June 10, 2025 • 20 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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Chapter nineteen 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 David Douay. The Red Window by Fergus Hume, chapter nineteen,
Plots and Counterplots. On hearing from Tolomeo that Beryl was
(00:23):
the guilty person, Durham was not so surprised as he
might have been. He had always suspected that Julius was
in some way connected with the crime, although he had
not thought him personally guilty, But the story of Guiseppe
and the production of the handkerchief marked with Beryl's name
seemed to put the matter beyond doubt. Durham remembered how
Conniston had always said that when the lost handkerchief was found,
(00:45):
the assassin would be identified. Apparently his prophecy had come true.
Here was the handkerchief so fortunately picked up by Tolomeo,
and it belonged to Julius. Also, Julius, according to the Italian,
had entered the house in crimeas Square about the time
the murder was supposed to have been committed, and there's
no doubt that Beryl sent Jerry for Bernard so that
(01:06):
he might be brought to the spot for accusation, thought
the lawyer. When Tolomeo had gone. The whole thing was
a plant. I expect he arranged to go to the
Curtain theater so as to have an alibi. But the
theater is near Crimea Square, and it would be easy
for Beryl to slip round between the acts. Humph, Apparently
he did kill the old man. This handkerchief is proof
(01:27):
enough to say nothing of Tolomeo's evidence. What's to be
done next? The question was answered next day, while Durham
was still puzzling over the matter, Julius himself made his appearance,
as meek looking and mild as ever, the lawyer received
him coldly and was on his guard. It was difficult
to know why Beryl should pay a visit to an
avowed enemy, but Julius soon explained the reason for his call.
(01:50):
I have something extremely private to say to you, mister Durham,
he remarked in a confidential way, and after assuming himself
ostentatiously that the door was closed. I am not your
legal adviser, said Durham quickly. You are Bernard's. I was Bernard's.
You mean, does that intimate that you have quarreled with Bernard?
You forget, said the solicitor, looking at him sharply. Bernard
(02:14):
is supposed to be dead. I don't think you ever
believed that, said Beryl, smiling. That has nothing to do
with you. Oh, yes it has. See here Durham. I
wrote to miss Malleson some time ago stating that I
had seen Bernard in London. So I understand, said Durham, calmly.
Why did you not stop him? I was not quick enough.
He walked on the other side of the street, and
(02:35):
before I could cross over, which was difficult on account
of the traffic, Bernard disappeared. Then I was not quite
sure if he was really alive. Now I am, indeed,
said Durham, with a qualm, for he fancied Julius might
have learned of Gore's whereabouts. Yes, that young Moon wrote
a letter to me saying that Bernard had come to
(02:55):
the Bower starving and in rags. It was on the
tip of Durham's tongue to say that, no doubt Jerry
had been placed as a spy at the Bower, but
he suppressed this remark. He firmly believed that Julius was
a murderer, but as of yet he saw some difficulty
in bringing the crime home to him. He thought it
would be best to give the man rope enough to
hang himself, in other words, to listen quietly to what
(03:17):
he had to say and act accordingly. Durham did not
like having anything to do with such a scoundrel, but
in the interests of Gore, he had to smother all
feelings save strictly professional ones. He therefore confined himself to
silence and to looking inquiringly at Beryl. You don't seem surprised,
said Julius, annoyed, because I can hardly believe your statement.
(03:38):
Jerry may be making a mistake. Oh no, I went
down on the receipt of his letter and insisted on
seeing my cousin, Miss Plantagenet, as I knew she would
denied that he was there, But afterwards, when I threatened
to bring the police on to the scene, she gave
way and let me see Bernard. You are sure then
that Bernard committed the crime. Wait one moment, mister Durham,
(04:00):
said Beryl, lagging his finger in a most irritating way,
let us understand one another clearly. You know, and you
have known for some time, that Bernard was at the bower.
I am not bound to answer that question, said the
lawyer stiffly. Bernard answered it for you. He told me
you had been to see him, and that, in spite
of the change in his looks, you knew who he was.
(04:20):
Durham drew figures on his blotting paper. He wondered if
Julius really believed the man at the bower to be
Bernard Gore, or if he was trying to learn what
he Durham thought himself. After some reflection, the lawyer resolved
to accept Michael as the man in question. Julius could
not possibly know that the real Bernard was still alive,
and therefore it would be as wise to keep the
(04:41):
knowledge from him until such time as light would come
to show Durham how to move. Yes, he said at length,
throwing down his pen and taking up a position on
the hearth rug. I was informed by miss Plantagenet that
Bernard had sought refuge with her, and I went down
to see him. Why did you not tell me, asked
Julius sharply. Durham shrugged his shoulders by your own showing
(05:03):
seeing you wish to call in the police. You are
not a friend of Bernard, he said, why should I
have summoned you to assist you to arrest him. I
do not wish him to be arrested, said Julius mildly.
