June 10, 2025 • 18 mins
Reunited after many years, two former classmates, now immersed in military life, find themselves seeking anonymity from the public eye. Dick West, a disgraced heir to his familys estate, waits for a message from his cousin through the infamous Red Window - a symbol of danger during times of civil strife. The message would signify his grandfathers forgiveness. However, things take an unexpected turn as a handkerchief wrapped around the old mans neck adds a layer of complexity to the situation. This summary is brought to you by Lynne Thompson.
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
Chapter eighteen of The Red Window. This is a LibriVox recording.
All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more
information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox dot org. Recording
by Craig Kenneth Bryant. The Red Window by Fergus Hume,
(00:21):
Chapter eighteen Tolomeo's story. Durham was much excited when he
read the account which Conniston had extracted from Missus Gilroy's diary. However,
he declined to give an opinion until he read the
diary itself. He then told Dick that the discovery had
been made in the nick of time. The Italian is
coming to see me tomorrow, he said, showing a letter.
(00:42):
I advertised that he would hear of something to his
advantage if he called. As Bernard wants to help him.
When he comes, you may be sure that I shall
get the truth out of him. Do you think he's guilty, Mark,
It's hard to say, replied Durham, shaking his head. The
whole case is so mixed that one doesn't know who
is guilty or in us save Bernard put in Conniston
(01:02):
lighting a cigarette. Certainly, however, we may learn something of
the truth from not missus, Gilroy, said Conniston quickly, unless
you have succeeded in finding her. No, I have not
been so lucky. She has vanished altogether. But Beryl may
be able to tell something. But he won't. I am
not so sure of that. We have Jerry in our hands,
(01:24):
and that young scamp is in the employment of Beryl.
He will have to explain how the boy came to
lure Bernard to cry me a square in time to
be accused. Why not ask Jerry, because Jerry would immediately
run away. No, I'll wait. Perhaps Michael may speak out.
He's ill enough. Michael echoed Conniston in amazement. What of him?
Oh the Dickens, said Durham in quite an unprofessional way,
(01:46):
and stood up to warm himself at the fire in
his favorite attitude. I didn't intend to tell you that.
Tell me what that we had caught Michael Gilroy, workre
or whatever he chooses to call himself. Have you caught him? Well,
I'm hanged. I hope he won't be, said Durham grimly.
I did not catch him myself. He came one night
last week to the bower to see miss Malleson. Conniston
(02:08):
jumped up with an exclamation. That is playing a daring game,
he said. Why the fellow must know that she would
spot him. Durham pinched his chin and eyed Conniston. I
can't understand what his game is myself, he said slowly.
Of course, so far as looks go, the fellow is
the double of Bernard, without the distinguishing mark of the mole.
(02:31):
You have seen him, then, Yes, a day or two
ago I asked Miss Plantagenet to pretend that she and
Miss Malleson believed him to be Bernard. They have done
so with such success that the boy, he is no
more being younger than Bernard, is lying in bed in
the turret room, quite under the impression that he has
bamboozled the lot of us. Of course, added Durham, looking down,
(02:52):
he may be trusting to his illness to still further
increase the likeness to Bernard, which I may say is
sufficiently startling, and to supply any little differences. That's all
jolly fine, said Dick, getting astride of a chair in
his excitement. But Bernard and Alice, being lovers, must have
many things in common about which this man can't know anything.
(03:12):
Quite so, and Miss Malleson knew he wasn't Bernard seeing
that the real man is at your castle. But even
without that knowledge, I don't think she would long have
been deceived. Michael, putting aside his marvelous resemblance, is a
common sort of man, and not at all well educated.
If you can imagine, Bernard is one of the common
people without education and polish you have, Michael. What a
(03:35):
nerve that Michael must have. How does he carry it off?
