May 15, 2025 • 28 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.
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
Chapter nineteen of the Benson murder case by S. S.
Van Dyne. This LibriVox recording is in the public domain.
Vance Cross examines Wednesday, June nineteenth, three thirty p m.
Captain Leecock walked into the room with a hopeless indifference
(00:23):
of bearing. His shoulders drooped, his arms hung listlessly. His
eyes were haggard, like those of a man who had
not slept for days. On seeing Major Benson, he straightened
a little, stepping toward him, extended his hand. It was
plain that, however much he may have disliked Alvin Benson,
(00:46):
he regarded the Major as a friend. But, suddenly realizing
the situation, he turned away, Embarrassed. The Major went quickly
to him and touched him on the arm. It's all right, Leecock,
he said softly. I can't think that you really shot Alvin.
(01:08):
The Captain turned apprehensive eyes upon him. Of course I
shot him. His voice was flat. I told him I
was going to Vance came forward and indicated a chair.
Is it down, Captain? The district attorney wants to hear
your story of the shooting. The law, you understand, does
(01:31):
not accept murder confessions without corroboratory evidence. And since in
the present case there are suspicions against others than yourself,
we want you to answer some questions in order to
substantiate your guilt. Otherwise it will be necessary for us
to follow up our suspicions. Taking a seat facing Lecoq,
(01:55):
he picked up the confession. You say here you were
satisfied that mister Benson had wronged you, and you went
to his house at about half past twelve on the
night of the thirteenth. When you speak of his wronging
you do you refer to his attentions to miss Saint Clair.
(02:17):
Lecoq's face betrayed a sulky belligerence. It doesn't matter why
I shot him. Can't you leave miss Saint Clair out
of it? Certainly, agreed, vance. I promise you she shall
not be brought into it, but we must understand your
motive thoroughly. After a brief silence, Leecox said, very well, then,
(02:42):
that was what I referred to. How did you know,
missus Saint Clair went to dinner with mister Benson that night.
I followed them to the Marseilles and then you went home. Yes,
what made you go to mister Benson's house? Later? I
(03:04):
got to thinking about it more and more, until I
couldn't stand it any longer. I began to see read,
and at last I took my colt and went out,
determined to kill her. A note of passion had crept
into his voice. It seemed unbelievable that he could be lying.
(03:24):
Vance again referred to the confession you dictated. I went
to eighty seven West forty eighth Street and entered the
house by the front door. Did you ring the bell
or was the front door unlatched? Lecock was about to answer,
but hesitated. Evidently he recalled the newspaper accounts of the
(03:49):
housekeeper's testimony, in which she asserted positively that the bell
had not rung that night. What difference does it make?
He was sparring for time. We'd like to know, that's
all Vants told him, But no, hurry. Well, if it's
so important to you, I didn't ring the bell and
(04:12):
the door wasn't unlocked. His hesitancy was gone. Just as
I reached the house, Benson drove up in a taxi cab.
Just a moment, did you happen to notice another car
standing in front of the house, a gray Cadillac? Why? Yes,
(04:33):
did you recognize its occupant. There was another short silence.
I'm not sure. I think it was a man named Fife.
He and mister Benson were outside at the same time.
Then Leecock frowned, No, not at the same time. There
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was nobody there when I arrived. I didn't see Fife
until I came out A few minutes later. He arrived
in his car when you were inside. Is that it
he must have? I see? And now to go back
a little. Benson drove up in a taxi cab. Then what.
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I went up to him and said I wanted to
speak to him. He told me to come inside, and
we went in together. He used his latch key. And now,
Captain tell us just what happened after you and mister
Benson entered the house. He laid his hat and stick
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on the hat rack, and we walked into the living room.
He sat down by the table, and I stood up
and said what I had to say. Then I drew
my gun and shot him. Vance was closely watching the man,
and Markham was leaning forward tensely. How did it happened
(06:00):
that he was reading at the time. I believe he
did pick up a book while I was talking, trying
to appear indifferent. I reckon, I think now you and
mister Benson went into the living room directly from the
hall as soon as you entered the house. Yes, then
(06:24):
how do you account for the fact, Captain, that when
mister Benson was shot he had on his smoking jacket
and slippers. Lecock glanced nervously about the room before he answered,
he wet his lips with his tongue. Now that I
think of it, Benson did go upstairs for a few minutes. First,
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I guess I was too excited, he added, desperately to
recollect everything that's natural, Vance said sympathetically. But when he
came downstairs, did you happen to notice anything peculiar about
his hair? Leecock looked up vaguely his hair. I don't
(07:09):
understand the color of it. I mean, when mister Benson
sat before you under the table lamp, didn't you remark
some difference, let us say, in the way his hair looked.
