tried to pull him off, but Captain Jadby held on tight. Then Vavi helped, by Madam's command, and they released Mr. Rover. He was dead. Prelis nodded. I quite understand.

Starting point is 09:25:01 The poor devil had a weak heart, and should not have mixed himself up in this business. I told him that Jadby was a rough customer. Strange how Jadby has been the means of removing an obstacle. from ned's path well then what happened madam gave captain jadby something to revive him entirely some drug some antidote he became quite himself and was terrified when he saw what he had done madam insisted that he should fly with her from england lest he should be hanged for the murder of mr rover and made him get the car it was ready to take me to the canaro if you remember but instead it took madame marie and vavi and captain jadby When they reached the road, they met the car with Mr. Shepworth, who had been searching for me, and were recognized. Perhaps Ned took Vavi for you.

Starting point is 09:26:01 Perhaps he did in the twilight, assented, Mona. At all events, Ned's chauffeur followed, and then there was a race to Folkestone Harbor. Captain Jadby's car was the best, and he gained about ten minutes. In the harbor he and madam seized a boat and leaving Vavi on the shore. shore. They offered the boatman 20 pounds to row them to the Canaro. He did, and then, Well, you know. Yes, said Preliss slowly and with a sigh. Jadbury tried to kill that poor woman, who loved him too well, and Bryson shot him. I shot Bryson when he tried to run down the boat in which Ned was following, and into which he had pulled Madame Marie. I wish I had killed Bryson,

Starting point is 09:26:50 but unfortunately I only winged him, ended Prelis regretfully. I dare say he's all right now and sailing for the Southern Cross. Oh, my dear, dear angel, he cried, gathering Mona into his arms. What an escape. Let us thank God, darling, she said reverently, and they both did with full hearts. It was a very excellent beginning to a new life. End of Chapter 25. Chapter 26 of the Sacred Erb by Fergus Hume.

Starting point is 09:27:33 This levervox recording is in the public domain. A confession. That afternoon, Preliss was up and dressed and seated in the drawing room, talking earnestly to Mardubon and Ned Shepworth. His head was perfectly clear, although still a trifle sore, and he wore a picturesque bandage round it. which added to his pale and interesting looks. But the color was gradually creeping back to his cheeks,

Starting point is 09:28:01 and he was well enough to hear further what had taken place since he had been rendered unconscious. Shepworth was lounging in the window seat under one of the painted windows, and it might have been the rosy light which came through this, which made him look so happy and healthy. On the other hand, it might have been the consciousness that fate had opened the way to his marrying the woman, he loved and who loved him he could not find it in his heart to regret rovers timely death the man had always behaved badly to his wife and had done his best to make her life a martyrdom now poor victim of a family sacrifice she would have a chance of being happy for the rest of her life

Starting point is 09:28:46 mr mardabon seated at the table with a few sheets of fool scab before him also looked happy and no wonder his beloved client miss mona chint had inherited the lovely old house and ten thousand a year and shortly was to become lady prelis a great change this from the time not so long ago when she had stood in the new bailey dock accused of murder and again the sheets of fool-scab with which the lawyer fiddled contained a confession by madame marie eppengrave which entirely cleansed the name of miss chint from the stain of crime this is not the original document explained the delighted mr mardubon to the anxious lord prelis inspector burge has the original which was signed by marie eppengrave in his presence how did she come to make the confession i think it was because captain jadby was dead put in shepworth from his end of the room she held up until it was proved beyond all doubt that he had been shot through the heart then i suppose she saw that life was not worth living without him and so decided to put an end to herself how did she manage it seeing that she was in custody oh she had some file filled with poison about her i expect she had everything prepared to make away with herself should jadby have succeeded in kidnapping mona to the south seas however we stopped that think heaven and madame marie confessed i wonder she did said prelis reflectively i think it was because she had a sneaking regard for you dory said the barrister after a pause to the last she declared that she was your friend and hoped that you would be happy however she did confess and yonder is the copy of her confession

Starting point is 09:30:51 "'What does it say?' questioned the other man. "'I am about to read it to you,' said Mordabon, "'gathering up the sheets skillfully. "'Or else, if you prefer it, "'I can give you a shorter account in the form of a story.' "'I should prefer that,' said Preliss gravely. "'I haven't patience to wait to the end of that long creed "'to know the exact truth.