Durham shrugged his shoulders. The poor chap is not in
a condition to carry off anything, he said. He's lying
pretty well worn out in bed, and Paine says it
will be a long time before he is himself. I
think he is simply pleased to know he has been
accepted as Bernard, and is glad to postpone an explanation
in case he'll be turned out. There's no danger of that,
(03:58):
said Dick, my aunt turn out a cat in that state,
much less a human being. Oh, Miss Berengaria seems to
have taken quite a fancy to the man. She declares,
there's pluck in him. But seeing he is a criminal,
a murderer, we don't know that he is Conniston in
this Durham laid his hand on the diary goes to
(04:18):
prove his innocence, Bosh, said Dick, jumping up. I believe
Missus Gilroy prepared that diary and left it out so
that miss Randolph would drop across it. If any one
killed Sir Simon, it was Michael or Beryl. He was
at the theater, I know, but he managed to get
the deed done by some one else. I really can't
give an opinion yet, Conniston, said Durham, resuming his seat
(04:41):
with a shrug. Tomorrow, when I see this Italian, I
may learn something likely to throw light on the case. Meantime,
go back and tell Bernard I am working hard. It
goes without the speaking, said his lordship lightly. We know
what a worker you are, Mark. But Bernard wishes to
take a hand in the game, then he shall not
do so, said Durham sharply. If he appears at this juncture,
(05:04):
all will be lost. I have a plan, he added, hesitating.
What is it, demanded the curious Conniston, Never you mind,
just now. It has to do with Missus Gilroy being
drawn from her hiding place. I'll tell you what it
is after I have seen Tolomeo. But the success of
My plan depends upon Bernard keeping in the background. If
(05:26):
you tell him about Michael, he'll be over like a shot.
And after all, Mark, it's not pleasant to think a
fellow as masquerading as you with the girl you love.
Bernard must put up with that snapped Durham, who was
getting cross his neck. Depends upon my management of this affair.
Should he go to Hurston, he will be recognized by
every one, let alone Jerry, who would at once tell
(05:47):
Beryl you know what that means. I know that Beryl
is playing for a big stake. He won't land, said
Conniston grimly, and walked towards the door. All right, Mark,
I'll sit on Bernard and keep him quiet. But I
say I want to tell you I am in love
with Conniston. I will certainly throw something at your head
if you don't clear. I have enough to do without
(06:08):
listening to your love, not mine. She is well there,
I dare say, your nerves are thin. I do wish
all this business was ended. You used to be no
end of a chap, and now you are as cross
as a battery mule and twice as obstinate. Lord Conniston
talked himself out of the office and went down to
Cove Castle by a later train. Here he managed to
(06:30):
pacify the impatient Bernard, no easy task, but the lessons
of that weak taught Dick patience, a quality he had
always sadly lacked. True to the appointment made by letter signor,
Tolomeo appeared at Durham's office and was at once shown in.
He was a tall man with a keen, clever, dark face.
His hair and mustache were gray, and he had a
(06:52):
military appearance. In his bearing, there was great dignity, and
it could be seen at a glance that he had
good blood in his veins. It was true what Sir
Simon had said. The Tolomeo family had been nobles of
the Sienese Republic for many a century, and although their
present day representative was poor in pocket and played the
violin for a living, yet he looked a great lord.
(07:14):
But his dark eyes had a somewhat reckless expression in them,
which showed that Tolomeo lacked what is called moral principle.
Durham received him politely and indicated a seat near his
desk with a smile. Tolomeo, with great courtesy, bowed and
sat down. Then he fixed his large eyes on the
lawyer with an inquiring air, but was too astute to
(07:35):
say anything. He had been brought here on an errand
the purport of which he knew nothing. Therefore, he waited
to hear what Durham had to say before he committed himself. Signor, Tolomeo,
said the lawyer. You were surprised to see my advertisement.
I was, indeed, replied the Italian, who spoke excellent English.
Our last interview was not particularly pleasant. This may be
(07:58):
still less, so rejoined Durham dryly. But as it concerns
your nephew, Bernard, perhaps you will be frank with me. Ah,
poor Bernard, said the uncle. He is dead. No, he
is alive. Grandio Tolomeo started from his seat in a
somewhat theatrical manner. What is this you say, Signor, I
(08:20):
say that he is alive, but in hiding. I tell
you this because I know you like Bernard and appreciate
his kindness to you. Yes, the boy is a good boy.
He has been very kind to me, although added Tolomeo
with a somewhat cynical air, I do not deserve it, ah, Signor.