The man closed his eyes, as if striving to visualize
the scene. No, I don't remember. A minor point, said
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Vance indifferently. Did Benson's speech strike you as peculiar when
he came downstairs? That is was there a thickness or
slight impediment of any kind in his voice. Leecock was
manifestly puzzled. I don't know what you mean, he said.
(07:53):
He seemed to talk the way he always talked. And
did you happen to see a blue jewel case on
the table? I didn't notice. Vance smoked a moment thoughtfully,
when you left the room after shooting mister Benson, you
turned out the lights. Of course, when no immediate answer came,
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Vance volunteered the suggestion you must have done so for
mister Fife says the house was dark when he drove up.
Leacock then nodded an affirmative. That's right. I couldn't recollect
for the moment, now that you remember the fact, Just
how did you turn them off? I he began, and stopped,
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then finally at the switch? And where is that switch located? Captain?
I can't just recall, I think a moment. Surely you
can remember by the door leading into the hall. I
think which side of the door? How can I tell?
(09:05):
The man asked piteously. I was too nervous, but I
think it was on the right hand side of the door,
the right hand side when entering or leaving the room
as you go out. That would be where the bookcase stands. Yes,
(09:26):
Vance appeared satisfied. Now there's the question of the gun.
He said, why did you take it to miss Saint Clair?
I was a coward, the man replied, I was afraid
they might find it at my apartment, and I never
imagined she would be suspected. And when she was suspected,
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you at once took the gun away and threw it
into the East River. Yes, I suppose there was one
cartridge missing from the magazine, two, which in itself would
have been a suspicious circumstance. I thought of that. That's
why I threw the gun away. Vance frowned, that's strange.
(10:13):
There must have been two guns. We dredged the river,
you know, and found a cult automatic, but the magazine
was full. Are you sure, Captain, that it was your
gun you took from Saint Clair's and threw over the bridge.
I knew no gun had been retrieved from the river,
and I wondered what he was driving at Was he,
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after all, trying to involve the girl Markham two, I
could see was in doubt. Leecock made no answer for
several moments when he spoke. It was with dogged sullenness.
There weren't two guns. The one you found was mine.
I refilled the magazine myself. Ah, that accounts for Vance's
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tone was pleasant and reassuring. Just one more question, Captain,
Why did you come here today and confess? Leecock thrust
his chin out, and for the first time during the
cross examination, his eyes became animated. Why it was the
only honorable thing to do. You had unjustly suspected an
(11:24):
innocent person, and I didn't want anyone else to suffer.
This ended the interview. Markham had no questions to ask,
and the deputy sheriff led the Captain out. When the
door had closed on him, my curious silence fell over
the room. Markham sat smoking furiously, his hands folded behind
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his head, his eyes fixed on the ceiling. The Major
had settled back in his chair and was gazing at
Vance with admiring satisfaction. Vance, who was watching Markham out
of the corner of his eye, a drowsy smile on
his lips. The expressions and attitudes of the three men
(12:12):
conveyed perfectly their varying individual reactions to the interview. Markham troubled.
The major pleased Vance cynical. It was Vance who broke
the silence. He spoke easily, almost lazily. You see how
silly the confession is. What our pure and lofty captain
(12:37):
is an incredibly poor munchausen. No one could lie as
badly as he did who hadn't been born into the
world that way. It's simply impossible to imagine such stupidity.
And he did so want us to think him guilty,
very effecting. He probably imagined you'd merely stick the confession
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in his shirt front and send him to the hangman.
You noticed he hadn't even decided how he got into
Benson's house that night. Fife's admitted presence outside almost spoiled
his impromptu explanation of having entered Bradussiu Bradussioux with his
(13:22):
intended victim. And he didn't recall Benson's semi neglige attire.