Starting point is 09:31:16 "'Who murdered Sir Oliver? Tell me at once.' Steve Agstone, inspired and coerced by Madame Marie. Hmm. So Bryson was right, after all, commented Preliss. And who got rid of Agstone? Captain Jadby. The deuce! Prelis raised himself on his couch.

Starting point is 09:31:41 Did he wear that sham frock? He did, said Shepworth quickly, and being, as you know, slimly built, I quite mistook him for a woman, seeing how clever was the disguise. Mardaban waved his hand impatiently, as Shepworth drew breath to continue his speech. Let me speak, he said, leaning back in his chair. Lord Prelis, you know, of course, that Madame Marie Epengrave was deeply in love with this man, Jadby. Yes, Bryson told me so, and so did Madam herself.

Starting point is 09:32:17 To make a long story short, said Mordabon, gathering up the papers and speaking with much deliberation. This woman wished to marry Jadby, and as she was rich, he was willing to do so. Then he decided to go to England and see if Sir Oliver, his father remember, was keeping to his promise of leaving the money to his natural son. Madame Marie supplied the cash for Jadby to live in London, and brought him there in her yacht, the Canaro, commanded by Captain Bryson. And the yacht was anchored in the tames until Madam sent it round at Jadby's request to Folkestone for the

Starting point is 09:32:58 kidnapping, said Prelis. I know all that, Mr. Mordaubon. Continue. The lawyer did so very willingly. For some reason, I know not why, seeing that she was wealthy, Madame Marie took to telling fortunes in the Bond Street establishment. Jadby, on the other hand, came down to see his father in this house and here fell in love with miss chint he kept this secret from madame marie naturally fearing what she would say but she suspected something and insisted upon coming down to see sir oliver whom she had known in the south seas madame learned that lanwin was in favor of the match and therefore set herself to work to thwart it by every means in her power she implored sir oliver to allow miss chint to marry shepworth here thinking that we loved one another because of the sham engagement said the barrister quickly quite so quite so said mr mardabon annoyed by the interruption i hinted at that before however sir oliver was bent upon his natural son inheriting the property and marrying his cousin as miss chent truly was miss chint refused and sir oliver drew out a new will of which madame marie knew it confirmed the will made in jadby's favor but what was the need of that asked prelis surprised wasn't the first will good enough oh yes but as it had been made in the south seas sir oliver thought very wrongly in a point of fact that there might be some flaw

Starting point is 09:34:43 now lord prelis you can see that if jadby married miss chint the elder woman would lose him madam marie you mean yes yes i speak plainly do i not well well then. If Jadby inherited the property, Madam Marie lost him all the same, as while he had money, he would never marry her. She therefore decided to destroy the third will, which had not been signed, and to have Sir Oliver murdered. Why didn't she stick him herself? asked Prelis. A strange woman, said the solicitor meditatively. she would do much to gain her ends, even employing a third person to commit a crime. But for some feminine reason, she would not stain her own hands with blood. Rather a quibble.

Starting point is 09:35:35 It is, my lord, it is. However, to continue. As Mr. Haken wished to borrow money from Sir Oliver and consulted Madame Marie about the same, she used his confidence as a lever by which to obtain the leaves of the sacred herb from Dr. Horace. before that time he had refused her but he gave the herb to mr haken i don't know why i do said prelis below his breath and thinking of the openly expressed hatred which horace had proclaimed towards the dead man mardubon took no notice of the interruption mr haken got the herb and gave it to madame marie who handed it to sir oliver on the day of the murder As you know, Jadby and Shepworth quarreled on that day. Yes, said Shepworth vigorously.

