18 - Red Seal by Natalie Sumner Lincoln

Dive into a world where nothing is as it seems, as the thrilling mystery of Red Seal, penned by Natalie Sumner Lincoln, unfolds. Overflowing with red seals and red herrings, this enthralling narrative will keep you on the edge of your seat, guessing and second-guessing until the very last chapter! (summary by J. M. Smallheer)

Episode Transcript

Speaker 1 (00:01):
Chapter eighteen of The Red Seal by Natalie Sumner Lincoln.
This LibriVox recording is in the public domain. The Fatal Period.
As Kent walked into the library, he found Colonel McIntyre
by his side. The latter's even breathing gave no indication
of the haste he had made down the staircase to

(00:22):
catch up with Kent. Detector Ferguson hardly noticed their arrival,
his attention being given holly to the examination of the
Venetian casket, which had played such an important part in
the drama of the night before. The casket and its
companion piece stood on either side of the room, near
a window recess. The long, straight shape of the high

(00:43):
boxes on their graceful base gave no indication of the
use to which they had been put in ancient days,
but made attractive as well as unique pieces of furniture.
Kent crossed the library, and, after looking inside the casket,
examined the exterior with care. Don't touch that crest, questioned Ferguson,
observing that Kent's glance remained focused on the blood stained

(01:05):
raised letter B and the carving back of it. In fact,
don't touch any part of the casket. I'm trying to
get fingerprints. Kent barely heard the warning as he turned
to McIntyre. Haven't I seen that letter B designed on
your stationary, colonel? He asked, Barber uses it was? The reply?
She fancied the antique lettering and copied the bee for
the engraver. She is handy with her pen, you know.

(01:28):
Did she wish the bee for a seal? Inquired Kent. Yes,
she had a seal made like it. Also. Kent moved
closer to the casket, found anything ferguson. The detective withdrew
his head from the opening at the end of the
casket and regarded the furniture vexedly. Not a thing he acknowledged,
except I am convinced that it required dexterity to slip

(01:50):
grimes inside the casket. The butler is small and slight,
but he must have been unconscious from that tap on
the forehead, and therefore a dead weight. Whoever picked him
up ust have been some athlete and running his eyes
up and down. Colonel McIntyre's well knit, erect frame. Pretty
familiar with the workings of this casket. Pooh, it's not
so difficult a feat McIntire shrugged his shoulders disdainfully. My

(02:14):
daughters as children used to play hide and seek inside
the casket with each new governess. Ferguson stepped forward briskly,
mister Kent, let me see if I can lift you
inside the casket. Make yourself limp. That's it. As Kent,
entering the investigation heart and soul, relaxed his muscles and
fell back against the detective. A moment later, he was

(02:34):
swung upward and pushed head first inside the casket, and
the door closed. The air, though close, was not unpleasant,
and Kent, his eyes, growing gradually accustomed to the dark interior,
tried to discover the trap door at the top of
the box, but without success. Putting out his hands, he
felt along the top. The height of the casket did
not permit him to sit up, so he was obliged

(02:57):
to slide his body down toward his feet to feel
along the s sides of the casket. This maneuver soon
brought his knees in violent contact with the top, and
at the sound Ferguson opened the door and assisted him out.
Had enough of it, he asked, viewing Kent's reddened cheeks
with faint amusement. I wonder if Grimes could breathe in
there for any lengthy period. If so, it would help

(03:18):
establish the time which elapsed between his being incarcerated and
you were finding him. Colonel how So, demanded MacIntyre. Well,
if he couldn't get air and you hadn't discovered him
at once, he'd have died, explained Ferguson. If you did
find him immediately, the person who knocked him down must
have made a lightning escape. Air does get in the

(03:38):
casket in some way, broke in Kent. It wasn't so
bad inside, Colonel MacIntyre. Kent stopped a moment to remove
a piece of red sealing wax clinging to the cuff
of his suit. It had not been there when he
entered the casket. Kent dropped the wax in his vest
pocket as he again addressed his host, who first discovered
Grimes in the casket, Missus Brewster. And what was missus

(03:59):
Brewster doing in the library at that hour? Glancing keenly
at McIntyre as he put the question. She could not
sleep and came down for a book, explained the Colonel Ferguson,
who had walked several times around the library, looking behind
first one and then the other of the seven doors.
Paused to ask. Wood attracted Missus Brewster's attention to the casket,