When I reminded him of it. He had to contradict
himself and send Benson trotting upstairs to make a rapid change. Luckily,
the tupey wasn't mentioned in the newspapers. The captain couldn't
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imagine what I meant when I intimated that Benson had
dyed his hair when changing his coat and shoes. By
the bye, Major, did your brother speak thickly when his
false teeth were out noticeably? So, answered the Major. If
Alvin's plate had been removed that night, as I gather
(14:05):
it had been, from your question, Lecock would surely have
noticed it. There were other things he didn't notice, said Vance,
the jewel case, for instance, and the location of the
electric light switch. He went badly astray on that point,
added the Major. Alvin's house is old fashioned, and the
(14:27):
only switch in the room is a pendant one attached
to the chandelier, exactly, said Vance. However, his worst break
was in connection with the gun. He gave his hand
away completely there, he said. He threw the pistol into
the river, largely because of the missing cartridge. And when
(14:50):
I told him the magazine was full, he explained that
he had refilled it, so I wouldn't think it was
anyone else's gun that was found. It plain to see
what's the matter. He thinks Miss Claire's guilty and is
determined to take the blame. That's my impression, said Major Benson,
(15:12):
And yet mused Vance, The Captain's attitude bothers me a little.
There's no doubt he had something to do with the crime,
else why should he have concealed his pistol the next
day in Miss Saint Clair's apartment. He's just the kind
of silly beggar to see who would threaten any man
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he thought had designs on his fiance and then carry
out the threat if anything happened. And he has a
guilty conscience, that's obvious, but for what, certainly not the shooting.
The crime was planned, and the captain never plans. He's
(15:55):
the kind that gets an ey day fix, girds up
his loins, and does as the deed in knightly fashion,
prepared to take the consequences. That sort of chivalry, you know,
is sheer bourgeste. Its acolytes want everyone to know of
their valor, and when they go forth to rid the
(16:15):
world of a don juan, they're always clear minded. The captain,
for instance, wouldn't have overlooked his Lady Fair's gloves and handbag.
He would have taken them away. In fact, it's just
as certain he would have shot Benson as it is
(16:35):
he didn't shoot him. That's the beadle in the amber.
It's psychologically possible he would have done it, and psychologically
impossible he would have done it in the way it
was done. He lit a cigarette and watched the drifting
spirals of smoke. If it wasn't so fantastic, I say
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he started out to do it and found it already done.
And yet that's about the size of it. It would
account for Fife's seeing him there, and for his secreting
the gun at Miss Saint Clair's. The next day, the
telephone rang. Colonel Ostrander wanted to speak to the district Attorney, Markham.
(17:25):
After a short conversation turned a disgontled look upon Vance.
Your bloodthirsty friend wanted to know if I'd arrested anyone yet.
He offered to confer more of his invaluable suggestions upon
me in case I was still undecided as to who
(17:45):
was guilty. I heard you thanking him fulsomely for something
or other. What did you give him to understand about
your mental state that I was still in the dark.
Mark's answer was accompanied by a somber, tired smile. It
was his way of telling Vance that he had entirely
(18:08):
rejected the idea of Captain Leecock's guilt. The Major went
to him and held out his hand. I know how
you feel, he said. This sort of thing is discouraging,
but it's better that the guilty person should escape altogether
than that an innocent man should be made to suffer.
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Don't work too hard, and don't let these disappointments get
to you. You'll soon hit on the right solution. And
when you do, his jaw snapped shut, and he uttered
the rest of the sentence between clenched teeth. You'll meet
with no opposition from me. I'll help you put the
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thing over. He gave Markham a grim smile and took
up his hat. I'm going back to the office now.
If you want me at any time, let me know
I may be able to help you later on. With
a friendly, appreciative bow to Vance, he went out. Markham
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sat in silence for several minutes. Damn Advance, he said, irritably,
this case gets more difficult by the hour. I feel
worn out. You really shouldn't take it so seriously, Old
dear Vance advised lightly. It doesn't pay, you know, to
(19:33):
worry over the trivia of existence. Nothing's new, and nothing's true,
and nothing really matters. Several million Johnnies were killed in
the war, and you don't let the fact be devil
your phagocytes or inflame your brain cells. But when one
rotter is mercifully shot in your district, you lie awake
(19:57):
nights perspiring over it. What my word, you're deucedly inconsistent. Consistency,
began Markham, but Vance interrupted him. Now don't quote Emerson.
I infinitely prefer Erasmus. You know you ought to read
his praise of folly. It would cheer you no end.
(20:21):
That goaty old Dutch professor would never have grieved inconsolably
over the destruction of al Valshov. I'm not a fruges
consumere natus like you, snapped Markham. I was elected to
this office. Oh quite loved I not honor more meant
(20:44):
all that Vance chimed in. But don't be so sensitive.
Even if the captain has succeeded in bungling his way
out of jail, you have at least five possibles left.
