May 15, 2025 • 21 mins
Dive into the heart of the Jazz Age with The Benson Murder Case – A Philo Vance Story, the inaugural tale in a sequence of twelve gripping mysteries set in New York. The series springs from the mind of S. S. Van Dine, a prominent art critic and avant-garde member of New York society, also known by his real name, W. H. Wright. This series introduced readers to a whole new kind of detective Philo Vance, an eccentric loner, a man of refined tastes, and a suave socialite. Van Dines novels stood out for their unconventional approach to crime-solving, focusing on psychology over physical evidence. This story sees Vance, accompanied by his lawyer and confidant Van, work to unravel the murder of Alvin Benson, expertly juggling suspects, red herrings, and psychological clues. Its a journey of intrigue and intellect that will keep you guessing until the final reveal.
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Chapter eighteen of the Benson murder Case by S. S.
Van Dyne. This LibriVox recording is in the public domain.
A confession Wednesday, June nineteenth, one p m. When we
were again outside, Markham asked, how in Heaven's name did
(00:22):
you know she had put up her jewels to help
Fife my charming metaphysical deductions, don't you know? Answered Vance?
As I told you, Benson was not the open handed,
big hearted altruist who would have lent money without security,
And certainly the impecunious Fife had no collateral worth ten
(00:46):
thousand dollars, or he wouldn't have forged the check. There go,
some one lent him the security. Now, who would be
so trustin as to lend Fife that amount of security
except a sentimental woman who was blind to his amazing defects.
(01:06):
You know, I was just evil minded enough to suspect
there was a calypso in the life of this Ulysses
when he told us of stopping over in New York
to murmur au revoir to some one. When a man
like Fife fails to specify the sex of a person,
(01:27):
it is safe to assume the feminine gender. So I
suggested that you send a Paul Prye to Port Washington
to peer into his trance matrimonial activities. I felt certain
a bon amie would be found. Then, when the mysterious package,
(01:47):
which was obviously the security, seemed to identify itself as
the box of jewels seen by the inquisitive housekeeper, I
said to myself, ah, ah Leander's misguided Dulcinea has lent
him her gewgaws to save him from the yawning dungeon.
(02:09):
Nor did I overlook the fact that he had been
shielding someone in his explanation about the check. Therefore, as
soon as the lady's name and address were learnt by Tracy,
I made the appointment for you. We were passing the
Gothic Renaissance Schwab residence which extends from West End Avenue
(02:31):
to Riverside Drive at seventy third Street, and Vance stopped
for a moment to contemplate it. Markham waited patiently at length.
Vance walked on. You know, the moment I saw missus banning,
I knew my conclusions were correct. She was a sentimental
(02:52):
soul and just the sort of professional good sport who
would have handed over her jewels to her amoral. Also,
she was bereft of gems when we called, and a
woman of her stamp always wears her jewels when she
desires to make an impression on strangers. Moreover, she's the
(03:14):
kind that would have jewelry even if the larder was empty.
It was therefore merely a question of getting her to talk.
On the whole. You did very well, observed Markham. Vance
gave him a condescending bow. Sir, Hubert is too generous.
But tell me, didn't my little chat with the lady
(03:37):
cast a gleam into your darkened mind? Naturally, said Markham,
I'm not utterly obtuse. She played unconsciously into our hands.
She believed Fife did not arrive in New York until
the morning after the murder, and therefore told us quite frankly,
that she had phoned him that Benson had the jewels
(04:00):
at home. The situation now is Fife knew they were
in Benson's house, and was there himself at about the
time the shot was fired. Furthermore, the jewels are gone,
and Fife tried to cover up his tracks that night.
Vance sighed hopelessly, Markham, there are altogether too many trees
(04:25):
for you. In this case, you simply can't see the forest,
you know, because of them. There is the remote possibility
that you are so busily engaged in looking at one
particular tree that you are unaware of the others. A
shadow passed over Vance's face. I wish you were right,
(04:46):
he said. It was nearly half past one, and we
dropped into the fountain room of the Estonia Hotel for lunch.
Markham was preoccupied throughout the meal, and when we entered
the subway later, he looked uneasily at his watch. I
think I'll go on down to Wall Street and call
(05:07):
on the Major a moment before returning to the office.
I can't understand his asking Miss Hoffman not to mention
the package to me. It might not have contained the jewels,
after all. Do you imagine for one moment, rejoined Vance,
that Alvin told the major the truth about the package.