On the contrary, I wish the poor fellow to die
in peace, to die. What do you mean what I say?
Mister Durham Paine tells me that Bernard has been so
(05:23):
exhausted by his wandering when in hiding, that he cannot recover.
His death is only a question of days, mind you,
Julius wagged his finger again. I really believe he killed
Sir Simon. But as he is dying, why I shall
do nothing. I am not a vindictive man. Besides, added Julius,
looking sideways at the lawyer, Bernard and I are friends now.
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I am also friendly with miss Malleson. Indeed, and how
did you bring that about? By acting straightforward and honorably
as I always do, said the meek Julius. Miss Malleson
acknowledged to me that Bernard was sadly changed by the
hardships he had undergone. All the same, she recognized him Unfortunately,
the poor fellow is too feeble to tell her of
(06:05):
the perils he underwent, so she has not had an
opportunity of talking much to him. It struck Durham from
this speech that Julius was doubtful of the identity of
Bernard with the man at the bower. Else, why should
he make this remark about Alice not having had time
to question the sick man. Seeing that Alice alone could
prove if he were Bernard or not. Durham was perplexed
(06:26):
and wondered what Julius was driving at and how much
he knew. A clue came with the next words, and
being friends with Bernard, went on, Beryl, he is sorry
that we quarreled, Feeling that he is not long for
this world. He wants to make his will in my favor.
Durham nearly uttered an exclamation, for all of a sudden,
the whole rascally business became clear. Julius knew that the
(06:47):
man at the bower was Michael, and he was prepared
to extract from him a forged will in the hope
that the real Bernard was dead. Having made use of
Michael to bring about the accusation of Gore, he now
used him to the very last to get the money. However,
Durham kept his temper under and pretended to believe that
Julius was speaking in all good faith. He simply bowed
(07:07):
his head. Every word that Julius said was weaving a
rope for his own neck. Are you surprised then at
my calling, said Julius anxiously, No, said Durham, returning to
his seat. If Gore wishes to make a will, I
suppose I am the man to draw it up. I
must go down and receive his instructions. I have them
with me, said Julius, bringing out a sealed letter. Durham,
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inwardly boiling at this rascality, but outwardly calm, opened the
letter while Julius kept a sharp look out on him.
He found a long letter written in the same style
as Bernard Gore usually wrote, setting forth directions for the will.
These included an income of five hundred a year to
Alice Malleson and the extra allowance of four hundred to
(07:51):
Miss Gilroy, making her income five hundred in all. The
rest of the estate, real and personal went to Julius.
Beryl Durham's miiled inwardly as he read this document. It
was exactly the kind of will Julius wanted. Michael was
simply his instrument, and Durham shrewdly suspected that from some
knowledge of the forged check, Beryl had obtained this extraordinary influence.
(08:14):
Well it seems clear enough, said the lawyer, laying down
the letter. And I think miss Malleson, seeing what she loses,
should have more. I think she has quite enough, said
Julius tartly. Then Missus Gilroy, said Durham, pretending ignorance. Why
should Bernard leave for this extra money? I can't say.
Bernard will probably tell you himself. Will you please draw
(08:36):
out the will, mister Durham, and bring it down to
the bower for Gore to sign for the sake of appearances.
Durham went on making objections. All these were met by
Julius with infernal cleverness, until the lawyer, on the face
of it, had not a leg to stand on. As
the saying goes, finally he consented to draw up the
will as instructed by the letter, and agreed to meet
(08:58):
Julius next day at Liverpool's Street station to go down
with him to the hall. Julius drew a long breath
of relief when the lawyer so agreed, and apparently had
no idea that he was being tricked all the time.
I am much obliged to you, mister Durham, said, he
holding out his hand, and when I come into the
possession of the estate, you will find me a good client. Durham,
(09:19):
for the sake of keeping up the deception, had to
shake hands, although he loathed himself for doing so. When
the door closed on the arch plotter, the solicitor went
at once to wash his hands. What a complete scoundrel,
said Durham to himself, and how confoundingly clever. Of course,
if the real Bernard were dead, this will might stand
at all events. Even if miss Malleson could prove that
(09:41):
Michael was not her lover, the new will might lead
to litigation. However, as Bernard is alive and well, we
can produce him at the eleventh hour to frighten Beryl.
I am afraid that young man will be hanged after all,
though I am unwilling for the sake of the family
that things should come to pass. However, Durham, true to
his appointment, arrived at the station the next day and
(10:02):
had the will in his pocket. Julius read it in
the train going down and expressed his approval of it.