Starting point is 09:36:29 Jadby learned about my love for a certain lady, through Madame Marie, I believe, and threatened to make himself disagreeable. I gave him a black eye and myself a sprained ankle. Then the murder took place. Yes, said Mardivon, and Mr. Haken was in the library when, I know, interrupted Prilus sharply, my uncle told me, but how did Madame Marie induce Steve to murder his master? It seems that she knew how Agstone was wanted for certain other murders in the South Seas, said Mardivon, glancing at the papers. So she threatened to have him extradited unless he did her bidding.

Starting point is 09:37:12 He was, I regret to say, quite willing to do so, as he hated Sir Oliver, who treated him. like a slave. That, said Preliss, emphatically, I also know from Bryson. And then? Then when Mr. Haken retired, Sir Oliver burned the herb in a shallow bronze cup, the same as Mr. Shepworth saw in his flat, and went into a trance. Madame Marie had arranged with Agstone that he should watch at the window until Sir Oliver was insensible and then kill him.

Starting point is 09:37:46 The man did so with the Jade Hand. paper knife. Why wasn't Agstone stifled with the smoke fumes? Because the smoke had died away. When Sir Oliver was dead, Agstone heard a step and after setting fire to some more leaves, he ran out of the window, not the one opened by Miss Chint, but another one. He watched and saw Miss Chant in her, saw also how she fainted with the acrid smoke. He entered and placed her in the armchair where she was found. It was then that Madame Marie came downstairs and into the room. She snatched up the third wheel at which Sir Oliver had been looking, before manipulating the herb and tearing it up, flung it into the fire. Then she gave the will, leaving everything to mischint, which Landwin

Starting point is 09:38:38 had also been looking at to destroy, I presume, to Agstone, and told him to take it up to his brother, Dr. Horace. What far? asked Prelis, surprised. Madame Marie said she had no grudge against Miss Chint, explained Mardabon, and wanted the will placed safely out of Jadby's way, so that

Starting point is 09:39:00 Miss Chint might inherit, and that Jadby might be kept poor. One for Mona and two for herself, said Prilis grimly. But who placed the knife in Mona's hand? Agstone, who hated? her, did. A step was heard that was Shepworth coming down, so Madame Marie ran out of the window and got back to her room by another door, which Agstone had left open. The man waited to smear Miss

Starting point is 09:39:29 Chent's dressing-gown with blood and to place the knife in her hand. Then Mr. Shepworth, so he says, secured the knife and, I know all that, said Prelis, and understand the why and the wherefore of the first crime, but the second. That arose out of Jadby's hatred for Shepworth and his love for Miss Chint. Jadby learned the truth about the crime from Agstone, whom he found hiding in London under the protection of Madame Marie. He threatened to denounce him to the police to save Miss Chent, and then resolved to make use of him to incriminate Shepworth and at the same time to kill him, so that he might not come forward to give evidence against Miss Chint, which Agstone wanted to do. But surely he would not have accused Mona of a crime which he had committed himself,

Starting point is 09:40:24 said Prelis indignantly. Yes, he would, said Ned quickly. He hated Mona, and Sir Oliver, and Madame Marie, and Jadby, and everyone. The man was a Caliban. And to tell you the truth, added Shepworth, candidly, I don't think that his brother is much better. Ah, said Preliss suddenly. Did Agstone confess the truth to Horace? No, he did not. He simply came and handed over the will

Starting point is 09:40:55 as Madame Marie had instructed him, and then cleared out. He had to do what he was told, or else he would have been hanged. Well, I see. Now the Alexander Mansion's crime. crime. Mordabon went on again, glancing at the sheets. Madam Marie learned about Mrs. Rover's dress and told Captain Jedby,

Starting point is 09:41:19 so that he could get a double maid, which he did. Was she in favor of the second crime? Oh, no, for then Miss Chint would be set free to marry Jetby. She likes Miss Chint in a way, but did not intend her to be an obstacle. I don't believe that she liked Mona. at all, snapped Prelis irritably. She saved the second will so that Jadby might be made penniless, and would have stopped the second crime from being committed so that Mona might be condemned on Agstone's evidence. A wicked woman. She was all that, assented Mardabon, but allow me to proceed. Madame Marie merely thought that Jadby wished to be disguised to meet Haken and told him about the dress, knowing that Haken intended to remonstrate with Shepworth about his conduct,

Starting point is 09:42:17 which was perfectly correct, cried Ned indignantly. But why in a dress like Mrs. Rovers? asked Prelis, puzzled. Mardabon scratched his head. I am not quite clear on that point, he declared. All I know is that Madame Marie wished to mix up things. I believe that she had some clearly defined scheme in her head, but what it was she did not explain. Nevertheless, you can see how Jadby came to the ball disguised. Yes, but how did Agstone enter?