The want of money makes us all sad. Rascals. That
(08:41):
depends upon ourselves, said Durham, somewhat stiffly. No man need
be a rascal unless he likes. Money can make a
good man or a bad one, insisted the Italian. I
don't agree with you, but this is not what I
wish to talk about. Signor Tolomeo. You are pleased that
Bernard is alive, very pleased, but I trust he will escape. Ah,
(09:02):
then you believe he is guilty of the crime. He
or the other one? What other one? Asked Durham sharply.
Tolomeo looked directly at the lawyer. Before I speak out,
he said, it will set my mind at rest to
know what you mean. Does that hint you want money?
Money is always a good thing, and I need it badly,
said Giuseppe, shrugging. But as this regards my own nephew,
(09:25):
I am willing to aid him without money. I loved
my sister, his mother, and she was badly treated by
that old man. Tolomeo's eyes flashed. He insulted her, and
we the Tolomeo nobles, were great lords in Sienna when
your England was wild forest and savage peoples. Did you
tell sir Simon, this when you saw him on that night?
The Italian started up in some alarm. What you say
(09:48):
I was with this English miser when he died. No,
I don't say that, But I say you were at
the house on that very night and about the time
the murder was committed. For all I know, Signor, you
may be able to say who killed him. Giuseppe, twisting
his hat in his hands, looked keenly at Durham with
his dark eyes. Signor, be explicit, he said, I'll explain
(10:10):
myself thoroughly, said Durham. You can sit down again, Signor Bernard,
he continued. When the Italian obeyed this request, inherits his
grandfather's property and of course the title. He wants to
help you and proposes to give you five hundred a
year as soon as possible. Ah, that is good of him,
said Tolomeo gratefully, but went on Durham with emphasis, Bernard
(10:34):
cannot give you this income until he is formally put
in possession of the estate, and he cannot take possession
of the estate until he is cleared from this charge
of murder. Now you can help me to clear him, Signor,
said the Italian at once. I thought Bernard was dead,
that as the papers said, he had been drowned crossing
the river. But now that I know he is alive,
(10:56):
you can command my services without money all the same
at a Tolomeo, smiling and showing his white teeth, A
little five hundred a year will make me a great
lord in Sienna, to which town I shall return after
helping Bernard, warned Durham. Of course, I will not leave
the country till Bernard is seated in his proper place
and married. I understand he is to be married. I
(11:19):
believe so. But he must first be able to face
his fellow men in safety, said the lawyer quickly. Now
signor you admit that you were at the house and
crimea Square on that night? Yes, why not? I went
to see Sir Simon. I walked to the hall in
Essex to see him. He had gone to town. I
found out where, and I came back to see him
on that night. I went some time before ten o'clock.
(11:40):
I know that, said Durham. Missus Gilroy admitted you. She
says she took you up to Sir Simon, and that
you quarreled with him. It is true we had words
and then you left the house without seeing her behind you.
According to Missus Gilroy, you left the dead body of
Sir Simon. Tolomeo started up as though about to run away,
but immediately afterwards sat down. I don't suppose you have
(12:03):
called me here to make an arrest, Signor, he said,
I am innocent, but I admit that I thought there
might be trouble should it be known I was in
that house on the night. I therefore kept silent. But
now I know that my nephew was alive and accused
of the crime, I will speak out. It was Missus
Gilroy who admitted me, but it was not Missus Gilroy
who let me out. I left Sir Simon perfectly well
(12:25):
when we parted, and he promised to help me the
next day. Oh and the next day you heard of
his death. No, I heard of his death on that night.
I was hanging about the house when Bernard escaped. I
picked up But I will tell you that later Signor
listened to my tale. It is strange but true. Set
down what I say. For this I am prepared to
swear to in a court of law. I should have
(12:47):
seen you before and spoken, had I known that Bernard
was alive, but thinking he was dead. I did not talk,
as I fancied there might be danger to me. There
is danger if what missus Gilroy declares is true. Confront
her with me. What does she say? I do not
know where she is, confessed Durham, and related how the
diary had been found, and explained the contents so far
(13:07):
as they bore. On the accusation of Tolomeo. He listened attentively.
Oh what a wicked woman, he said vehemently, when Durham ended,
I do assure you signor that I am innocent. Listen.
I called to see Sir Simon before ten on that night.
I sent up my name. The woman you speak of
brought back a message that her master would see me.
One moment, put in Durham. Did you see a red
(13:28):
light in the window. Yes, there was a lamp near
the window, although the room was lighted with electric lamps.