It was now Durham's cue to behave politely to Julius,
as though he had truly believed in him and in
the false Bernard Gore. But on the previous night he
had written a long letter to Miss Berengaria, which was
to be read to Alice. In it, Durham told the
(10:23):
whole of Beryl's scheme to get possession of the property,
but for obvious reasons, he said nothing of Tolomeo's story
or Beryl's real guilt. He thought very truly that even
Miss Berengaria's nerves could not stand being brought into such
close relationship with a proven murderer, let alone that Alice
might reveal the truth out of sheer disgust. But the
letter prepared the minds of both ladies for the execution
(10:45):
of the will. On arriving at the bower, the two
men were met by Jerry, looking more innocent and childlike
than ever. Please, missus says, will you go into the
drawing room, said the infant, casting down his eyes. Durham
looked hard at the young scoundrel who with such a
worthy instrument of Beryl's. He would have liked to examine
him then and there, touching his luring of Bernard to
(11:06):
crimea square, but the present moment was not propitious, so
he passed on. Julius, however, in a most benevolent way,
spoke to the boy, I hope you are giving your
good mistress satisfaction. Oh yes, sir, but she was angry
at me writing and telling you about the poor sick
gentleman by the way, Jerry, how did you find out
about him? Asked Durham. I saw him arrive, said Jerry ingenuously.
(11:30):
I was in the garden when he came. I wouldn't
have written, sir, if I had known that my dear
missus wanted it kept dark. But Miss Beryl was so
anxious about Sir Bernard that I thought he would be
glad to know he was alive. How did you know
this gentleman was Sir Bernard? I heard James the coachman
describe him, and then I knew all the same, Jerry,
said Julius benevolently. If Miss Berengaria wished the fact of
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Sir Bernard being here kept quiet, you should not have
disclosed it even to me. But I wished to set
your mind at rest, murmured Jerry, looking up with dove
like eyes. I owe you so much, sir. Julius smiled, and,
patting his head, walked on to the drawing room. It
was a very pretty comedy. But Durham was not to
be taken in. He knew well enough that the boy
(12:14):
was a mere tool, and a dangerous one. As a
matter of fact, he did not know until later how
dangerous the lad really could be. Miss Berengaria and Alice
were in the drawing room and both smiled a welcome
When the two men entered. Alice darted a look of
terror and repulsion at Beryl, but as he was shaking
hands with the old lady, he did not see it.
(12:34):
Else he might have suspected. Durham guessed this and touched
her hand. She nodded, and when Julius shook hands with her,
she welcomed him again with a smile, although her very
flesh crept when she touched him. As for Miss Berengaria,
that indomitable old lady never turned to hair. She smiled
and chatted and was bland to Julius. He might have
(12:55):
been her dearest friend from the amount of attention she
bestowed on him. So, poor Bernard is going to make
his will, she said briskly. I hope he has left
Alice something five hundred a year and the like amount
to missus Gilroy. Indeed, mister Durham. And why to missus Gilroy.
Bernard looks upon her as a second mother, said Julius hastily.
(13:16):
At least he told me so. Of course, I knew
nothing about her. I hope, however, she will reappear to
claim her legacy. There may be no chance for any
one to claim legacies for a long time, said Miss
Berengaria tartly. I hope Bernard will not die. I hope so,
also said Alice fervently, and she really meant it, even
though she was thinking of the young scamp upstairs. Julius
(13:39):
shook his head. Doctor Payne assures me he cannot live.
I am glad he has decided to make this will. Yes,
you would be, said Miss Berengaria ironically, and she might
have been rash enough to say more, but that Durham intervened.
I hope none of the servants know that Bernard is here.
They all know by this time, said Miss Berengaria, calmly
(14:00):
kept the matter from them as long as possible, and
with alice. I waited on Bernard myself, but Jerry told
the servants as well as mister Beryl. Will the knowledge
go any further, said the lawyer, keeping up the comedy.
I don't want Bernard arrested. My servants will not speak
under pain of dismissal, if that is what you mean,
said Miss Plantagenet, sharply as to Jerry, he is one
(14:22):
of your servants, also said Beryl softly. But I have
some influence over Jerry, and I will see that he
holds his tongue. You can take him away altogether, snapped
Miss Berengaria. I don't approve of having boys with long
tongues in my house. Jerry had no right to be
hanging round the garden when Bernard arrived, much less to
write and tell you that he was here. He thought
(14:43):
I was anxious. I dare say you are, said the
old dame, to see Bernard hanged. Indeed, no, replied Julius, earnestly.