(04:20):
the plood stain on its side. MacIntyre answered, what that.
Ferguson eyed McIntyre incredulously. Come, sir, do you mean to
tell me she noticed that little bit of a stain
in a dark room. She had an electric torch shortly,
But why should she turn the torch on this casket,
persisted the detective. She came to the library for a book,

(04:42):
and the bookcases are in another part of the room.
Quite so, But the book she wished was lying on
the top of this casket, replied McIntyre, meeting their level
looks with one equally steadfast. I know because I left
the book there. Ferguson glanced from McIntyre to Kent and
back again at the colonel in non plus silence. The
explanation was pat I'd like to talk with missus Brewster,

(05:07):
he remarked dryly, certainly. Colonel McIntyre pressed an electric button.
The summons was answered immediately by the new servant. Murray
ask missus Brewster if she can see Detective Ferguson in
the library, Murray McIntyre directed, beg pardon, sir, but missus
Brewster has just gone out, and with a bow Murray Withdrew. Kant,

(05:28):
who had drawn forward his chair preparatory to sitting down
and participating in the interview with the widow, changed his mind.
I must leave at once, he said, after consulting his watch.
Please inform missus Brewster, Colonel, that I will be in
my office this afternoon, and I expect her to make
me the visit she postponed this morning. Ferguson, turning his
back to address the detective, You'll find me at the

(05:50):
Saratoga for the next hour. Good morning, and paying no
attention to Colonel McIntyre's request to remain, he left the room.
There was no one in the hall, and Kent debated
a moment whether or not to ring for the servant
and asked to see Barbara. But at the sight of
the hall table, Grime's confidences recurred to him and drove
everything else out of his mind. Stopping before the table,

(06:13):
he contemplated its smooth surface before moving the few ornaments
it held. Satisfied that no pill box stood behind any
of them, he pulled open the two drawers and tumbled
their contents about. His efforts only brought to light some
half empty cigarette boxes, matches, a scratch pad or two,
and old visiting cards. Kent shut the drawers, picked up

(06:34):
his hat and took his cane from the tall China
umbrella stand by the hall table. As he stepped through
the front doorway, he caught sight of the end of
his cane, which he was carrying tucked under his arm.
Fastened to the ferrell of the cane was the round
top of a pasteboard pill box. Kent backed so swiftly
into the house again that his figure blocked the closing
of the front door, which he had started to pull shut.

(06:57):
After him, letting the door close gently, he walked back
to the umbrella stand. It was a tall, heavy affair,
and he had some difficulty in tipping it over and
letting its contents spill on the floor. A soft exclamation
escaped him as three little pellets rolled past him and
then came the bottom of a box. With hasty fingers.

(07:18):
Kent picked them up, placed them in the box, and
fitted on the top first, carefully smoothing over the hole
made by his cane. When thrust into the umbrella stand
by the footman. Replacing the stand, he wrapped the box
containing the pills in his handkerchief and hurried from the house.
Kent found the operative from Detective Headquarters sitting on duty
in Rochester's living room. When he entered that apartment a

(07:41):
quarter of an hour later. Any one called here, he asked,
as the man whom he had met the night before
greeted him. Not a soul, mister Kent. Nelson suppressed a yawn.
His relief was late in coming, and he had had
little sleep the night before. There's been no disturbance of
any kind, not even a ring at the telephone. Kent
considered a moment, then sat down by the telephone and

(08:03):
gave a number to Central. That you, Sylvester, he called
into the mouthpiece. If missus Brewster comes to the office,
telephone me at mister Rochester's apartment. Franklin fifty two. Don't
let missus Brewster leave until I have seen her. Yes, Sir,
came the reply, and Kent hung up the receiver. Had
any luncheon, he asked Nelson, as the man loitered around.

(08:25):
Not yet. Nelson's eyes brightened at the word. It was
long past his usual meal hour. Run down to the
cafe on the first floor and tell the head waiter
to give you a square meal and charge it to me.
Kent directed, order something substantial. You must be used up.
The man hung back. Thank you, mister Kent, but I
don't like to leave here till my relief comes. He objected,

(08:47):
that's all right, I'll stay in the apartment until you return,
and Kent settled the question by opening the door leading
into the outer corridor. Ferguson will be around shortly, so hurry, Kent.
Watch the man scurry towards the elevator shaft. Then returned
to Rochester's apartment and once more took up the telephone.
The operative's reluctant to leave the apartment unguarded, had altered