A red handkerchief was stretched across the window. But I
know of the red window at the hall, said the Italian,
with a shrug. My sister used to signal to me.
I guessed that Sir Simon was making a signal to Bernard.
Are you sure of that? He told me so himself,
(13:49):
said Tolomeo quietly, And it was because he thought I
might know where Bernard was that he saw me. He
said he would forgive Bernard and help me. We had
some words, as he called me a Ptolomai, names which
I could not hear quietly, But afterwards he said he
would help me, and then he wanted to see Bernard.
Miss Randolph told him of the use she had made
(14:09):
of the red window. So in this London house he
did the same thing, hoping that Bernard might see the
light and enter. If Bernard had, said the Italian with
great earnestness, all would have been well. Do you know
if Sir Simon sent a boy to bring Bernard? No,
I do not know. Sir Simon said nothing of that.
He only put the lamp behind the handkerchief, in the
(14:29):
hope that Bernard might come to the house. For all
he knew Bernard might have learned where he was staying.
I think the old man was sorry he quarreled with
my poor nephew, said Ptolomeo, with earnestness. Well, after arranging this,
you left, Sir Simon. Not immediately, missus Gilroy came in
and said that some one wanted to see Sir Simon.
He heard her whisper to him and said I could
(14:50):
go away, telling Missus Gilroy to send up the stranger.
She went away. I followed and opened the door myself,
the front door. Yes. But when I was going out,
I heard Sir Simon call over the stairs. He asked
me to return. I closed the door and did so, Ah,
said Durham, making a note. Missus Gilroy thought you had
left the house. She said so in her diary. Then
(15:13):
she came upstairs. No, said Tolomeo, she did not. I
went back to the room. Sir Simon said he wanted
me to be present as he had a disagreeable interview.
He made me hide behind a curtain. I did so.
Then the door opened and Bernard entered. What Durham started
from his seat, That's impossible, of course, it is rejoined
the Italian smiling. But I assure you signor. The man
(15:36):
who entered I took to be Bernard. He was Michael,
the son of Missus Gilroy. I know that, Ah, and
how asked Tolomeo, Surprised and rather vexed. I hoped to
astonish you by this. Well, it's a long story. I'll
tell it after you tell me yours. Michael entered dressed
as a soldier. Yes, said Tolomeo, more and more surprised
(15:59):
by the extent of the lawyawyer's knowledge. I thought he
was my nephew until I heard his conversation. Then I
knew that this was Missus Gilroy's son, and that she
had been deceived by Walter Gore in a false marriage.
Sir Simon told Michael that he was tired of assisting
him and accused him of making love to the housemaid.
The boy he is but a boy. Segor acknowledged this.
(16:20):
Then Sir Simon said that Michael had forged his name
for one thousand pounds. Durham started up again. What ah,
he said, So that was a forgery, and I thought
Sir Simon gave him the check. It was honored. Yes,
Sir Simon said he knew it was a forgery, for
the bank sent the check to him, but he said
nothing about it so as to spare this Michael. But
(16:42):
he said also that if Michael did not leave the country,
he would prosecute him. Michael retorted, and there was a quarrel.
I thought he would have struck the old man, so
I came out. When Michael saw me, he grew pale, and,
opening the door, ran down stairs and out into the fog.
I followed to bring him back, as Sir Simon said,
follow him. Why did Michael run away? I do not know,
(17:04):
but he did. I went into the fog and followed
him to the high street. Then I lost him. As
I turned out of the square, I brushed past a man.
It was under a lamp post, and I saw his face.
He was an evening dress and was walking quickly. He
entered the house by the door I had left open.
And who was that? Asked Durham curiously, Julius Beryl. Impossible,
(17:26):
he was at the theater. He was, but he came back,
said Tolomeo, putting his hand in his pocket. Listen. I
ran up to the high street, but could see nothing
of Michael. I walked about for long. Then I came
back before eleven. I found the door open. I saw
Bernard in the hall and heard that he was accused.
I thought he was. Michael returned he escaped. I was
(17:46):
by the railings on the opposite side of the street.
As he ran, he dropped a handkerchief see Tolomeo produced it.