I wish him to die in peace, having got all
you can out of him, muttered Miss Berengaria, rubbing her
nose well, she added sharply, are we to go upstairs
and witness this will? Yes, mister Beryl can't witness, as
(15:05):
he is the residuary legatee. Nor can Miss Alice since
she is mentioned in the will. But you, miss Plantagenet,
and and yourself, no, I am the executor. Then Maria
can witness the will. She is my own maid and
can be depended upon. Are you coming, Julius? Thank you? No,
said Beryl with a gentle smile. I think, as I
(15:27):
have such a large interest in the will, that it
is better I should remain away. I shall stay here,
and you, Miss Malleson, I shall stop, also said Alice,
in reply to a look from Durham. You go up
with mister Durham. Aunt. Come along, then, said Miss Berengaria,
hastening out of the room. The sooner this is over,
the better. Ah. I hate wills. They put me in
(15:49):
mind of the family vault, and I can't last long now.
The lawyer followed, and Miss Berengaria led him up a
narrow stair which conducted to the turret room in which
the false Bernard was lying. At the foot of this stair,
She stopped Durham. She said abruptly, do you mean to
let this man execute this false will? Yes, I wish
(16:09):
Julius Beryl to commit himself beyond recall. What will you do? Then?
I can't say one thing at a time. When the
will is executed, we will watch Beryl's attitude. Something will happen,
added Durham, thinking of the incriminating handkerchief in his possession. Yes,
said Miss Berengaria, climbing the stairs with a briskness surprising
in a woman of her years. Something will happen. This
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poor foresworn wretch upstairs will die. But I thought you said,
I know, I did. I could help him back to
life with careful nursing, and I wish to do so,
since I think there is good in the rascal. But Beryl,
having had the will made, will kill him. Yes, added she, nodding,
there will be a repetition of the crime. I believe
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Beryl himself killed Simon the old No, he is dead.
Let us be just what makes you think Julius Beryl
killed Sir Simon. Nothing, snapped Miss Berengaria. He looks like
a murderer. Durham smiled to himself. As he went up
the stairs, and wondered at her acuteness in thus hitting
the nail on the head. When the will was executed,
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Julius certainly might attempt to get rid of the instrument
he had used, as he had rid himself of Sir Simon.
But in the house of Miss Berengaria, this would be
a more difficult matter. And if he tries anything of
that sort, on, thought Durham, I will have him arrested
at once for the first murder. Meanwhile, let us see
how far he will proceed with the plot. The young
(17:35):
man lying in bed was very weak. His face was
thin and pale, and his scrubby beard was no longer.
He looked haggard and anxious, and started up when the
door opened. It is only mister Durham and I Bernard,
said Miss Berengaria in a soft voice. We have come
about the will. Michael raised himself on his elbow. Have
you got it, he asked, Yes, said Durham, producing the document.
(17:59):
Miss Plantagenet, will you please call up your maid to
witness it. While the old lady rang the bell and
Michael read the will, the lawyer looked closely at the
invalid He was wonderfully like Bernard. But that Durham knew
that the real Gore was in another place, he might
have been deceived. Michael was clever enough to feign illness
as an excuse for talking little, as he evidently dreaded
(18:22):
to say much lest Alice or Durham should question his identity.
The whole deception was cleverly carried out. Michael even attempted
to account for any difference in his signature. I feel
so weak, I can't write as firmly as I used to,
he said when the maid entered the room. So you
must not be surprised if my signature is unlike my
usual one. If it is as good as the writing
(18:44):
in your letter, I shan't complain, said Durham, wheeling a
small table near to the bed. Michael looked at him
sharply and seemed relieved by this remark. He evidently thought
that all was well and safe, and heard Durham read
the will with closed eyes. Then, raising himself on his elbow,
he saw and his name with apparent difficulty. It was
wonderfully like the signature of Bernard. Miss Plantagenet and Maria
(19:07):
appended their signatures as witnesses. Then Durham put the will
into an envelope and prepared to go down. Michael stopped him. Mark,
he said, using the name Bernard, usually called the lawyer by.
Don't you think I am looking better? I think you
are very ill, said Durham gently. But you don't think
I'll die. I hope not. With nursing, you may get better.
(19:29):
Michael's face assumed an expression of terror. I won't die,
he moaned, sinking back. I want to get well and
enjoy myself. Hush, hush, said Miss Berengaria, folding the clothes
round him. No more of this unhealthy talk. You will
get well, with Durham. They left the room, while Maria
remained to attend on the patient. Well, said Durham in
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a low voice. You see he expects to get well
now that he has signed the will. I dare say
he will disappear, The body of Bernard will be found,
and Michael will share these state with Beryl. I don't
think so, said Miss Plantagenet grimly. Beryl will now murder
this poor reptile and take all the money to himself.