(05:29):
It was not a very creditable transaction, you know, and
the Major most likely would have given him what for. Major.
Benson's explanation bore out Vance's surmise. Markham, in telling him
of the interview with Paula Banning, emphasized the jewel episode
in the hope that the Major would voluntarily mention the
(05:52):
package for his promise to Miss Hoffman prevented him from
admitting that he was aware of the other's knowledge. The
Major listened with considerable astonishment, his eyes gradually growing angry.
I'm afraid Alvin deceived me, he said. He looked straight
(06:13):
ahead for a moment, his face softening, and I don't
like to think it now that he's gone. But the
truth is. When Miss Hoffman told me this morning about
the envelope, she also mentioned a small parcel that had
been in Alvin's private safe drawer, and I asked her
to omit any reference to it from her story to you.
(06:36):
I knew the parcel contained Missus Banning's jewels, but I
thought the fact would only confuse matters if brought to
your attention. You see, Alvin told me that a judgment
had been taken against Missus Banning, and that just before
the supplementary proceedings, Fife had brought her jewels here and
(06:58):
asked him to sequester them temporarily in his safe. On
our way back to the Criminal Courts building, Markham took
Vance's arm and smiled, Your guessing luck is holding out
I see rather, agreed Vance. It would appear that the
late Alvin, like Warren Hastings, resolved to die in the
(07:22):
last dyke of prevarication. Splendid day, Menducks. What in any event,
replied Markham, The Major has unconsciously added another link in
the chain against Fife. You seem to be making a
collection of chains, commented Vance dryly. What have you done
(07:44):
with the ones you forged about miss Saint Clair and Lecock.
I haven't entirely discarded them, if that's what you think,
asserted Markham gravely. When we reached the office, Sergeant Heath
was awaiting with a beatific grin. It's all over, mister Markham,
(08:05):
he announced this noon, after you'd gone. Leecock came here
looking for you. When he found you were out, he
phund headquarters and they connected him with me. He wanted
to see me, very important, he said, So I hurried over.
He was sitting in the waiting room when I came in,
and he called me over and said, I came to
(08:28):
give myself up. I killed Benson. I got him to
dictate a confession to Swacker, and then he signed it.
Here it is. He handed Markham a tight written sheet
of paper. Markham sank wearily into a chair. The strain
of the past few days had begun to tell on him.
(08:49):
He sighed heavily. Thank God, now our troubles are ended.
Vance looked at him lugubriously and shook his head. I
rather fancy you know that your troubles are only beginning,
he drawled. When Markham had glanced through the confession, he
(09:10):
handed it to Vance, who read it carefully with an
expression of growing amusement. You know, he said, this document
isn't at all legal. Any judge worth the name would
throw it precipitately out of court. It's far too simple
and precise. It doesn't begin with greetings, It doesn't contain
(09:33):
a single or wherefore be it? Or be it known?
Or do hereby? It says nothing about free will, or
sound mind or disposin memory. And the captain doesn't once
refer to himself as the party of the first part.
Utterly worthless, Sergeant. If I were you, I'd chuck it.
(09:55):
Heath was feeling too complacently triumphant to be annoyed, He
smiled with magnanimous tolerance. It strikes you as funny, doesn't it,
mister Vance, Sergeant, if you knew how inordinately funny this
confession is, you'd positively have hysterics. Vance then turned to Markham. Really,
(10:19):
you know, I shouldn't put too much stock in this.
It may, however, prove a valuable lever with which to
prize open the truth. In fact, I'm jolly glad the
Captain has gone in for imaginative literature. With this entransceent
fable in our possession, I think we can overcome the
(10:39):
Major's scruples and get him to tell us what he knows.
Maybe I'm wrong, but it's worth trying. He stepped to
the District Attorney's desk and leaned over it, cajolingly. I
haven't led you astray yet, old dear, and I'm going
to make another suggestionestion. Call up the Major and ask
(11:03):
him to come here at once. Tell him you've secured
a confession. But don't you dare say whose? Imply it's
Miss Saint Clair's or Fife's or Poncha's pilots, but urge
his immediate presence. Tell him you want to discuss it
with him before proceeding with the indictment. I can't see
(11:26):
the necessity of doing that, objected Markham. I'm pretty sure
to see him at the club to night, and I
can tell him then that wouldn't do at all, insisted Vance.