There's missus Platts and mister Feife, and Colonel Ostrander and
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miss Hoffman and Missus Banning. I say, why don't you
arrest them all? One at a time and get him
to confess. Heath would go crazy with joy. Markham was
too crestfallen to resent this chafing. Indeed, Vance's lightheartedness seemed
to buoy him up. If you want the truth, he said,
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that's exactly what I feel I'm doing. I am restrained
merely by my indecision as to which one to arrest first.
Stout fella. Then Vance asked, what are you going to
do with the captain? Now? It'll break his heart if
you release him. His heart'll have to break. I'm afraid.
(21:53):
Markham reached for the telephone. I'd better see to the
formalities now. Just a moment, Vance put forth a restraining hand.
Don't end his rapturous martyrdom just yet. Let him be
happy for another day. At least I've a notion he
may be most useful to us. Pining away in his
(22:16):
lonely cell like the prisoner of Shillon. Markham put down
the telephone without a word. More and more I had
noticed he was becoming inclined to accept Vance's leadership. This
attitude was not merely the result of the hopeless confusion
in his mind, though his uncertainty probably influenced him to
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some extent, but it was due in large measure to
the impression Vance had given him of knowing more than
he cared to reveal. Have you tried to figure out
just how Feife and his turtle dove fit into the case?
Vance asked, along with a few thousand other enigmas. Yes,
(23:03):
was the petulant reply. But the more I try to
reason it out, the more of a mystery the whole
thing becomes, loosely put, my dear, Markham criticized Vance. There
are no mysteries originating in human beings. You know, there
are only problems, and any problem originating in one human
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being can be solved by another human being. It merely
requires a knowledge of the human mind and the application
of that knowledge two human acts. Simple what he glanced
at the clock. I wonder how your mister sit is
getting along with the Benson and Benson books. I await
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his report with anticipatory excitement. This was too much for Markham.
The wearing down process of Vance's intimations and veiled innuendos
had at last dissipated his self control. He bent forward
and struck the desk angrily with his hand. I'm damned
(24:12):
tired of this superior attitude of yours, he complained hotly.
Either you know something or you don't. If you don't
know anything, do me the favor of dropping these insinuations
of knowledge. If you do know anything, it's up to
you to tell me. You've been hinting around in one
(24:35):
way or another ever since Benson was shot. If you've
got any idea who killed him, I want to know it.
He leaned back and took out a cigar. Not once
did he look up as he carefully clipped the end
and lit it. I think he was a little ashamed
(24:55):
at having given way to his anger. Vance had sat
apparently unconcerned during the outburst. At length, he stretched his
legs and gave Markham a long, contemplative look. You know, Markham,
old bean, I don't blame you a bit for your
(25:15):
unseemly ebulition. The situation has been most provoken. But now
I fancy the time has come to put an end
to this. Come, Dietta, I really haven't been spoofing, you know.
The fact is, I've some most interesting ideas on the subject.
(25:36):
He stood up and yawned. It's a beastly hot day,
but it must be done. A what so nigh is
Grandeur to our dust, so near is God to man.
When duty whispers, low, thou must, the youth replies, I can.
(25:57):
I'm the noble youth, don't you know? And you're the
voice of duty. Though you didn't exactly whisper, did you?
Vas alvast dinah flicht and Gerta answered the fodoran destagis,
But deuce take it. I wish the demand had come
on a cooler day. He handed Markham his hat. Come
(26:23):
postume to everything. There is a season and a time
to every purpose under the heaven footnote seventeen. This quotation
from Ecclesiastes reminds me that Vance regularly read the Old Testament.
When I weary of the professional literary man, he once said,
(26:48):
I find stimulation in the majestic prose of the Bible.
If the moderns feel that they simply must write, they
should be made to spend at least two hours a
day with the biblical historians. You are through with the
office for to day. Inform Swacker of the fact, will you.
(27:10):
There's a dear we attend upon a lady, Miss Saint Clair.
No less. Markham realized that Vance's jesting manner was only
the masquerade of a very serious purpose. Also, he knew
that Vance would tell him what he knew or suspected
(27:30):
only in his own way, and that no matter how
circuitous and unreasonable that way might appear, Vance had excellent
reasons for following it. Furthermore, since the unmasking of Captain
Leacock's purely fictitious confession, he was in a state of
(27:50):
mind to follow any suggestion that held the faintest hope
of getting at the truth. He therefore rang at once
for Swacker and informed him he was quitting the office
for the day. In ten minutes we were in the subway,
on our way to ninety four Riverside Drive. End of
(28:15):
Chapter nineteen.
Chapter nineteen of the Benson murder case by S. S.
Van Dyne. This LibriVox recording is in the public domain.