I fear his expectations will be disappointed, said the lawyer,
(20:12):
dryly end of Chapter nineteen. Recording by David de Way
Chapter nineteen 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 David Douay. The Red Window by Fergus Hume, chapter nineteen,
Plots and Counterplots. On hearing from Tolomeo that Beryl was
(00:23):
the guilty person, Durham was not so surprised as he
might have been. He had always suspected that Julius was
in some way connected with the crime, although he had
not thought him personally guilty, But the story of Guiseppe
and the production of the handkerchief marked with Beryl's name
seemed to put the matter beyond doubt. Durham remembered how
Conniston had always said that when the lost handkerchief was found,
(00:45):
the assassin would be identified. Apparently his prophecy had come true.
Here was the handkerchief so fortunately picked up by Tolomeo,
and it belonged to Julius. Also, Julius, according to the Italian,
had entered the house in crimeas Square about the time
the murder was supposed to have been committed, and there's
no doubt that Beryl sent Jerry for Bernard so that
(01:06):
he might be brought to the spot for accusation, thought
the lawyer. When Tolomeo had gone. The whole thing was
a plant. I expect he arranged to go to the
Curtain theater so as to have an alibi. But the
theater is near Crimea Square, and it would be easy
for Beryl to slip round between the acts. Humph, Apparently
he did kill the old man. This handkerchief is proof
(01:27):
enough to say nothing of Tolomeo's evidence. What's to be
done next? The question was answered next day, while Durham
was still puzzling over the matter, Julius himself made his appearance,
as meek looking and mild as ever, the lawyer received
him coldly and was on his guard. It was difficult
to know why Beryl should pay a visit to an
avowed enemy, but Julius soon explained the reason for his call.
(01:50):
I have something extremely private to say to you, mister Durham,
he remarked in a confidential way, and after assuming himself
ostentatiously that the door was closed. I am not your
legal adviser, said Durham quickly. You are Bernard's. I was Bernard's.
You mean, does that intimate that you have quarreled with Bernard?
You forget, said the solicitor, looking at him sharply. Bernard
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is supposed to be dead. I don't think you ever
believed that, said Beryl, smiling. That has nothing to do
with you. Oh, yes it has. See here Durham. I
wrote to miss Malleson some time ago stating that I
had seen Bernard in London. So I understand, said Durham, calmly.
Why did you not stop him? I was not quick enough.
He walked on the other side of the street, and
(02:35):
before I could cross over, which was difficult on account
of the traffic, Bernard disappeared. Then I was not quite
sure if he was really alive. Now I am, indeed,
said Durham, with a qualm, for he fancied Julius might
have learned of Gore's whereabouts. Yes, that young Moon wrote
a letter to me saying that Bernard had come to
(02:55):
the Bower starving and in rags. It was on the
tip of Durham's tongue to say that, no doubt Jerry
had been placed as a spy at the Bower, but
he suppressed this remark. He firmly believed that Julius was
a murderer, but as of yet he saw some difficulty
in bringing the crime home to him. He thought it
would be best to give the man rope enough to
hang himself, in other words, to listen quietly to what
(03:17):
he had to say and act accordingly. Durham did not
like having anything to do with such a scoundrel, but
in the interests of Gore, he had to smother all
feelings save strictly professional ones. He therefore confined himself to
silence and to looking inquiringly at Beryl. You don't seem surprised,
said Julius, annoyed, because I can hardly believe your statement.
(03:38):
Jerry may be making a mistake. Oh no, I went
down on the receipt of his letter and insisted on
seeing my cousin, Miss Plantagenet, as I knew she would
denied that he was there, But afterwards, when I threatened
to bring the police on to the scene, she gave
way and let me see Bernard. You are sure then
that Bernard committed the crime. Wait one moment, mister Durham,
(04:00):
said Beryl, lagging his finger in a most irritating way,
let us understand one another clearly. You know, and you
have known for some time, that Bernard was at the bower.
I am not bound to answer that question, said the
lawyer stiffly. Bernard answered it for you. He told me
you had been to see him, and that, in spite
of the change in his looks, you knew who he was.
(04:20):
Durham drew figures on his blotting paper. He wondered if
Julius really believed the man at the bower to be
Bernard Gore, or if he was trying to learn what
he Durham thought himself. After some reflection, the lawyer resolved
to accept Michael as the man in question. Julius could
not possibly know that the real Bernard was still alive,
and therefore it would be as wise to keep the
(04:41):
knowledge from him until such time as light would come
to show Durham how to move. Yes, he said at length,
throwing down his pen and taking up a position on
the hearth rug. I was informed by miss Plantagenet that
Bernard had sought refuge with her, and I went down
to see him. Why did you not tell me, asked
Julius sharply. Durham shrugged his shoulders by your own showing
(05:03):
seeing you wish to call in the police. You are
not a friend of Bernard, he said, why should I
have summoned you to assist you to arrest him. I
do not wish him to be arrested, said Julius mildly.