It is marked J. B. Durham snatched the handkerchief. A
faint smell of chloroform lingered about it. Still Beryl's initials
were in the corner. Durham looked up very pale yes,
said Tolomeo that man killed Sir Simon. End of Chapter eighteen.
(18:13):
Recording by Craig Kenneth Bryant,
Chapter eighteen of The Red Window. This is a LibriVox recording.
All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more
information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox dot org. Recording
by Craig Kenneth Bryant. The Red Window by Fergus Hume,
(00:21):
Chapter eighteen Tolomeo's story. Durham was much excited when he
read the account which Conniston had extracted from Missus Gilroy's diary. However,
he declined to give an opinion until he read the
diary itself. He then told Dick that the discovery had
been made in the nick of time. The Italian is
coming to see me tomorrow, he said, showing a letter.
(00:42):
I advertised that he would hear of something to his
advantage if he called. As Bernard wants to help him.
When he comes, you may be sure that I shall
get the truth out of him. Do you think he's guilty, Mark,
It's hard to say, replied Durham, shaking his head. The
whole case is so mixed that one doesn't know who
is guilty or in us save Bernard put in Conniston
(01:02):
lighting a cigarette. Certainly, however, we may learn something of
the truth from not missus, Gilroy, said Conniston quickly, unless
you have succeeded in finding her. No, I have not
been so lucky. She has vanished altogether. But Beryl may
be able to tell something. But he won't. I am
not so sure of that. We have Jerry in our hands,
(01:24):
and that young scamp is in the employment of Beryl.
He will have to explain how the boy came to
lure Bernard to cry me a square in time to
be accused. Why not ask Jerry, because Jerry would immediately
run away. No, I'll wait. Perhaps Michael may speak out.
He's ill enough. Michael echoed Conniston in amazement. What of him?
Oh the Dickens, said Durham in quite an unprofessional way,
(01:46):
and stood up to warm himself at the fire in
his favorite attitude. I didn't intend to tell you that.
Tell me what that we had caught Michael Gilroy, workre
or whatever he chooses to call himself. Have you caught him? Well,
I'm hanged. I hope he won't be, said Durham grimly.
I did not catch him myself. He came one night
last week to the bower to see miss Malleson. Conniston
(02:08):
jumped up with an exclamation. That is playing a daring game,
he said. Why the fellow must know that she would
spot him. Durham pinched his chin and eyed Conniston. I
can't understand what his game is myself, he said slowly.
Of course, so far as looks go, the fellow is
the double of Bernard, without the distinguishing mark of the mole.
(02:31):
You have seen him, then, Yes, a day or two
ago I asked Miss Plantagenet to pretend that she and
Miss Malleson believed him to be Bernard. They have done
so with such success that the boy, he is no
more being younger than Bernard, is lying in bed in
the turret room, quite under the impression that he has
bamboozled the lot of us. Of course, added Durham, looking down,
(02:52):
he may be trusting to his illness to still further
increase the likeness to Bernard, which I may say is
sufficiently startling, and to supply any little differences. That's all
jolly fine, said Dick, getting astride of a chair in
his excitement. But Bernard and Alice, being lovers, must have
many things in common about which this man can't know anything.
(03:12):
Quite so, and Miss Malleson knew he wasn't Bernard seeing
that the real man is at your castle. But even
without that knowledge, I don't think she would long have
been deceived. Michael, putting aside his marvelous resemblance, is a
common sort of man, and not at all well educated.
If you can imagine, Bernard is one of the common
people without education and polish you have, Michael. What a
(03:35):
nerve that Michael must have. How does he carry it off?
Durham shrugged his shoulders. The poor chap is not in
a condition to carry off anything, he said. He's lying
pretty well worn out in bed, and Paine says it
will be a long time before he is himself. I
think he is simply pleased to know he has been
accepted as Bernard, and is glad to postpone an explanation
in case he'll be turned out. There's no danger of that,
(03:58):
said Dick, my aunt turn out a cat in that state,
much less a human being. Oh, Miss Berengaria seems to
have taken quite a fancy to the man. She declares,
there's pluck in him. But seeing he is a criminal,
a murderer, we don't know that he is Conniston in
this Durham laid his hand on the diary goes to
(04:18):
prove his innocence, Bosh, said Dick, jumping up. I believe
Missus Gilroy prepared that diary and left it out so
that miss Randolph would drop across it. If any one
killed Sir Simon, it was Michael or Beryl. He was
at the theater, I know, but he managed to get
the deed done by some one else. I really can't
give an opinion yet, Conniston, said Durham, resuming his seat
(04:41):
with a shrug. Tomorrow, when I see this Italian, I
may learn something likely to throw light on the case. Meantime,
go back and tell Bernard I am working hard. It
goes without the speaking, said his lordship lightly. We know
what a worker you are, Mark. But Bernard wishes to
take a hand in the game, then he shall not
do so, said Durham sharply. If he appears at this juncture,
(05:04):
all will be lost. I have a plan, he added, hesitating.