Vance Cross examines Wednesday, June nineteenth, three thirty p m.
Captain Leecock walked into the room with a hopeless indifference
(00:23):
of bearing. His shoulders drooped, his arms hung listlessly. His
eyes were haggard, like those of a man who had
not slept for days. On seeing Major Benson, he straightened
a little, stepping toward him, extended his hand. It was
plain that, however much he may have disliked Alvin Benson,
(00:46):
he regarded the Major as a friend. But, suddenly realizing
the situation, he turned away, Embarrassed. The Major went quickly
to him and touched him on the arm. It's all right, Leecock,
he said softly. I can't think that you really shot Alvin.
(01:08):
The Captain turned apprehensive eyes upon him. Of course I
shot him. His voice was flat. I told him I
was going to Vance came forward and indicated a chair.
Is it down, Captain? The district attorney wants to hear
your story of the shooting. The law, you understand, does
(01:31):
not accept murder confessions without corroboratory evidence. And since in
the present case there are suspicions against others than yourself,
we want you to answer some questions in order to
substantiate your guilt. Otherwise it will be necessary for us
to follow up our suspicions. Taking a seat facing Lecoq,
(01:55):
he picked up the confession. You say here you were
satisfied that mister Benson had wronged you, and you went
to his house at about half past twelve on the
night of the thirteenth. When you speak of his wronging
you do you refer to his attentions to miss Saint Clair.
(02:17):
Lecoq's face betrayed a sulky belligerence. It doesn't matter why
I shot him. Can't you leave miss Saint Clair out
of it? Certainly, agreed, vance. I promise you she shall
not be brought into it, but we must understand your
motive thoroughly. After a brief silence, Leecox said, very well, then,
(02:42):
that was what I referred to. How did you know,
missus Saint Clair went to dinner with mister Benson that night.
I followed them to the Marseilles and then you went home. Yes,
what made you go to mister Benson's house? Later? I
(03:04):
got to thinking about it more and more, until I
couldn't stand it any longer. I began to see read,
and at last I took my colt and went out,
determined to kill her. A note of passion had crept
into his voice. It seemed unbelievable that he could be lying.
(03:24):
Vance again referred to the confession you dictated. I went
to eighty seven West forty eighth Street and entered the
house by the front door. Did you ring the bell
or was the front door unlatched? Lecock was about to answer,
but hesitated. Evidently he recalled the newspaper accounts of the
(03:49):
housekeeper's testimony, in which she asserted positively that the bell
had not rung that night. What difference does it make?
He was sparring for time. We'd like to know, that's
all Vants told him, But no, hurry. Well, if it's
so important to you, I didn't ring the bell and
(04:12):
the door wasn't unlocked. His hesitancy was gone. Just as
I reached the house, Benson drove up in a taxi cab.
Just a moment, did you happen to notice another car
standing in front of the house, a gray Cadillac? Why? Yes,
(04:33):
did you recognize its occupant. There was another short silence.
I'm not sure. I think it was a man named Fife.
He and mister Benson were outside at the same time.
Then Leecock frowned, No, not at the same time. There
(04:54):
was nobody there when I arrived. I didn't see Fife
until I came out A few minutes later. He arrived
in his car when you were inside. Is that it
he must have? I see? And now to go back
a little. Benson drove up in a taxi cab. Then what.
(05:18):
I went up to him and said I wanted to
speak to him. He told me to come inside, and
we went in together. He used his latch key. And now,
Captain tell us just what happened after you and mister
Benson entered the house. He laid his hat and stick
(05:38):
on the hat rack, and we walked into the living room.
He sat down by the table, and I stood up
and said what I had to say. Then I drew
my gun and shot him. Vance was closely watching the man,
and Markham was leaning forward tensely. How did it happened
(06:00):
that he was reading at the time. I believe he
did pick up a book while I was talking, trying
to appear indifferent. I reckon, I think now you and
mister Benson went into the living room directly from the
hall as soon as you entered the house. Yes, then
(06:24):
how do you account for the fact, Captain, that when
mister Benson was shot he had on his smoking jacket
and slippers. Lecock glanced nervously about the room before he answered,
he wet his lips with his tongue. Now that I
think of it, Benson did go upstairs for a few minutes. First,
(06:47):
I guess I was too excited, he added, desperately to
recollect everything that's natural, Vance said sympathetically. But when he
came downstairs, did you happen to notice anything peculiar about
his hair? Leecock looked up vaguely his hair. I don't
(07:09):
understand the color of it. I mean, when mister Benson
sat before you under the table lamp, didn't you remark
some difference, let us say, in the way his hair looked.