On the contrary, I wish the poor fellow to die
in peace, to die. What do you mean what I say?
Mister Durham Paine tells me that Bernard has been so
(05:23):
exhausted by his wandering when in hiding, that he cannot recover.
His death is only a question of days, mind you,
Julius wagged his finger again. I really believe he killed
Sir Simon. But as he is dying, why I shall
do nothing. I am not a vindictive man. Besides, added Julius,
looking sideways at the lawyer, Bernard and I are friends now.
(05:45):
I am also friendly with miss Malleson. Indeed, and how
did you bring that about? By acting straightforward and honorably
as I always do, said the meek Julius. Miss Malleson
acknowledged to me that Bernard was sadly changed by the
hardships he had undergone. All the same, she recognized him Unfortunately,
the poor fellow is too feeble to tell her of
(06:05):
the perils he underwent, so she has not had an
opportunity of talking much to him. It struck Durham from
this speech that Julius was doubtful of the identity of
Bernard with the man at the bower. Else, why should
he make this remark about Alice not having had time
to question the sick man. Seeing that Alice alone could
prove if he were Bernard or not. Durham was perplexed
(06:26):
and wondered what Julius was driving at and how much
he knew. A clue came with the next words, and
being friends with Bernard, went on, Beryl, he is sorry
that we quarreled, Feeling that he is not long for
this world. He wants to make his will in my favor.
Durham nearly uttered an exclamation, for all of a sudden,
the whole rascally business became clear. Julius knew that the
(06:47):
man at the bower was Michael, and he was prepared
to extract from him a forged will in the hope
that the real Bernard was dead. Having made use of
Michael to bring about the accusation of Gore, he now
used him to the very last to get the money. However,
Durham kept his temper under and pretended to believe that
Julius was speaking in all good faith. He simply bowed
(07:07):
his head. Every word that Julius said was weaving a
rope for his own neck. Are you surprised then at
my calling, said Julius anxiously, No, said Durham, returning to
his seat. If Gore wishes to make a will, I
suppose I am the man to draw it up. I
must go down and receive his instructions. I have them
with me, said Julius, bringing out a sealed letter. Durham,
(07:30):
inwardly boiling at this rascality, but outwardly calm, opened the
letter while Julius kept a sharp look out on him.
He found a long letter written in the same style
as Bernard Gore usually wrote, setting forth directions for the will.
These included an income of five hundred a year to
Alice Malleson and the extra allowance of four hundred to
(07:51):
Miss Gilroy, making her income five hundred in all. The
rest of the estate, real and personal went to Julius.
Beryl Durham's miiled inwardly as he read this document. It
was exactly the kind of will Julius wanted. Michael was
simply his instrument, and Durham shrewdly suspected that from some
knowledge of the forged check, Beryl had obtained this extraordinary influence.
(08:14):
Well it seems clear enough, said the lawyer, laying down
the letter. And I think miss Malleson, seeing what she loses,
should have more. I think she has quite enough, said
Julius tartly. Then Missus Gilroy, said Durham, pretending ignorance. Why
should Bernard leave for this extra money? I can't say.
Bernard will probably tell you himself. Will you please draw
(08:36):
out the will, mister Durham, and bring it down to
the bower for Gore to sign for the sake of appearances.
Durham went on making objections. All these were met by
Julius with infernal cleverness, until the lawyer, on the face
of it, had not a leg to stand on. As
the saying goes, finally he consented to draw up the
will as instructed by the letter, and agreed to meet
(08:58):
Julius next day at Liverpool's Street station to go down
with him to the hall. Julius drew a long breath
of relief when the lawyer so agreed, and apparently had
no idea that he was being tricked all the time.
I am much obliged to you, mister Durham, said, he
holding out his hand, and when I come into the
possession of the estate, you will find me a good client. Durham,
(09:19):
for the sake of keeping up the deception, had to
shake hands, although he loathed himself for doing so. When
the door closed on the arch plotter, the solicitor went
at once to wash his hands. What a complete scoundrel,
said Durham to himself, and how confoundingly clever. Of course,
if the real Bernard were dead, this will might stand
at all events. Even if miss Malleson could prove that
(09:41):
Michael was not her lover, the new will might lead
to litigation. However, as Bernard is alive and well, we
can produce him at the eleventh hour to frighten Beryl.
I am afraid that young man will be hanged after all,
though I am unwilling for the sake of the family
that things should come to pass. However, Durham, true to
his appointment, arrived at the station the next day and
(10:02):
had the will in his pocket. Julius read it in
the train going down and expressed his approval of it.