Starting point is 09:42:54 I can tell you that, said Shepworth, rising with a yawn. Jedby, as you know, called to see me early in the evening. I opened the door to him as the servants were out. he entered and i preceded him into the jawing-room he went back for his handkerchief which he said he had dropped in the hall and then must have set the door ajar while i talked to him agstone entered and concealed himself under the dining-table then jadby went to the ball in his disguise agstone set the herb burning and stifled me and afterwards admitted jadby in his disguise i was incriminated to the ball in his disguise i was incriminated incriminated you see and jadby to make me quite insensible lest i should see too much waved the bronze cup under my nose when i was completely insensible he stabbed agstone with a knife which agstone having taken it from my desk had intended to use on me finally jadby returned to the ball and concealed his dress in the cupboard in rovers dressing-room which was used on that night as a cloakroom.

Starting point is 09:44:08 Afterwards he came down in a plain blue domino to clinch the fact that I had murdered Agstone. But you had bowled him out by then, Dory. There was a silence. A strange story, said Prelis thoughtfully. Does Inspector Burge know it? Yes, and a carefully prepared account suppressing certain facts has been sent to the newspapers.

Starting point is 09:44:36 said Mardaban, folding up the sheets. You can be certain now, Lord Preliss, that in two days all London will learn the truth, and that Miss Chint will be looked on as a martyr. Quite so, but I trust in a month or so she will be looked upon as my very dear and loving wife. Loud cheers, cried Ned, adopting Prelis' favorite expression. End of Chapter 26 Chapter 27 of the Sacred Erb by Fergus Yume This Levervox recording is in the public domain

Starting point is 09:45:22 All's Well that Ends Well The title of Shakespeare's comedy quite suited the present state of affairs at the Grange seeing that the worst was over. Within a week everything was put straight. The inquest's own. Madame Marie on Dolly Rover and on Felix Jadby, led to the disclosure of the whole strange story in the newspapers. Luckily, owing to the strong influence being brought to bear, the painful love story of Shepworth and Mrs. Rover was suppressed, and it was supposed that merely the desire

Starting point is 09:45:59 to save Miss Chint had led Dolly to that lonely hut, where he met with his death. Indeed, the little man became somewhat of a hero, and, as the saying goes, nothing in life became him better than his manner of leaving it. The public followed his body to the grave with eulogistic comments, and Dolly's spirit must have smiled at the irony of the semi-public funeral. Jedby and the miserable woman, who had loved him so dearly, were buried quietly in the Folkestone Cemetery. to bryson he disappeared into the unknown and nothing was ever heard of him again which was just as well as prelis had punished him in a measure by shooting him in the shoulder but the whole affair was a nine days wonder and those connected with it were glad when the excitement began to simmer down it was annoying to have photographs of the grange appearing in numberless illustrated papers and still more annoying when the said pictures sent trippers across the downs to the lonely hollow. They came in shoals,

Starting point is 09:47:13 in charabangs, in motorcars, in traps and carts, and riding on bicycles. But Mardibon, who was taking charge of everything until his dear client became Lady Prelis, instructed the police to keep the sightseers out of the grounds. Therefore, these could only stare from the smooth heights of the downs into the woody hollow. And that was unpleasant enough to a couple of Arden lovers, who found their wanderings in the enchanted gardens overlooked by Kodak fiends, though heaven knows what kind of a picture these creatures hoped to obtain at such a distance. However, unless Mona and Prilus took refuge in the woods or in the house, they had nowhere to go, for the lawns girdled by trees were quite a open to the gazers from above.