The man closed his eyes, as if striving to visualize
the scene. No, I don't remember. A minor point, said
(07:33):
Vance indifferently. Did Benson's speech strike you as peculiar when
he came downstairs? That is was there a thickness or
slight impediment of any kind in his voice. Leecock was
manifestly puzzled. I don't know what you mean, he said.
(07:53):
He seemed to talk the way he always talked. And
did you happen to see a blue jewel case on
the table? I didn't notice. Vance smoked a moment thoughtfully,
when you left the room after shooting mister Benson, you
turned out the lights. Of course, when no immediate answer came,
(08:18):
Vance volunteered the suggestion you must have done so for
mister Fife says the house was dark when he drove up.
Leacock then nodded an affirmative. That's right. I couldn't recollect
for the moment, now that you remember the fact, Just
how did you turn them off? I he began, and stopped,
(08:44):
then finally at the switch? And where is that switch located? Captain?
I can't just recall, I think a moment. Surely you
can remember by the door leading into the hall. I
think which side of the door? How can I tell?
(09:05):
The man asked piteously. I was too nervous, but I
think it was on the right hand side of the door,
the right hand side when entering or leaving the room
as you go out. That would be where the bookcase stands. Yes,
(09:26):
Vance appeared satisfied. Now there's the question of the gun.
He said, why did you take it to miss Saint Clair?
I was a coward, the man replied, I was afraid
they might find it at my apartment, and I never
imagined she would be suspected. And when she was suspected,
(09:49):
you at once took the gun away and threw it
into the East River. Yes, I suppose there was one
cartridge missing from the magazine, two, which in itself would
have been a suspicious circumstance. I thought of that. That's
why I threw the gun away. Vance frowned, that's strange.
(10:13):
There must have been two guns. We dredged the river,
you know, and found a cult automatic, but the magazine
was full. Are you sure, Captain, that it was your
gun you took from Saint Clair's and threw over the bridge.
I knew no gun had been retrieved from the river,
and I wondered what he was driving at Was he,
(10:36):
after all, trying to involve the girl Markham two, I
could see was in doubt. Leecock made no answer for
several moments when he spoke. It was with dogged sullenness.
There weren't two guns. The one you found was mine.
I refilled the magazine myself. Ah, that accounts for Vance's
(11:01):
tone was pleasant and reassuring. Just one more question, Captain,
Why did you come here today and confess? Leecock thrust
his chin out, and for the first time during the
cross examination, his eyes became animated. Why it was the
only honorable thing to do. You had unjustly suspected an
(11:24):
innocent person, and I didn't want anyone else to suffer.
This ended the interview. Markham had no questions to ask,
and the deputy sheriff led the Captain out. When the
door had closed on him, my curious silence fell over
the room. Markham sat smoking furiously, his hands folded behind
(11:49):
his head, his eyes fixed on the ceiling. The Major
had settled back in his chair and was gazing at
Vance with admiring satisfaction. Vance, who was watching Markham out
of the corner of his eye, a drowsy smile on
his lips. The expressions and attitudes of the three men
(12:12):
conveyed perfectly their varying individual reactions to the interview. Markham troubled.
The major pleased Vance cynical. It was Vance who broke
the silence. He spoke easily, almost lazily. You see how
silly the confession is. What our pure and lofty captain
(12:37):
is an incredibly poor munchausen. No one could lie as
badly as he did who hadn't been born into the
world that way. It's simply impossible to imagine such stupidity.
And he did so want us to think him guilty,
very effecting. He probably imagined you'd merely stick the confession
(13:01):
in his shirt front and send him to the hangman.
You noticed he hadn't even decided how he got into
Benson's house that night. Fife's admitted presence outside almost spoiled
his impromptu explanation of having entered Bradussiu Bradussioux with his
(13:22):
intended victim. And he didn't recall Benson's semi neglige attire.
