October 10, 2025 • 23 mins
20 - Part of the Truth. The Opal Serpent by Fergus Hume.
An old pawnbroker is found strangled with his lips pinned together with an opal serpent broach. He has a beautiful daughter who is apparently the heir of his large estate. But another claimant has made herself known as the actual daughter of the pawnbroker. Follow detective Hurd as he unravels the convoluted mystery of the old man’s death and attempts to determine who is the rightful heir.
An old pawnbroker is found strangled with his lips pinned together with an opal serpent broach. He has a beautiful daughter who is apparently the heir of his large estate. But another claimant has made herself known as the actual daughter of the pawnbroker. Follow detective Hurd as he unravels the convoluted mystery of the old man’s death and attempts to determine who is the rightful heir.
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Speaker 1 (00:01):
Chapter twenty of The Opal Serpent by Fergus Hume. This
librivo's recording is in the public domain part of the truth.
Captain Jessop ate as greedily as he drank strong waters
and did full justice to the curry, which was really excellent.
Herd did not broach any unpleasant topic immediately, as he
(00:23):
wished the man to enjoy his meal. If Jessop was guilty,
this dainty dinner would be the last of its kind
he would have for many a long day. Moreover, Heard
wished to learn more of the mariner's character and plied
him with questions, which the unsuspecting sailor answered amiably enough,
(00:45):
me and you might become mates, as it were, said Jessop,
extending his large hand again and again put it there. Well,
we'd want to know something more about one another to
become real mates, laughed Heard. Oh, you're a commercial traveler,
as you say, and I'm the captain of as fine
(01:05):
a barkie as ever sailed under Capricorn. Leastways I was
before I gave up deep sea voyages. You must miss
the ocean living in Stoley Inlet, it is admitted the mariner,
pulling out a dirty clay pipe. At the conclusion of
the meal an ocean. There ain't round bout for miles,
(01:28):
and I've got a shanty there. But live respectable, you
are able to with the stand by, hinted herd. Jessop
nodded and crammed the black tobacco, very strong and rank,
into the bowl of his pipe with a shaking hand.
It ain't much, he admitted, Folks beIN stingy. But if
I once more he struck the table hard, I can
(01:51):
get it. D'ye see, mister commercial, Yes I see, replied
Hurd coolly. Jessop was again growing cross, and the detective
had to be careful. He knew well enough that the
next morning, when sober, Jessop would not be so disposed
to talk. But being muzzy, he opened his heart freely. Still,
(02:13):
it was evident that a trifle more liquor would make
him Quarrelsome so heard proposed coffee, a proposition to which
the sailor graciously assented. Coffee, he observed, lighting his pipe
and filling the room with evil smelling smoke clears the head.
Not his mine wants clearing, mind you. But coffee ain't
(02:35):
bad when rum ain't to be had. You'll have more
rum later, hinted herd put it there, said Jessop, and
again the detective was forced to WinCE at the strong
grip of a horny hand. Miss Junk appeared in answer
to the tinkle of the bell and removed the food. Afterwards,
(02:56):
she brought in coffee, hot and strong and black, and
Jessup drank two cups, with the result that he became quieter.
Then the two men settled down for a pleasant conversation.
At least Jessop thought so, for he frequently expressed the
friendliest sentiments towards his host. Then Matilda appeared with a
(03:17):
bottle of rum, a kettle, and two glasses. When she departed,
heard intimated that he would not require her services again
that night. This he whispered to her at the door.
While Jessop was placing the kettle on the fire, and
before returning to his seat, he quietly turned the key
so he had the mariner entirely to himself, and got
(03:40):
the business at once while the kettle boiled. You have
known this place for years, I believe, said Hurd, taking
a chair opposite that of Jessop. Did you ever drop
across a man who used to live here, called Lemuel Krill.
The other man started, whatever makes you ask that? He
inquired in a hustle voice. Well, you see, as a
(04:02):
commercial I trade in books and had to do with
the second hand bookseller in gwyn Street, Drury Lane. It
seems that he was murdered, and he eyed Jessop attentively.