Starting point is 09:48:08 I feel like a Christian martyr in the Coliseum, said Preliss, when the sight of three bicycles, with three dismounting riders, sent them hastily into the drawing room. What an infernal nuisance it is to be codact to make a British holiday. Never mind, darling, said Mona, taking his arm to lead him to a most comfortable window seat. Let us sit here and talk. I have something to show you. Mrs. Rover sent it down.

Starting point is 09:48:39 Look! Prilus glanced at the near table and saw a shallow bronze cup of a somewhat graceful shape. Is that the cup? He asked, examining it? Yes. Mrs. Rover found it in the cupboard. I expect Captain Jadby left it there along with the dress. It is rudely made, but pretty.

Starting point is 09:49:03 it was indeed quaint, being of rough bronze carved with hideous heads twined round with wreaths of some strange plant. Prelis examined it closely. By Jove, Mona, he said, I believe these faces are wreathed with imitations of the sacred herb. See, the same spear-shaped leaves with the serrated edges. I wish we had some of the herb to compare. I have, said Mona, going to a cabinet and pulling out a drawer. I have just one leaf left. And she brought forward the purple withered leaf, which, as Prilus had pointed out, exactly resembled the chasings of the cup.

Starting point is 09:49:51 It must have come from Easter Island, said Mona, while the two bent their heads over it. I never wished to hear of Easter Island again, said Prilus, putting down the cut. it has brought such misery do you call me misery said mona reproachfully hasn't it brought me to you yes in a way but lady sophia is really responsible jerusalem just fancy mona dearest she sent me to the new bailey to find an interest in life and-and you have said mona blushing and smiling said nothing but kissed her twice with a look which spoke volumes but i wish aunt sophia would be agreeable to the match sighed the young man i am fond of aunt sophia although she is such a worry besides i want her to present you at court after our marriage do you indeed said a complacent voice at the door and the two looked up in great amazement to behold lady sophia standing there in the best of spirits and the most perfect of summer dresses i have stolen a march on you said the lady coming forward and waited for a dramatic moment upon which to enter your speech my dear prelis was a happy one but i am not a worry aunt sophia how did you come here in a motor-car along with dr horace who will soon be in we left the car at the lodge-keepers because the

Starting point is 09:51:33 creature would insist that we were trippers wanting to see the house. Do I look like a tripper? And Lady Sophia spun round for inspection. You are a... Prelis stopped and glared. I shan't say what you are until you tell me if you come in peace or war. For answer, Lady Sophia turned to Mona and took her to her breast. My dearest girl, she said, smiling. When you marry George Prelis, you must really try and put some sense into his head. Do you wish me to marry him? asked Mona, rather scared. Of course I do, cried Lady Sophia with Asperity. What else am I here for, you dear, silly, pretty, sweet, angelic darling?

Starting point is 09:52:24 Hooray, Aunt Sophia. I endorse all the unnecessary adjectives, save the second. You can take that to yourself, Prilus. Now what am I? A weathercock, said her graceless nephew promptly, although she quite expected him to say something else. You bully ragged me about my marriage, and now you, oh, I say, ended Prilus in dismay, for Lady Sophia had burst into tears. Whatever is the matter. I'm so wicked, sobbed the old lady, clinging to Mona. Simon has told me all, and how very nearly he was being accused of murder. It was so lucky that his connection with his horrid herb thing was kept out of the papers,

Starting point is 09:53:13 or else I never, never, never should have held up my head again. Oh, that I might have lived to see my husband in a nasty doc. don't trouble whispered mona leading the old lady to the sofa it is all right mr haken is in no danger and that being so cried prelis indignantly he might have held his confounded tongue and not worried you my dear george said lady sophia wiping her eyes he did it for your sake i was raging against the marriage and he told me how nearly he had been an old bailey thing or a new bailey creature i forget which i saw then how very easily one can be accused of things they hadn't the slightest intention of doing and so i am here kiss me my love cried lady sophia again embracing mona you are much oh ever so much too good for prelis and i was too good for her some time ago laughed prelas Aunt Sophia, you are a weathercock, but, he added, shaking hands, I am glad that a kind wind has blown you round to being pleased. You are an angel. I've been very horrid, said Lady Sophia penitently, but I have made it up with everyone. Even with Constance, poor thing, although she did behave badly with that silly poodle creature.