When I reminded him of it. He had to contradict
himself and send Benson trotting upstairs to make a rapid change. Luckily,
the tupey wasn't mentioned in the newspapers. The captain couldn't
(13:43):
imagine what I meant when I intimated that Benson had
dyed his hair when changing his coat and shoes. By
the bye, Major, did your brother speak thickly when his
false teeth were out noticeably? So, answered the Major. If
Alvin's plate had been removed that night, as I gather
(14:05):
it had been, from your question, Lecock would surely have
noticed it. There were other things he didn't notice, said Vance,
the jewel case, for instance, and the location of the
electric light switch. He went badly astray on that point,
added the Major. Alvin's house is old fashioned, and the
(14:27):
only switch in the room is a pendant one attached
to the chandelier, exactly, said Vance. However, his worst break
was in connection with the gun. He gave his hand
away completely there, he said. He threw the pistol into
the river, largely because of the missing cartridge. And when
(14:50):
I told him the magazine was full, he explained that
he had refilled it, so I wouldn't think it was
anyone else's gun that was found. It plain to see
what's the matter. He thinks Miss Claire's guilty and is
determined to take the blame. That's my impression, said Major Benson,
(15:12):
And yet mused Vance, The Captain's attitude bothers me a little.
There's no doubt he had something to do with the crime,
else why should he have concealed his pistol the next
day in Miss Saint Clair's apartment. He's just the kind
of silly beggar to see who would threaten any man
(15:34):
he thought had designs on his fiance and then carry
out the threat if anything happened. And he has a
guilty conscience, that's obvious, but for what, certainly not the shooting.
The crime was planned, and the captain never plans. He's
(15:55):
the kind that gets an ey day fix, girds up
his loins, and does as the deed in knightly fashion,
prepared to take the consequences. That sort of chivalry, you know,
is sheer bourgeste. Its acolytes want everyone to know of
their valor, and when they go forth to rid the
(16:15):
world of a don juan, they're always clear minded. The captain,
for instance, wouldn't have overlooked his Lady Fair's gloves and handbag.
He would have taken them away. In fact, it's just
as certain he would have shot Benson as it is
(16:35):
he didn't shoot him. That's the beadle in the amber.
It's psychologically possible he would have done it, and psychologically
impossible he would have done it in the way it
was done. He lit a cigarette and watched the drifting
spirals of smoke. If it wasn't so fantastic, I say
(17:00):
he started out to do it and found it already done.
And yet that's about the size of it. It would
account for Fife's seeing him there, and for his secreting
the gun at Miss Saint Clair's. The next day, the
telephone rang. Colonel Ostrander wanted to speak to the district Attorney, Markham.
(17:25):
After a short conversation turned a disgontled look upon Vance.
Your bloodthirsty friend wanted to know if I'd arrested anyone yet.
He offered to confer more of his invaluable suggestions upon
me in case I was still undecided as to who
(17:45):
was guilty. I heard you thanking him fulsomely for something
or other. What did you give him to understand about
your mental state that I was still in the dark.
Mark's answer was accompanied by a somber, tired smile. It
was his way of telling Vance that he had entirely
(18:08):
rejected the idea of Captain Leecock's guilt. The Major went
to him and held out his hand. I know how
you feel, he said. This sort of thing is discouraging,
but it's better that the guilty person should escape altogether
than that an innocent man should be made to suffer.
(18:31):
Don't work too hard, and don't let these disappointments get
to you. You'll soon hit on the right solution. And
when you do, his jaw snapped shut, and he uttered
the rest of the sentence between clenched teeth. You'll meet
with no opposition from me. I'll help you put the
(18:51):
thing over. He gave Markham a grim smile and took
up his hat. I'm going back to the office now.
If you want me at any time, let me know
I may be able to help you later on. With
a friendly, appreciative bow to Vance, he went out. Markham
(19:13):
sat in silence for several minutes. Damn Advance, he said, irritably,
this case gets more difficult by the hour. I feel
worn out. You really shouldn't take it so seriously, Old
dear Vance advised lightly. It doesn't pay, you know, to
(19:33):
worry over the trivia of existence. Nothing's new, and nothing's true,
and nothing really matters. Several million Johnnies were killed in
the war, and you don't let the fact be devil
your phagocytes or inflame your brain cells. But when one
rotter is mercifully shot in your district, you lie awake
(19:57):
nights perspiring over it. What my word, you're deucedly inconsistent. Consistency,
began Markham, but Vance interrupted him. Now don't quote Emerson.
I infinitely prefer Erasmus. You know you ought to read
his praise of folly. It would cheer you no end.
(20:21):
That goaty old Dutch professor would never have grieved inconsolably
over the destruction of al Valshov. I'm not a fruges
consumere natus like you, snapped Markham. I was elected to
this office. Oh quite loved I not honor more meant
(20:44):
all that Vance chimed in. But don't be so sensitive.
Even if the captain has succeeded in bungling his way
out of jail, you have at least five possibles left.