What is it, demanded the curious Conniston, Never you mind,
just now. It has to do with Missus Gilroy being
drawn from her hiding place. I'll tell you what it
is after I have seen Tolomeo. But the success of
My plan depends upon Bernard keeping in the background. If
(05:26):
you tell him about Michael, he'll be over like a shot.
And after all, Mark, it's not pleasant to think a
fellow as masquerading as you with the girl you love.
Bernard must put up with that snapped Durham, who was
getting cross his neck. Depends upon my management of this affair.
Should he go to Hurston, he will be recognized by
every one, let alone Jerry, who would at once tell
(05:47):
Beryl you know what that means. I know that Beryl
is playing for a big stake. He won't land, said
Conniston grimly, and walked towards the door. All right, Mark,
I'll sit on Bernard and keep him quiet. But I
say I want to tell you I am in love
with Conniston. I will certainly throw something at your head
if you don't clear. I have enough to do without
(06:08):
listening to your love, not mine. She is well there,
I dare say, your nerves are thin. I do wish
all this business was ended. You used to be no
end of a chap, and now you are as cross
as a battery mule and twice as obstinate. Lord Conniston
talked himself out of the office and went down to
Cove Castle by a later train. Here he managed to
(06:30):
pacify the impatient Bernard, no easy task, but the lessons
of that weak taught Dick patience, a quality he had
always sadly lacked. True to the appointment made by letter signor,
Tolomeo appeared at Durham's office and was at once shown in.
He was a tall man with a keen, clever, dark face.
His hair and mustache were gray, and he had a
(06:52):
military appearance. In his bearing, there was great dignity, and
it could be seen at a glance that he had
good blood in his veins. It was true what Sir
Simon had said. The Tolomeo family had been nobles of
the Sienese Republic for many a century, and although their
present day representative was poor in pocket and played the
violin for a living, yet he looked a great lord.
(07:14):
But his dark eyes had a somewhat reckless expression in them,
which showed that Tolomeo lacked what is called moral principle.
Durham received him politely and indicated a seat near his
desk with a smile. Tolomeo, with great courtesy, bowed and
sat down. Then he fixed his large eyes on the
lawyer with an inquiring air, but was too astute to
(07:35):
say anything. He had been brought here on an errand
the purport of which he knew nothing. Therefore, he waited
to hear what Durham had to say before he committed himself. Signor, Tolomeo,
said the lawyer. You were surprised to see my advertisement.
I was, indeed, replied the Italian, who spoke excellent English.
Our last interview was not particularly pleasant. This may be
(07:58):
still less, so rejoined Durham dryly. But as it concerns
your nephew, Bernard, perhaps you will be frank with me. Ah,
poor Bernard, said the uncle. He is dead. No, he
is alive. Grandio Tolomeo started from his seat in a
somewhat theatrical manner. What is this you say, Signor, I
(08:20):
say that he is alive, but in hiding. I tell
you this because I know you like Bernard and appreciate
his kindness to you. Yes, the boy is a good boy.
He has been very kind to me, although added Tolomeo
with a somewhat cynical air, I do not deserve it, ah, Signor.
The want of money makes us all sad. Rascals. That
(08:41):
depends upon ourselves, said Durham, somewhat stiffly. No man need
be a rascal unless he likes. Money can make a
good man or a bad one, insisted the Italian. I
don't agree with you, but this is not what I
wish to talk about. Signor Tolomeo. You are pleased that
Bernard is alive, very pleased, but I trust he will escape. Ah,
(09:02):
then you believe he is guilty of the crime. He
or the other one? What other one? Asked Durham sharply.