The sailor nodded and composed himself with a violent effort. Yes,
said he in a husky voice. So I heard. But
(04:23):
what's he got to do with Lemuel Krill, oh, said
Hurd carelessly. It is said erin Norman was Krill might
have been. I don't know myself, was a gruff reply. Ah,
then you did not know Lemuel Krill, well, admitted the
captain reluctantly. I did. He was the landlord of this
(04:43):
here pub and a cuss to drink. Lord how he
could drink and did so. But he run away from
his wife. Has used to keep this shanty, and she
never heard no more of him until she found he
was rich and could leave her five thousand a year,
said Hurd absently. So like a woman, you seem to
(05:04):
know all about it, mister, said the sailor uneasily, yes,
I read the papers a queer case thought of Norman's death.
I expect it was only right he should be strangled,
seeing he killed lady Rachel Sandal in the same way. Jessop,
resting his hands on the arms of his chair, pushed
it back and stared with a white face. You know
(05:26):
of that, he gasped. Why not? It was public talk
in this place over twenty years ago. I understand you
have been hereabouts for thirty years, went on heard carelessly.
Possibly you may recollect the case. Jessop wiped his forehead.
I heard something about it, that there was a lady
committed suicide. They say, I know what they say, but
(05:50):
I want to know what you say. I won't be
asked questions, shouted the captain angrily. Don't raise your voice,
said the detective smoothly. You may as well conduct this
conversation pleasantly. I don't converse no more, said Jessop in
a shaky voice, and staggered to his feet, rapidly, growing
sober under the influence of a deadly fear. Heard did
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not move as the man crossed the room, but felt
if the key was safe in his pocket. The sailor
tried to open the door, and then realized that it
was locked. He turned on his host with a volley
of bad language and found himself facing a leveled revolver.
Sit down, said Heard, quietly. Go back to your chair, Jessop,
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with staring eyes and outspread hands, back to the wall.
Who are you anyhow, he demanded, hardly able to speak.
Perhaps that will tell you, said Heard, and threw the
warrant on the table. Jessop staggered forward and looked at it.
One glance was sufficient to inform him what it was,
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and he sank back into his chair with a groan,
leaving the warrant on the table. Heard picked it up
and slipped it into his pocket. He thought Jessop might
destroy it, but there was no fight in the Mariner.
And now that we understand one another, said Hurd, putting
away his weapon. I want to talk. Shan't talk, said
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Jessop savagely. Oh yes, I think so. Otherwise I can
make things unpleasant for you. You can't arrest me. I've
done nothing that may be so. But arrest you I can,
and I have done so. Now tomorrow you will go
to London in charge of a plain clothes policeman while
I go to Stoley to my crib. No, I'm blessed
(07:42):
if you do. I shan't go immediately to your crib,
rejoined heurd dryly, though I may do so later. My
first visit will be to that old pawnbroker. I think
if I describe you, and you are rather a noticeable man,
Captain Jessop, he will recognize the individual who pawned an
opal serpent brooched with him shortly after the death of
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Lady Rachel Sandal, to whom the said brooch belonged. It's
a lie, said Jessip, hoarsely and sober enough. Now quite so,
and perhaps it is also alie that a man resembling
yourself tried to get certain jewelry from a lawyer called Posh.
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Jessop lost his self control which he was trying desperately
to preserve, and rose to his feet, white faced and haggard.
Who are you? He shouted? Who are you? Doesn't the
warrant tell you? Replied his companion, not at all upset.
My name is Billy Hurd. I am the detective in
charge of the Norman murder case, and I've been looking
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for you for a long time. Mister Jessop, I know
nothing about it. Yes you do, so sit down and
talk away. I'll break your head, cried the captain, swinging
his huge fists. Try heard whipped out his revolver, but
did not rise at the risk of getting a bullet
through you, shaw man, don't be a fool. I'm making
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things as easy for you as possible. Create a disturbance
and I'll hand you over to the police. A night
in the village lock up may cool your blood. Sit down,
I tell you. The sailor showed his teeth like those
of a starling dog and made as if to strike
the seated detective, but suddenly changing his mind, for he
(09:33):
saw well enough in what danger he stood. He dropped
into his chair, and, covering his face with his hands,
groaned aloud. Heard put away his revolver. That's better, he said, pleasantly,
take a tote of rum and tell me all you know.