There's missus Platts and mister Feife, and Colonel Ostrander and
(21:04):
miss Hoffman and Missus Banning. I say, why don't you
arrest them all? One at a time and get him
to confess. Heath would go crazy with joy. Markham was
too crestfallen to resent this chafing. Indeed, Vance's lightheartedness seemed
to buoy him up. If you want the truth, he said,
(21:29):
that's exactly what I feel I'm doing. I am restrained
merely by my indecision as to which one to arrest first.
Stout fella. Then Vance asked, what are you going to
do with the captain? Now? It'll break his heart if
you release him. His heart'll have to break. I'm afraid.
(21:53):
Markham reached for the telephone. I'd better see to the
formalities now. Just a moment, Vance put forth a restraining hand.
Don't end his rapturous martyrdom just yet. Let him be
happy for another day. At least I've a notion he
may be most useful to us. Pining away in his
(22:16):
lonely cell like the prisoner of Shillon. Markham put down
the telephone without a word. More and more I had
noticed he was becoming inclined to accept Vance's leadership. This
attitude was not merely the result of the hopeless confusion
in his mind, though his uncertainty probably influenced him to
(22:39):
some extent, but it was due in large measure to
the impression Vance had given him of knowing more than
he cared to reveal. Have you tried to figure out
just how Feife and his turtle dove fit into the case?
Vance asked, along with a few thousand other enigmas. Yes,
(23:03):
was the petulant reply. But the more I try to
reason it out, the more of a mystery the whole
thing becomes, loosely put, my dear, Markham criticized Vance. There
are no mysteries originating in human beings. You know, there
are only problems, and any problem originating in one human
(23:25):
being can be solved by another human being. It merely
requires a knowledge of the human mind and the application
of that knowledge two human acts. Simple what he glanced
at the clock. I wonder how your mister sit is
getting along with the Benson and Benson books. I await
(23:49):
his report with anticipatory excitement. This was too much for Markham.
The wearing down process of Vance's intimations and veiled innuendos
had at last dissipated his self control. He bent forward
and struck the desk angrily with his hand. I'm damned
(24:12):
tired of this superior attitude of yours, he complained hotly.
Either you know something or you don't. If you don't
know anything, do me the favor of dropping these insinuations
of knowledge. If you do know anything, it's up to
you to tell me. You've been hinting around in one
(24:35):
way or another ever since Benson was shot. If you've
got any idea who killed him, I want to know it.
He leaned back and took out a cigar. Not once
did he look up as he carefully clipped the end
and lit it. I think he was a little ashamed
(24:55):
at having given way to his anger. Vance had sat
apparently unconcerned during the outburst. At length, he stretched his
legs and gave Markham a long, contemplative look. You know, Markham,
old bean, I don't blame you a bit for your
(25:15):
unseemly ebulition. The situation has been most provoken. But now
I fancy the time has come to put an end
to this. Come, Dietta, I really haven't been spoofing, you know.
The fact is, I've some most interesting ideas on the subject.
(25:36):
He stood up and yawned. It's a beastly hot day,
but it must be done. A what so nigh is
Grandeur to our dust, so near is God to man.
When duty whispers, low, thou must, the youth replies, I can.
(25:57):
I'm the noble youth, don't you know? And you're the
voice of duty. Though you didn't exactly whisper, did you?
Vas alvast dinah flicht and Gerta answered the fodoran destagis,
But deuce take it. I wish the demand had come
on a cooler day. He handed Markham his hat. Come
(26:23):
postume to everything. There is a season and a time
to every purpose under the heaven footnote seventeen. This quotation
from Ecclesiastes reminds me that Vance regularly read the Old Testament.
When I weary of the professional literary man, he once said,
(26:48):
I find stimulation in the majestic prose of the Bible.
If the moderns feel that they simply must write, they
should be made to spend at least two hours a
day with the biblical historians. You are through with the
office for to day. Inform Swacker of the fact, will you.
(27:10):
There's a dear we attend upon a lady, Miss Saint Clair.
No less. Markham realized that Vance's jesting manner was only
the masquerade of a very serious purpose. Also, he knew
that Vance would tell him what he knew or suspected
(27:30):
only in his own way, and that no matter how
circuitous and unreasonable that way might appear, Vance had excellent
reasons for following it. Furthermore, since the unmasking of Captain
Leacock's purely fictitious confession, he was in a state of
(27:50):
mind to follow any suggestion that held the faintest hope
of getting at the truth. He therefore rang at once
for Swacker and informed him he was quitting the office
for the day. In ten minutes we were in the subway,
on our way to ninety four Riverside Drive. End of
(28:15):
Chapter nineteen.
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