(09:09):
his plans. Somewhat is this doctor Stone's office, he asked.
A moment later, as a faint hullo came over the wire.
Oh doctor, this is Kent. Please come over to Rochester's apartment.
I would like to consult you in regard to an
important matter. You'll come now, thanks. The doctor kept Kent
waiting less than five minutes. The clock was striking one

(09:29):
when he appeared bland and smiling, hardly waiting for him
to select the seat. Kent flung himself into a chair
in front of Rochester's desk and laid the pill box
on the writing pad. Now, doctor, he began, and his
manner gained in seriousness. What, in your opinion, killed Jimmy Turnbull?
The post mortem examination proved that he had swallowed a

(09:50):
contine in sufficient quantity to cause death. Stone replied, he
undoubtedly died from the effects of that poison. Is a
conotine difficult to procure? Asked Kent. It is often prescribed
for fevers. Stone made himself comfortable in a nearby chair.
A connateine is the alkaloid of aconite. I believe that
in India it is frequently employed not only for the

(10:11):
destruction of wild beasts, but for criminal purposes. The India
variety is known as the bish poison. Kent started bish poison?
Was he never to get away from the letter B?
Can you procure bish in this country? He asked. Stone
considered the question. You might be able to purchase it
from some Hindoo residing or traveling in the United States,

(10:33):
He said, after a pause, I doubt if you could
buy it at a drug store. Kent heaved a sigh
of relief as he hitched his chair closer to the physician.
Did you prescribe a dose of a conotine for missus
Brewster recently? He asked, I did, for an attack of
rheumatic neuralgia. Stone eyed him curiously. What, then, Kent, is

(10:54):
this the box the medicine came in and Kent placed
the cover in Stone's hand. Stone turned the pasteboard over
and studied the defaced label. I cannot answer that question positively,
he said. The label bears my name and that of
the druggist, but the directions are missing, but the numbers
on it put in Kent. Swiftly come Stone, call up

(11:15):
the druggist, repeat the number to him and ask if
it calls for your aconateine prescription. Stone hesitated as if
about to speak, Then reaching out his hand, he picked
up the telephone and held a short conversation with the
drug clerk of the Thompson Pharmacy. That is the box
which contained the econoateine pills for missus Brewster, he said,
when he had replaced the telephone. Now, Kent, I have

(11:37):
secured the information you wished kindly tell me your reasons
for desiring it. It was Kent's turn to hesitate. Do
you know how many instances where acontine was used by murderers,
he questioned. No, I believe it was the drug used
in the celebrated Lampsome poison case, replied the physician slowly,
I cannot recall any others just at the moment. How

(12:00):
about suicides? It is seldom, if ever, used for suicides.
Stone spoke with more assurance. I have found in my practice, Kent,
that suicides can be classed as follows drowning by the young,
pistols by the adult, and hanging by the aged. Women
usually prefer exyxiation using illuminating gas. But this is beside

(12:22):
the question. Unless bending a penetrating look at his companion,
unless you believe Jimmy Turnbull committed suicide, that idea has
occurred to me, admitted Kent. But it doesn't square with
other facts which have developed, nor is it in keeping
with the character of the man. Men who suffer from
a mortal disease sometimes commit desperate acts not at all

(12:44):
in accord with their previous conduct, responded Stone gravely. Come, Kent,
you have not answered my question, why did you wish
information about this box of aconitine pills prescribe for Missus
Brewster during her attack of neuralgia. You have just stated
that a cone is not usually administered to murder a person.
Kent spoke seriously, choosing his words with care. Do you

(13:07):
wonder then that I consider it more than a coincidence
that Jimmy Turnbull should have died from a dose of
that poison, and that the drug should have been prescribed
for one of the inmates of the house he visited
shortly before his death. The physician sat upright, his face
had grown gray. Mister Kent, he commenced, indignantly, Are you
aware what you are insinuating? Are you also aware that

(13:29):
missus Brewster is my cousin, a charming, honorable woman without
a stain on her character. Kent set the bottom of
the box containing the pills in front of the doctor.
I have found out that this box with its dangerous
drug was left on the hall table in the MacIntyre house.
Apparently any one had access to its contents. Therefore, my

(13:50):
remarks are not directed against missus Brewster any more than
against any person in the MacIntire household. From the colonel
to the servants. I found these three pills at the
MacIntyre house this morning. How many did your prescription call for?
Stone picked up the small pills, and as he balanced
them in his palm, his manner grew more alert. Suddenly