If the Major can enlighten us on any point, I
think Sergeant Heath should be present to hear him. I
(11:47):
don't need any enlightenment. Cut in Heath. Vance regarded him
with admiring surprise. What a wonderful man, even Gerte cried
for mere licht. And here you are in a state
of luminous saturation, astonishing see here, Vance, said Markham. Why
(12:08):
try to complicate the matter. It strikes me as a
waste of time, besides being an imposition to ask the
Major here to discuss Lecoq's confession. We don't need his
evidence now anyway. Despite his gruffness, there was a hint
of reconsideration in his voice, for though his instinct had
(12:29):
been to dismiss the request out of hand, the experiences
of the past few days had taught him that Vance's
suggestions were not made without an object. Vance, sensing the
other's hesitancy, said, my request is based on something more
than an idle desire to gaze upon the Major's rubicund
(12:52):
features at this moment, I'm telling you, with all the meager, earnestness,
I possess that his presence here now would be most helpful.
Markham deliberated and argued the point at some length, but
Vance was so persistent that in the end he was
(13:12):
convinced of the advisability of complying. Heath was patently disgusted,
but he sat down quietly and sought solace in a cigar.
Major Benson arrived with astonishing promptness, and when Markham handed
him the confession, he made little attempt to conceal his eagerness,
(13:35):
but as he read it, his face clouded and a
look of puzzlement came into his eyes. At length, he
looked up, frowning. I don't quite understand this, and I'll
admit I'm greatly surprised. It doesn't seem credible that Lecoq
shot Alvin, and yet I may be mistaken, of course.
(14:00):
He laid the confession on Markham's desk with an air
of disappointment, and sank into a chair. Do you feel satisfied,
he asked. I don't see any way around it, said Markham.
If he isn't guilty, why should he come forward and confess.
God knows, there's plenty of evidence against him. I was
(14:22):
ready to arrest him two days ago. He's guilty, all right,
put in Heath. I've had my eye on him from
the first. Major Benson did not reply at once. He
seemed to be framing his next words. It might be
that is there's the bare possibility that Lecock had an
(14:46):
ulterior motive in confessing. We all, I think recognized the
thought which his words strove to conceal. I'll admit acceeded
Markham that at first I believed missus Saint Clair guilty,
and I intimated as much to Lecock, but later I
was persuaded that she was not directly involved. Does Lecoq
(15:10):
know this, the Major asked quickly. Markham thought a moment, No,
I can't say that he does. In fact, it's more
than likely he still thinks I suspect her. Ah. The
Major's exclamation was almost involuntary. But what's that got to
do with it, asked Heath irritably. Do you think he's
(15:33):
going to the chair to save her reputation? Bunk? That
sort of thing's all right in the movies, but no,
man's that crazy in real life. I'm not so sure,
Sergeant ventured Vance lazily. Women are too sane and practical
to make such foolish gestures, but men, you know, have
(15:56):
an illimitable capacity for idiocy. He turned an inquiring gaze
on Major Benson. Won't you tell us why you think
Leecock is playing Sir Galahad? But the Major took refuge
in generalities and was disinclined even to follow up his
original intimation as to the cause of the captain's action.
(16:21):
Vance questioned him for some time, but was unable to
penetrate his reticence. Heath, becoming rethless, finally spoke up. You
can't argue Leecock's guilt away, mister Vance, look at the facts.
He threatened Benson that he'd kill him if he caught
him with the girl again. The next time Benson goes
(16:44):
out with her, he's found shot. Then Leecock hides his
gun at her house, and when things begin to get hot,
he takes it away and ditches it in the river.
He bribes the hall boy to alibi him, and he's
seen at Benson's house at twelve thirty that night. When
he's questioned, he can't explain anything if that ain't an
(17:07):
open and shutcase. I'm a mock turtle. The circumstances are convincing,
admitted Major Benson. But couldn't they be accounted for on
other grounds? Heath did not deign to answer the question.
The way I see it, he continued, it is like this.
(17:28):
Leecock gets suspicious along about midnight, takes his gun and
goes out. He catches Benson with the girl, goes in
and shoots him like he threatened. They are both mixed
up in it if you ask me. But Lecoq did
the shooting, and now we got his confession. There isn't
a jury in the country that wouldn't convict him. Probi
(17:51):
et legalis homines? Oh quite murmured Vance Swacker appeared at
the door. The reporters are clamm for attention, he announced,
with a wry face. Do they know about the confession?