It was now Durham's cue to behave politely to Julius,
as though he had truly believed in him and in
the false Bernard Gore. But on the previous night he
had written a long letter to Miss Berengaria, which was
to be read to Alice. In it, Durham told the
(10:23):
whole of Beryl's scheme to get possession of the property,
but for obvious reasons, he said nothing of Tolomeo's story
or Beryl's real guilt. He thought very truly that even
Miss Berengaria's nerves could not stand being brought into such
close relationship with a proven murderer, let alone that Alice
might reveal the truth out of sheer disgust. But the
letter prepared the minds of both ladies for the execution
(10:45):
of the will. On arriving at the bower, the two
men were met by Jerry, looking more innocent and childlike
than ever. Please, missus says, will you go into the
drawing room, said the infant, casting down his eyes. Durham
looked hard at the young scoundrel who with such a
worthy instrument of Beryl's. He would have liked to examine
him then and there, touching his luring of Bernard to
(11:06):
crimea square, but the present moment was not propitious, so
he passed on. Julius, however, in a most benevolent way,
spoke to the boy, I hope you are giving your
good mistress satisfaction. Oh yes, sir, but she was angry
at me writing and telling you about the poor sick
gentleman by the way, Jerry, how did you find out
about him? Asked Durham. I saw him arrive, said Jerry ingenuously.
(11:30):
I was in the garden when he came. I wouldn't
have written, sir, if I had known that my dear
missus wanted it kept dark. But Miss Beryl was so
anxious about Sir Bernard that I thought he would be
glad to know he was alive. How did you know
this gentleman was Sir Bernard? I heard James the coachman
describe him, and then I knew all the same, Jerry,
said Julius benevolently. If Miss Berengaria wished the fact of
(11:53):
Sir Bernard being here kept quiet, you should not have
disclosed it even to me. But I wished to set
your mind at rest, murmured Jerry, looking up with dove
like eyes. I owe you so much, sir. Julius smiled, and,
patting his head, walked on to the drawing room. It
was a very pretty comedy. But Durham was not to
be taken in. He knew well enough that the boy
(12:14):
was a mere tool, and a dangerous one. As a
matter of fact, he did not know until later how
dangerous the lad really could be. Miss Berengaria and Alice
were in the drawing room and both smiled a welcome
When the two men entered. Alice darted a look of
terror and repulsion at Beryl, but as he was shaking
hands with the old lady, he did not see it.
(12:34):
Else he might have suspected. Durham guessed this and touched
her hand. She nodded, and when Julius shook hands with her,
she welcomed him again with a smile, although her very
flesh crept when she touched him. As for Miss Berengaria,
that indomitable old lady never turned to hair. She smiled
and chatted and was bland to Julius. He might have
(12:55):
been her dearest friend from the amount of attention she
bestowed on him. So, poor Bernard is going to make
his will, she said briskly. I hope he has left
Alice something five hundred a year and the like amount
to missus Gilroy. Indeed, mister Durham. And why to missus Gilroy.
Bernard looks upon her as a second mother, said Julius hastily.
(13:16):
At least he told me so. Of course, I knew
nothing about her. I hope, however, she will reappear to
claim her legacy. There may be no chance for any
one to claim legacies for a long time, said Miss
Berengaria tartly. I hope Bernard will not die. I hope so,
also said Alice fervently, and she really meant it, even
though she was thinking of the young scamp upstairs. Julius
(13:39):
shook his head. Doctor Payne assures me he cannot live.
I am glad he has decided to make this will. Yes,
you would be, said Miss Berengaria ironically, and she might
have been rash enough to say more, but that Durham intervened.
I hope none of the servants know that Bernard is here.
They all know by this time, said Miss Berengaria, calmly
(14:00):
kept the matter from them as long as possible, and
with alice. I waited on Bernard myself, but Jerry told
the servants as well as mister Beryl. Will the knowledge
go any further, said the lawyer, keeping up the comedy.
I don't want Bernard arrested. My servants will not speak
under pain of dismissal, if that is what you mean,
said Miss Plantagenet, sharply as to Jerry, he is one
(14:22):
of your servants, also said Beryl softly. But I have
some influence over Jerry, and I will see that he
holds his tongue. You can take him away altogether, snapped
Miss Berengaria. I don't approve of having boys with long
tongues in my house. Jerry had no right to be
hanging round the garden when Bernard arrived, much less to
write and tell you that he was here. He thought
(14:43):
I was anxious. I dare say you are, said the
old dame, to see Bernard hanged. Indeed, no, replied Julius, earnestly.