(14:10):
he dropped two back in the box and touched the
third pill with the tip of his tongue. Not content
with that, he crushed it in his fingers, sniffed the drug,
and again tested it with his tongue. His expression was
peculiar as he looked up at Kent. These are not
aconateine pills, he stated positively. They are nitroglycerine. How did

(14:31):
they get in this box? Kent rubbed his chin in bewilderment.
The box bearing the aconateine label and the pills had
all rolled out of the china umbrella stand and he
had taken it for granted that the pills belonged in
the box. I found them loose in the same receptacle,
he explained, and concluded they were what remained of the
aconaten pills, which Grimes, the MacIntyre butler, said he left

(14:55):
on the whole table Sunday afternoon, Stone smiled with what Canent?
Who was watching him closely, judged to be an odd
mixture of relief and apprehension. You could not have found
more dissimilar medicine to go in this pill box. Although
the two kinds of pills are identical in color and size,
he said, a connateeine depresses the hard action, while the

(15:17):
other stimulates it. The physician's statement fell on deaf ears.
Raising his head after contemplating the pills, Kent had looked
across the room, and his glance had fallen on a
wing chair standing just inside the doorway of the living
room and thrown partly in shadow by the portieres. The
wing of the chair appeared to move. Kent rubbed his eyes,

(15:39):
and looking again, caught the same slight movement. Bounding toward
the chair, Kent saw that the brown shape which he
had mistaken for part of the tufted upholstery was the
sleek brown hair of a man's well shaped head. He
halted abruptly, on meeting the gaze of a pair of
mocking eyes. Rochester, He gasped, unbelievably. Rochester, his partner laughed

(16:04):
softly as Stone approached. I have been an interested listener,
he said, Let me complete the good doctor's argument nitroglycerin
would have benefited Jimmy Turnbull and his feeble heart, whereas
the missing aconitine pills killed him. Stone regarded him with severity.
How did you get in this apartment, he demanded, declining

(16:25):
the challenge Rochester had offered in addressing his opinion of
Turnbull's death directly to him. Rochester dangled his bunch of
keys in the physician's face and smiled at his excited partner.
If you two hadn't been so absorbed in your conversation,
you would have heard me walk in. Where have you been?
Demanded Kent, partly recovering from his astonishment, which had deprived

(16:48):
him of speech, I decided to take a vacation at
a moment's notice. Rochester spoke with the same slow drawl
which was characteristic of him. You should be accustomed to
my eccentricities by this time, Harry. We are announced Detective
Ferguson from the hallway where he and Nelson had been
silent witnesses of the scene, and we'll give you a

(17:09):
chance to explain them in the police court. On what
charge demanded Rochester? Poisoning your roommate, mister Turnbull, replied the detective,
drawing out a pair of handcuffs. You are mighty clever,
mister Rochester. I've got to hand it to you for
your mysterious disappearances in and out of this apartment and
for murdering mister Turnbull. Right in the police court, in

(17:31):
the presence of the judge, police officials and spectators. Kent
stepped forward at sight of the handcuffs and laid a
restraining hand on the detective's shoulder. Rochester saw the movement,
guessed Kent's intention, and smiled. We can settle this case here,
he said, cheerfully. No need of troubling the police judge. Now,

(17:52):
mister detective, how did I kill Jimmy Turnbull before all
those people without any one becoming aware of the fact.
Slip the poison in the glass of water you handed him,
answered Ferguson promptly, A nervy sleight of hand, but you'll
swing for it. Rochester's smile was exasperating as he turned
to doctor Stone. Judging from Stone's remarks about a contine

(18:15):
which I overheard, he interpolated, I gather the doctor is
tolerably familiar with the action of the drug. Does a
connotine kill instantly, Doctor Stone cleared his throat before speaking. No.
The fatal period averages about four hours, he said, and
Rochester's eyes sparkled as he looked up at the detective.

(18:37):
Jimmy died almost immediately after I handed him that drink
of water, he declared. If you wish to know who
administered that a conotine poison, you will have to find
out who Jimmy was with. At the McEntire house in
the early hours of Tuesday morning, the sharp, imperative ring
of the telephone bell cut the silence which followed. Kent,
standing nearest the instrument, picked it up and recognized Sylvester's

(19:01):
voice over the wire. A message has just come in,
mister Kent, he called, from missus Brewster, saying that she
will be in your office at four o'clock. End of
Chapter eighteen.