Markham asked Heath, not yet. I haven't told them anything
so far. That's why they're clamoring, I guess, but I'll
(18:14):
give them an earful now if you say the word.
Markham nodded, and Heath started for the door, but Vance
quickly planted himself in the way. Could you keep this
thing quiet till tomorrow, Markham, he asked. Markham was annoyed.
I could if I wanted to, Yes, But why should
(18:36):
I for your own sake, if for no other reason,
you've got your prize safely locked up, control your vanity
for twenty four hours. The Major and I both know
that Lecoq's innocent, and by this time tomorrow the whole
country will know it. Again. An argument ensued, but the outcome,
(19:00):
like that of the former argument, was a foregone conclusion.
Markham had realized for some time that Vance had reason
to be convinced of something which as yet he was
unwilling to divulge. His opposition to Vance's requests were I
had suspected largely the result of an effort to ascertain
(19:23):
this information, and I was positive of it now. As
he leaned forward and gravely debated the advisability of making
public the captain's confession, Vance, as heretofore, was careful to
reveal nothing, But in the end his sheer determination carried
the point, and Markham requested Heath to keep his own
(19:46):
counsel until the next day. The Major, by a slight nod,
indicated his approbation of the decision. You might tell the
newspaper lads, though, suggested Vance that you'll have a rip
and sensation for him tomorrow. Heath went out, crestfallen and glowering.
(20:09):
A rash fellow the sergeant so impetuous, Vance again picked
up the confession and perused it. Now, Markham, I want
you to bring your prisoner forth habeas corpus and that
sort of thing. Put him in that chair facing the window,
Give him one of the good cigars you keep for
(20:31):
influential politicians, and then listen attentively while I politely chat
with him. The major I trust will remain for the
interlocutory proceedings. That request, at least I'll grant without objections,
smiled Markham, I had already decided to have a talk
(20:52):
with Leecock. He pressed a buzzer, and a brisk, ruddy
faced clerk entered a requisite for Captain Philip Lecock, he ordered.
When it was brought to him, he initialed it take
it to Ben and tell him to hurry. The clerk
disappeared through the door leading to the outer corridor. Ten
(21:14):
minutes later, a deputy sheriff from the tombs entered with
the prisoner. End of Chapter eighteen
Chapter eighteen of the Benson murder Case by S. S.
Van Dyne. This LibriVox recording is in the public domain.
A confession Wednesday, June nineteenth, one p m. When we
were again outside, Markham asked, how in Heaven's name did
(00:22):
you know she had put up her jewels to help
Fife my charming metaphysical deductions, don't you know? Answered Vance?
As I told you, Benson was not the open handed,
big hearted altruist who would have lent money without security,
And certainly the impecunious Fife had no collateral worth ten
(00:46):
thousand dollars, or he wouldn't have forged the check. There go,
some one lent him the security. Now, who would be
so trustin as to lend Fife that amount of security
except a sentimental woman who was blind to his amazing defects.
(01:06):
You know, I was just evil minded enough to suspect
there was a calypso in the life of this Ulysses
when he told us of stopping over in New York
to murmur au revoir to some one. When a man
like Fife fails to specify the sex of a person,
(01:27):
it is safe to assume the feminine gender. So I
suggested that you send a Paul Prye to Port Washington
to peer into his trance matrimonial activities. I felt certain
a bon amie would be found. Then, when the mysterious package,
(01:47):
which was obviously the security, seemed to identify itself as
the box of jewels seen by the inquisitive housekeeper, I
said to myself, ah, ah Leander's misguided Dulcinea has lent
him her gewgaws to save him from the yawning dungeon.
(02:09):
Nor did I overlook the fact that he had been
shielding someone in his explanation about the check. Therefore, as
soon as the lady's name and address were learnt by Tracy,
I made the appointment for you. We were passing the
Gothic Renaissance Schwab residence which extends from West End Avenue
(02:31):
to Riverside Drive at seventy third Street, and Vance stopped
for a moment to contemplate it. Markham waited patiently at length.
Vance walked on. You know, the moment I saw missus banning,
I knew my conclusions were correct. She was a sentimental
(02:52):
soul and just the sort of professional good sport who
would have handed over her jewels to her amoral. Also,
she was bereft of gems when we called, and a
woman of her stamp always wears her jewels when she
desires to make an impression on strangers. Moreover, she's the
(03:14):
kind that would have jewelry even if the larder was empty.