Tolomeo looked directly at the lawyer. Before I speak out,
he said, it will set my mind at rest to
know what you mean. Does that hint you want money?
Money is always a good thing, and I need it badly,
said Giuseppe, shrugging. But as this regards my own nephew,
(09:25):
I am willing to aid him without money. I loved
my sister, his mother, and she was badly treated by
that old man. Tolomeo's eyes flashed. He insulted her, and
we the Tolomeo nobles, were great lords in Sienna when
your England was wild forest and savage peoples. Did you
tell sir Simon, this when you saw him on that night?
The Italian started up in some alarm. What you say
(09:48):
I was with this English miser when he died. No,
I don't say that, But I say you were at
the house on that very night and about the time
the murder was committed. For all I know, Signor, you
may be able to say who killed him. Giuseppe, twisting
his hat in his hands, looked keenly at Durham with
his dark eyes. Signor, be explicit, he said, I'll explain
(10:10):
myself thoroughly, said Durham. You can sit down again, Signor Bernard,
he continued. When the Italian obeyed this request, inherits his
grandfather's property and of course the title. He wants to
help you and proposes to give you five hundred a
year as soon as possible. Ah, that is good of him,
said Tolomeo gratefully, but went on Durham with emphasis, Bernard
(10:34):
cannot give you this income until he is formally put
in possession of the estate, and he cannot take possession
of the estate until he is cleared from this charge
of murder. Now you can help me to clear him, Signor,
said the Italian at once. I thought Bernard was dead,
that as the papers said, he had been drowned crossing
the river. But now that I know he is alive,
(10:56):
you can command my services without money all the same
at a Tolomeo, smiling and showing his white teeth, A
little five hundred a year will make me a great
lord in Sienna, to which town I shall return after
helping Bernard, warned Durham. Of course, I will not leave
the country till Bernard is seated in his proper place
and married. I understand he is to be married. I
(11:19):
believe so. But he must first be able to face
his fellow men in safety, said the lawyer quickly. Now
signor you admit that you were at the house and
crimea Square on that night? Yes, why not? I went
to see Sir Simon. I walked to the hall in
Essex to see him. He had gone to town. I
found out where, and I came back to see him
on that night. I went some time before ten o'clock.
(11:40):
I know that, said Durham. Missus Gilroy admitted you. She
says she took you up to Sir Simon, and that
you quarreled with him. It is true we had words
and then you left the house without seeing her behind you.
According to Missus Gilroy, you left the dead body of
Sir Simon. Tolomeo started up as though about to run away,
but immediately afterwards sat down. I don't suppose you have
(12:03):
called me here to make an arrest, Signor, he said,
I am innocent, but I admit that I thought there
might be trouble should it be known I was in
that house on the night. I therefore kept silent. But
now I know that my nephew was alive and accused
of the crime, I will speak out. It was Missus
Gilroy who admitted me, but it was not Missus Gilroy
who let me out. I left Sir Simon perfectly well
(12:25):
when we parted, and he promised to help me the
next day. Oh and the next day you heard of
his death. No, I heard of his death on that night.
I was hanging about the house when Bernard escaped. I
picked up But I will tell you that later Signor
listened to my tale. It is strange but true. Set
down what I say. For this I am prepared to
swear to in a court of law. I should have
(12:47):
seen you before and spoken, had I known that Bernard
was alive, but thinking he was dead. I did not talk,
as I fancied there might be danger to me. There
is danger if what missus Gilroy declares is true. Confront
her with me. What does she say? I do not
know where she is, confessed Durham, and related how the
diary had been found, and explained the contents so far
(13:07):
as they bore. On the accusation of Tolomeo. He listened attentively.
Oh what a wicked woman, he said vehemently, when Durham ended,
I do assure you signor that I am innocent. Listen.
I called to see Sir Simon before ten on that night.
I sent up my name. The woman you speak of
brought back a message that her master would see me.
One moment, put in Durham. Did you see a red
(13:28):
light in the window. Yes, there was a lamp near
the window, although the room was lighted with electric lamps.
A red handkerchief was stretched across the window. But I
know of the red window at the hall, said the Italian,
with a shrug. My sister used to signal to me.
I guessed that Sir Simon was making a signal to Bernard.