I wish him to die in peace, having got all
you can out of him, muttered Miss Berengaria, rubbing her
nose well, she added sharply, are we to go upstairs
and witness this will? Yes, mister Beryl can't witness, as
(15:05):
he is the residuary legatee. Nor can Miss Alice since
she is mentioned in the will. But you, miss Plantagenet,
and and yourself, no, I am the executor. Then Maria
can witness the will. She is my own maid and
can be depended upon. Are you coming, Julius? Thank you? No,
said Beryl with a gentle smile. I think, as I
(15:27):
have such a large interest in the will, that it
is better I should remain away. I shall stay here,
and you, Miss Malleson, I shall stop, also said Alice,
in reply to a look from Durham. You go up
with mister Durham. Aunt. Come along, then, said Miss Berengaria,
hastening out of the room. The sooner this is over,
the better. Ah. I hate wills. They put me in
(15:49):
mind of the family vault, and I can't last long now.
The lawyer followed, and Miss Berengaria led him up a
narrow stair which conducted to the turret room in which
the false Bernard was lying. At the foot of this stair,
She stopped Durham. She said abruptly, do you mean to
let this man execute this false will? Yes, I wish
(16:09):
Julius Beryl to commit himself beyond recall. What will you do? Then?
I can't say one thing at a time. When the
will is executed, we will watch Beryl's attitude. Something will happen,
added Durham, thinking of the incriminating handkerchief in his possession. Yes,
said Miss Berengaria, climbing the stairs with a briskness surprising
in a woman of her years. Something will happen. This
(16:32):
poor foresworn wretch upstairs will die. But I thought you said,
I know, I did. I could help him back to
life with careful nursing, and I wish to do so,
since I think there is good in the rascal. But Beryl,
having had the will made, will kill him. Yes, added she, nodding,
there will be a repetition of the crime. I believe
(16:53):
Beryl himself killed Simon the old No, he is dead.
Let us be just what makes you think Julius Beryl
killed Sir Simon. Nothing, snapped Miss Berengaria. He looks like
a murderer. Durham smiled to himself. As he went up
the stairs, and wondered at her acuteness in thus hitting
the nail on the head. When the will was executed,
(17:15):
Julius certainly might attempt to get rid of the instrument
he had used, as he had rid himself of Sir Simon.
But in the house of Miss Berengaria, this would be
a more difficult matter. And if he tries anything of
that sort, on, thought Durham, I will have him arrested
at once for the first murder. Meanwhile, let us see
how far he will proceed with the plot. The young
(17:35):
man lying in bed was very weak. His face was
thin and pale, and his scrubby beard was no longer.
He looked haggard and anxious, and started up when the
door opened. It is only mister Durham and I Bernard,
said Miss Berengaria in a soft voice. We have come
about the will. Michael raised himself on his elbow. Have
you got it, he asked, Yes, said Durham, producing the document.
(17:59):
Miss Plantagenet, will you please call up your maid to
witness it. While the old lady rang the bell and
Michael read the will, the lawyer looked closely at the
invalid He was wonderfully like Bernard. But that Durham knew
that the real Gore was in another place, he might
have been deceived. Michael was clever enough to feign illness
as an excuse for talking little, as he evidently dreaded
(18:22):
to say much lest Alice or Durham should question his identity.
The whole deception was cleverly carried out. Michael even attempted
to account for any difference in his signature. I feel
so weak, I can't write as firmly as I used to,
he said when the maid entered the room. So you
must not be surprised if my signature is unlike my
usual one. If it is as good as the writing
(18:44):
in your letter, I shan't complain, said Durham, wheeling a
small table near to the bed. Michael looked at him
sharply and seemed relieved by this remark. He evidently thought
that all was well and safe, and heard Durham read
the will with closed eyes. Then, raising himself on his elbow,
he saw and his name with apparent difficulty. It was
wonderfully like the signature of Bernard. Miss Plantagenet and Maria
(19:07):
appended their signatures as witnesses. Then Durham put the will
into an envelope and prepared to go down. Michael stopped him. Mark,
he said, using the name Bernard, usually called the lawyer by.
Don't you think I am looking better? I think you
are very ill, said Durham gently. But you don't think
I'll die. I hope not. With nursing, you may get better.
(19:29):
Michael's face assumed an expression of terror. I won't die,
he moaned, sinking back. I want to get well and
enjoy myself. Hush, hush, said Miss Berengaria, folding the clothes
round him. No more of this unhealthy talk. You will
get well, with Durham. They left the room, while Maria
remained to attend on the patient. Well, said Durham in
(19:50):
a low voice. You see he expects to get well
now that he has signed the will. I dare say
he will disappear, The body of Bernard will be found,
and Michael will share these state with Beryl. I don't
think so, said Miss Plantagenet grimly. Beryl will now murder
this poor reptile and take all the money to himself.
I fear his expectations will be disappointed, said the lawyer,
(20:12):
dryly end of Chapter nineteen. Recording by David de Way
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