It was therefore merely a question of getting her to talk.
On the whole. You did very well, observed Markham. Vance
gave him a condescending bow. Sir, Hubert is too generous.
But tell me, didn't my little chat with the lady
(03:37):
cast a gleam into your darkened mind? Naturally, said Markham,
I'm not utterly obtuse. She played unconsciously into our hands.
She believed Fife did not arrive in New York until
the morning after the murder, and therefore told us quite frankly,
that she had phoned him that Benson had the jewels
(04:00):
at home. The situation now is Fife knew they were
in Benson's house, and was there himself at about the
time the shot was fired. Furthermore, the jewels are gone,
and Fife tried to cover up his tracks that night.
Vance sighed hopelessly, Markham, there are altogether too many trees
(04:25):
for you. In this case, you simply can't see the forest,
you know, because of them. There is the remote possibility
that you are so busily engaged in looking at one
particular tree that you are unaware of the others. A
shadow passed over Vance's face. I wish you were right,
(04:46):
he said. It was nearly half past one, and we
dropped into the fountain room of the Estonia Hotel for lunch.
Markham was preoccupied throughout the meal, and when we entered
the subway later, he looked uneasily at his watch. I
think I'll go on down to Wall Street and call
(05:07):
on the Major a moment before returning to the office.
I can't understand his asking Miss Hoffman not to mention
the package to me. It might not have contained the jewels,
after all. Do you imagine for one moment, rejoined Vance,
that Alvin told the major the truth about the package.
(05:29):
It was not a very creditable transaction, you know, and
the Major most likely would have given him what for. Major.
Benson's explanation bore out Vance's surmise. Markham, in telling him
of the interview with Paula Banning, emphasized the jewel episode
in the hope that the Major would voluntarily mention the
(05:52):
package for his promise to Miss Hoffman prevented him from
admitting that he was aware of the other's knowledge. The
Major listened with considerable astonishment, his eyes gradually growing angry.
I'm afraid Alvin deceived me, he said. He looked straight
(06:13):
ahead for a moment, his face softening, and I don't
like to think it now that he's gone. But the
truth is. When Miss Hoffman told me this morning about
the envelope, she also mentioned a small parcel that had
been in Alvin's private safe drawer, and I asked her
to omit any reference to it from her story to you.
(06:36):
I knew the parcel contained Missus Banning's jewels, but I
thought the fact would only confuse matters if brought to
your attention. You see, Alvin told me that a judgment
had been taken against Missus Banning, and that just before
the supplementary proceedings, Fife had brought her jewels here and
(06:58):
asked him to sequester them temporarily in his safe. On
our way back to the Criminal Courts building, Markham took
Vance's arm and smiled, Your guessing luck is holding out
I see rather, agreed Vance. It would appear that the
late Alvin, like Warren Hastings, resolved to die in the
(07:22):
last dyke of prevarication. Splendid day, Menducks. What in any event,
replied Markham, The Major has unconsciously added another link in
the chain against Fife. You seem to be making a
collection of chains, commented Vance dryly. What have you done
(07:44):
with the ones you forged about miss Saint Clair and Lecock.
I haven't entirely discarded them, if that's what you think,
asserted Markham gravely. When we reached the office, Sergeant Heath
was awaiting with a beatific grin. It's all over, mister Markham,
(08:05):
he announced this noon, after you'd gone. Leecock came here
looking for you. When he found you were out, he
phund headquarters and they connected him with me. He wanted
to see me, very important, he said, So I hurried over.
He was sitting in the waiting room when I came in,
and he called me over and said, I came to
(08:28):
give myself up. I killed Benson. I got him to
dictate a confession to Swacker, and then he signed it.
Here it is. He handed Markham a tight written sheet
of paper. Markham sank wearily into a chair. The strain
of the past few days had begun to tell on him.
(08:49):
He sighed heavily. Thank God, now our troubles are ended.
Vance looked at him lugubriously and shook his head. I
rather fancy you know that your troubles are only beginning,
he drawled. When Markham had glanced through the confession, he
(09:10):
handed it to Vance, who read it carefully with an
expression of growing amusement. You know, he said, this document
isn't at all legal. Any judge worth the name would
throw it precipitately out of court. It's far too simple
and precise. It doesn't begin with greetings, It doesn't contain
(09:33):
a single or wherefore be it? Or be it known?