Are you sure of that? He told me so himself,
(13:49):
said Tolomeo quietly, And it was because he thought I
might know where Bernard was that he saw me. He
said he would forgive Bernard and help me. We had
some words, as he called me a Ptolomai, names which
I could not hear quietly, But afterwards he said he
would help me, and then he wanted to see Bernard.
Miss Randolph told him of the use she had made
(14:09):
of the red window. So in this London house he
did the same thing, hoping that Bernard might see the
light and enter. If Bernard had, said the Italian with
great earnestness, all would have been well. Do you know
if Sir Simon sent a boy to bring Bernard? No,
I do not know. Sir Simon said nothing of that.
He only put the lamp behind the handkerchief, in the
(14:29):
hope that Bernard might come to the house. For all
he knew Bernard might have learned where he was staying.
I think the old man was sorry he quarreled with
my poor nephew, said Ptolomeo, with earnestness. Well, after arranging this,
you left, Sir Simon. Not immediately, missus Gilroy came in
and said that some one wanted to see Sir Simon.
He heard her whisper to him and said I could
(14:50):
go away, telling Missus Gilroy to send up the stranger.
She went away. I followed and opened the door myself,
the front door. Yes. But when I was going out,
I heard Sir Simon call over the stairs. He asked
me to return. I closed the door and did so, Ah,
said Durham, making a note. Missus Gilroy thought you had
left the house. She said so in her diary. Then
(15:13):
she came upstairs. No, said Tolomeo, she did not. I
went back to the room. Sir Simon said he wanted
me to be present as he had a disagreeable interview.
He made me hide behind a curtain. I did so.
Then the door opened and Bernard entered. What Durham started
from his seat, That's impossible, of course, it is rejoined
the Italian smiling. But I assure you signor. The man
(15:36):
who entered I took to be Bernard. He was Michael,
the son of Missus Gilroy. I know that, Ah, and
how asked Tolomeo, Surprised and rather vexed. I hoped to
astonish you by this. Well, it's a long story. I'll
tell it after you tell me yours. Michael entered dressed
as a soldier. Yes, said Tolomeo, more and more surprised
(15:59):
by the extent of the lawyawyer's knowledge. I thought he
was my nephew until I heard his conversation. Then I
knew that this was Missus Gilroy's son, and that she
had been deceived by Walter Gore in a false marriage.
Sir Simon told Michael that he was tired of assisting
him and accused him of making love to the housemaid.
The boy he is but a boy. Segor acknowledged this.
(16:20):
Then Sir Simon said that Michael had forged his name
for one thousand pounds. Durham started up again. What ah,
he said, So that was a forgery, and I thought
Sir Simon gave him the check. It was honored. Yes,
Sir Simon said he knew it was a forgery, for
the bank sent the check to him, but he said
nothing about it so as to spare this Michael. But
(16:42):
he said also that if Michael did not leave the country,
he would prosecute him. Michael retorted, and there was a quarrel.
I thought he would have struck the old man, so
I came out. When Michael saw me, he grew pale, and,
opening the door, ran down stairs and out into the fog.
I followed to bring him back, as Sir Simon said,
follow him. Why did Michael run away? I do not know,
(17:04):
but he did. I went into the fog and followed
him to the high street. Then I lost him. As
I turned out of the square, I brushed past a man.
It was under a lamp post, and I saw his face.
He was an evening dress and was walking quickly. He
entered the house by the door I had left open.
And who was that? Asked Durham curiously, Julius Beryl. Impossible,
(17:26):
he was at the theater. He was, but he came back,
said Tolomeo, putting his hand in his pocket. Listen. I
ran up to the high street, but could see nothing
of Michael. I walked about for long. Then I came
back before eleven. I found the door open. I saw
Bernard in the hall and heard that he was accused.
I thought he was. Michael returned he escaped. I was
(17:46):
by the railings on the opposite side of the street.
As he ran, he dropped a handkerchief see Tolomeo produced it.
It is marked J. B. Durham snatched the handkerchief. A
faint smell of chloroform lingered about it. Still Beryl's initials
were in the corner. Durham looked up very pale yes,
said Tolomeo that man killed Sir Simon. End of Chapter eighteen.
(18:13):
Recording by Craig Kenneth Bryant,
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