Starting point is 09:54:51 He is dead. so let him rest aunt sophia and constance has been punished so don't blame her any more i am not blaming her how silly you are prelas don't i tell you that i've called to see her she looks so well in her morning and so very happy mr sheppworth is keeping away from her for a time but they quite understand each other and marry in a year it will be a good match for mr sheppworth for constance will have all that poor thing's money she won't have any bridesmaids though being a widow lady sophia's discontented chatter was ended by the entrance of dr horace still gruffe and untidy and aggressive. Oh, here you are, said Lady Sophia, looking more like a man out of the Stone Age than ever. I take him about as an illustration of the time

Starting point is 09:55:50 when people lived in sweet little caves and wore sables all the year round. Day, Prelis, said Horace, taking no notice of Lady Sophia's babble. How are you, Miss Chint? I have come to say goodbye. I can't stand this London run. rot, so I'm off again to the other side of the world.

Starting point is 09:56:12 Go to Polynesia and ask Bryson how his arm is, said Prilis. But I say, you treated me rather badly over this case. Bosch! Pickles and Fadi-Law, snorted the traveler, why I gave you back the will, and did my best for Haken's sake to keep you from going into the case. Yes, yes, said Mona, jumping up to take Horace's hand. I won't have him scolded. Horace grunted and disengaged his arm, in no wise impressed by the beauty of Mona. Such a dear, delightful cave-bear, sighed Lady Sophia on seeing this.

Starting point is 09:56:56 But Dr. Horace's eyes were fixed greedily upon the bronze cup. I see that you have the sacred herb-burner of Easter Island, said he, fingering the bronze, lovingly. How do you know? I saw it there. I expect Jadby stole it. This cup, said Horace, raising it aloft, is thousands and thousands of years old. It is a remnant of limurallian civilization. See how like these heads are to the heads of Easter Island statues, and the leaves of the herb are indicated? Give me this prelis, and I'll take it back to those poor priests, on the island. They will be delighted to see it again. It is used in their sacred ceremonies. Prelis glanced at Mona. What do you say? he asked. Mrs. Rover sent it to you, my darling. Take it away, take it away, cried the girl, shuddering and spreading out her hands. I never wish to see or hear anything of the sacred herb again. It has been a terrible time all through, but, she added, looking tenderly at Prelis,

Starting point is 09:58:10 it has led to happiness. I should like to see the herb, said Lady Sophia, coming forward with her lorgnette, raised. Dr. Horace, can you show it to me? No, I can't, growled the doctor. I gave all I had to your husband. There is one leaf left, said Mona, picking up the same. Give me the cup, Dory.

Starting point is 09:58:34 Have you a match? don't send us into trances said prelis jokingly i should love it above all things said lady sophia mona laid the leaf on the bronze cup and lighted it a thin stream of white smoke curled into the air and while the two women and the two men stood back to avoid the fumes a sickly scent of two roses spread through the room the leaf fizzled into nothing and dr horace slipped the still warm cup into his capacious pocket. That's the last of the sacred herb in England, said he, and without saying farewell, trotted towards the door. There he stopped to wave a friendly hand, and departed, on route to Polynesia and to Easter Island. Lady Sophia fell back onto the sofa. I declare this smell makes me quite giddy, she said, sniffing. It's like few and coffins. I don't wonder people go into trances with it and see things.

Starting point is 09:59:42 She bent forward with her long yet to her eyes and laughed. I am in a trance now, she said gaily. I see, I see, the prettiest bride in the three kingdoms. And the happiest bridegroom, said Prilis, slipping his arm round Mona's waist. And I see, I see, you see this, said Mona, and laying her. her arms about her lover's neck she kissed him fairly on the mouth i think trances are quite improper said lady sophia rising my dear if you will ask me to remain to dinner i'll stop and talk over your wedding dress end of chapter twenty seven end of the sacred herb by fergus yume

Classic Audiobook Collection - The Sacred Herb by Fergus Hume ~ Full Audiobook [mystery]

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