Or do hereby? It says nothing about free will, or
sound mind or disposin memory. And the captain doesn't once
refer to himself as the party of the first part.
Utterly worthless, Sergeant. If I were you, I'd chuck it.
(09:55):
Heath was feeling too complacently triumphant to be annoyed, He
smiled with magnanimous tolerance. It strikes you as funny, doesn't it,
mister Vance, Sergeant, if you knew how inordinately funny this
confession is, you'd positively have hysterics. Vance then turned to Markham. Really,
(10:19):
you know, I shouldn't put too much stock in this.
It may, however, prove a valuable lever with which to
prize open the truth. In fact, I'm jolly glad the
Captain has gone in for imaginative literature. With this entransceent
fable in our possession, I think we can overcome the
(10:39):
Major's scruples and get him to tell us what he knows.
Maybe I'm wrong, but it's worth trying. He stepped to
the District Attorney's desk and leaned over it, cajolingly. I
haven't led you astray yet, old dear, and I'm going
to make another suggestionestion. Call up the Major and ask
(11:03):
him to come here at once. Tell him you've secured
a confession. But don't you dare say whose? Imply it's
Miss Saint Clair's or Fife's or Poncha's pilots, but urge
his immediate presence. Tell him you want to discuss it
with him before proceeding with the indictment. I can't see
(11:26):
the necessity of doing that, objected Markham. I'm pretty sure
to see him at the club to night, and I
can tell him then that wouldn't do at all, insisted Vance.
If the Major can enlighten us on any point, I
think Sergeant Heath should be present to hear him. I
(11:47):
don't need any enlightenment. Cut in Heath. Vance regarded him
with admiring surprise. What a wonderful man, even Gerte cried
for mere licht. And here you are in a state
of luminous saturation, astonishing see here, Vance, said Markham. Why
(12:08):
try to complicate the matter. It strikes me as a
waste of time, besides being an imposition to ask the
Major here to discuss Lecoq's confession. We don't need his
evidence now anyway. Despite his gruffness, there was a hint
of reconsideration in his voice, for though his instinct had
(12:29):
been to dismiss the request out of hand, the experiences
of the past few days had taught him that Vance's
suggestions were not made without an object. Vance, sensing the
other's hesitancy, said, my request is based on something more
than an idle desire to gaze upon the Major's rubicund
(12:52):
features at this moment, I'm telling you, with all the meager, earnestness,
I possess that his presence here now would be most helpful.
Markham deliberated and argued the point at some length, but
Vance was so persistent that in the end he was
(13:12):
convinced of the advisability of complying. Heath was patently disgusted,
but he sat down quietly and sought solace in a cigar.
Major Benson arrived with astonishing promptness, and when Markham handed
him the confession, he made little attempt to conceal his eagerness,
(13:35):
but as he read it, his face clouded and a
look of puzzlement came into his eyes. At length, he
looked up, frowning. I don't quite understand this, and I'll
admit I'm greatly surprised. It doesn't seem credible that Lecoq
shot Alvin, and yet I may be mistaken, of course.
(14:00):
He laid the confession on Markham's desk with an air
of disappointment, and sank into a chair. Do you feel satisfied,
he asked. I don't see any way around it, said Markham.
If he isn't guilty, why should he come forward and confess.
God knows, there's plenty of evidence against him. I was
(14:22):
ready to arrest him two days ago. He's guilty, all right,
put in Heath. I've had my eye on him from
the first. Major Benson did not reply at once. He
seemed to be framing his next words. It might be
that is there's the bare possibility that Lecock had an
(14:46):
ulterior motive in confessing. We all, I think recognized the
thought which his words strove to conceal. I'll admit acceeded
Markham that at first I believed missus Saint Clair guilty,
and I intimated as much to Lecock, but later I
was persuaded that she was not directly involved. Does Lecoq
(15:10):
know this, the Major asked quickly. Markham thought a moment, No,
I can't say that he does. In fact, it's more
than likely he still thinks I suspect her. Ah. The
Major's exclamation was almost involuntary. But what's that got to
do with it, asked Heath irritably. Do you think he's
(15:33):
going to the chair to save her reputation? Bunk? That
sort of thing's all right in the movies, but no,
man's that crazy in real life. I'm not so sure,
Sergeant ventured Vance lazily. Women are too sane and practical
to make such foolish gestures, but men, you know, have
(15:56):
an illimitable capacity for idiocy. He turned an inquiring gaze
on Major Benson. Won't you tell us why you think
Leecock is playing Sir Galahad? But the Major took refuge
in generalities and was disinclined even to follow up his
original intimation as to the cause of the captain's action.
(16:21):
Vance questioned him for some time, but was unable to
penetrate his reticence. Heath, becoming rethless, finally spoke up. You
can't argue Leecock's guilt away, mister Vance, look at the facts.
He threatened Benson that he'd kill him if he caught
him with the girl again. The next time Benson goes
(16:44):
out with her, he's found shot. Then Leecock hides his
gun at her house, and when things begin to get hot,
he takes it away and ditches it in the river.
He bribes the hall boy to alibi him, and he's
seen at Benson's house at twelve thirty that night. When
he's questioned, he can't explain anything if that ain't an
(17:07):
open and shutcase. I'm a mock turtle. The circumstances are convincing,
admitted Major Benson. But couldn't they be accounted for on
other grounds? Heath did not deign to answer the question.
The way I see it, he continued, it is like this.
(17:28):
Leecock gets suspicious along about midnight, takes his gun and
goes out. He catches Benson with the girl, goes in
and shoots him like he threatened. They are both mixed
up in it if you ask me. But Lecoq did
the shooting, and now we got his confession. There isn't
a jury in the country that wouldn't convict him. Probi
(17:51):
et legalis homines? Oh quite murmured Vance Swacker appeared at
the door. The reporters are clamm for attention, he announced,
with a wry face. Do they know about the confession?
Markham asked Heath, not yet. I haven't told them anything
so far. That's why they're clamoring, I guess, but I'll
(18:14):
give them an earful now if you say the word.
Markham nodded, and Heath started for the door, but Vance
quickly planted himself in the way. Could you keep this
thing quiet till tomorrow, Markham, he asked. Markham was annoyed.
I could if I wanted to, Yes, But why should
(18:36):
I for your own sake, if for no other reason,
you've got your prize safely locked up, control your vanity
for twenty four hours. The Major and I both know
that Lecoq's innocent, and by this time tomorrow the whole
country will know it. Again. An argument ensued, but the outcome,
(19:00):
like that of the former argument, was a foregone conclusion.
Markham had realized for some time that Vance had reason
to be convinced of something which as yet he was
unwilling to divulge. His opposition to Vance's requests were I
had suspected largely the result of an effort to ascertain
(19:23):
this information, and I was positive of it now. As
he leaned forward and gravely debated the advisability of making
public the captain's confession, Vance, as heretofore, was careful to
reveal nothing, But in the end his sheer determination carried
the point, and Markham requested Heath to keep his own
(19:46):
counsel until the next day. The Major, by a slight nod,
indicated his approbation of the decision. You might tell the
newspaper lads, though, suggested Vance that you'll have a rip
and sensation for him tomorrow. Heath went out, crestfallen and glowering.
(20:09):
A rash fellow the sergeant so impetuous, Vance again picked
up the confession and perused it. Now, Markham, I want
you to bring your prisoner forth habeas corpus and that
sort of thing. Put him in that chair facing the window,
Give him one of the good cigars you keep for
(20:31):
influential politicians, and then listen attentively while I politely chat
with him. The major I trust will remain for the
interlocutory proceedings. That request, at least I'll grant without objections,
smiled Markham, I had already decided to have a talk
(20:52):
with Leecock. He pressed a buzzer, and a brisk, ruddy
faced clerk entered a requisite for Captain Philip Lecock, he ordered.
When it was brought to him, he initialed it take
it to Ben and tell him to hurry. The clerk
disappeared through the door leading to the outer corridor. Ten
(21:14):
minutes later, a deputy sheriff from the tombs entered with
the prisoner. End of Chapter eighteen
Popular Podcasts
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Law & Order: Criminal Justice System - Season 1 & Season 2
Season Two Out Now! Law & Order: Criminal Justice System tells the real stories behind the landmark cases that have shaped how the most dangerous and influential criminals in America are prosecuted. In its second season, the series tackles the threat of terrorism in the United States. From the rise of extremist political groups in the 60s to domestic lone wolves in the modern day, we explore how organizations like the FBI and Joint Terrorism Take Force have evolved to fight back against a multitude of terrorist threats.