I'm innocent, groaned Jessop. Every man is innocent until convicted
(09:56):
by a jury, said heard. Calmly, consider me a jury
and I'll size up your case when I hear all.
Are you innocent of both murders? Lady Rachel committed suicide?
Said Jessop, raising a haggard face. Yes, I stick to that, Sir,
has the Krill's death in London. I didn't touch him,
(10:16):
I swear I didn't. But you saw him on that night.
How can you prove that? Very simple? Norman or Krill,
if you prefer the old name, took certain jewelry to
Pash for safe keeping shortly before his death. You present
it to Pasha paper undeniably written and signed by the
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old man saying that the jewelry was to be given
up to the bearer. Now before taking the jewelry to Pash,
Krill could not have written that paper. So you must
have seen him during the few hours which elapsed between
his visit to Pash and his death. This was clearly argued,
and Jessop could not contradict. I left him light, well
(11:00):
and hearty in the cellar in Gwynn Street. Yes, in
the cellar, admitted Jessop. At what time about half past eight?
Say between eight and nine? Well, what happened? Asked Hurd,
smoking quietly. The sailor twisted his big hands and groaned.
Then he laid his head on the table and began
(11:20):
the sob, talking brokingly and huskily. I'm done for he gasped.
I knowed it would come. No, I ain't sorry. I've
had a nightmare of a time, oh since I've pawned
that brooch. Ah, Then you did pawn the brooch it slowly.
Jessop sat up and wiped his eyes. Yes, I did.
(11:43):
But I pulled my cap down over my eyes and
buttoned up my pea jacket. I never thought, old tinker,
what had knowed me? Wasn't it rather rash of you
to pawn the brooch in a place where you were
well known. I wasn't well known. I only come at times.
Then I went away. Holl taker hadn't seen me more,
(12:04):
nor once or twice. Then I pulled down my cap. Jessop,
badly shaken, was beginning to tell the episode over again
when Hurd stopped him. See here, said the detective. You
say that you are innocent, I swear that I am,
gasped Jessop. Well, then I'll give you the benefit of
(12:25):
the doubt. My business is not to hang innocent people.
Take a glass o rum and tell me all you know,
beginning with your first meeting with Krill and running down
through the death of Lady Rachel to your last meeting
in the Gwynn Street cellar. And when you know all,
then I'll see what is to be done. Will you
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arrest me? I have arrested. You don't make conditions with me, man,
said Hurd with a stern face. The night is growing late,
and I want to get to the bottom of this
business before we go to bed. Take some rum. Seeing
that there was nothing for it but to make a
clean breast, Captain Jarviy Jessop wasted no further time in
(13:07):
useless lamentation. He could have smashed her easily enough, even
though there was the risk of being shot, but the
phrakus would bring others on the scene, and Jessup knew
he could not deal with the police. Therefore he took
a stiff peg and became quieter. In fact, when once
started on his confession, he appeared to be rather relieved.
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It's been a nightmare, said he, wiping his forehead. I'm
glad it's come to the law that I am. I
met Krill as he was then some twenty five years back,
by chance, as you may say. He cast a strange
look at the detective, which the latter noted, Yes, by chance,
mister Hurd, I found he'd kept the pub here an
(13:54):
this beIN no distance from Southampton. I took the running
down here when the bark he was at anchor. Me
and Krill became great mates, and I had what you
might call free quarters here. Yes, sir, it's a frozen fact.
Very generous of mister Krill, remarked her dryly, and wondering
what the man was keeping back. Oh he was right
(14:17):
enough as a mate when not drunk, but the liquor
made him a howling dog. I've seen many drunk in
many places, said Jessop, but any one who held his
liquor worse nor Krill I never did see. He'd knife
you as soon as look at you when drunk, but
he evidently preferred strangling. Hold on, mate, said Jessop, with
(14:39):
another deep pull at the rum I'm coming to. That night,
we was both on the bust, as you may say,
and missus Krill she didn't like it, so she got
to bed with a child. How old was the child, Maude?
Oh you might say she was thirteen or fifteen. I
can't be sure of her age. What's up for heard?
(15:02):
Seeing in the submission a confirmation that Maude was either
not Krill's child or was illegitimate, could not inherit the
money had showed his feelings. However, he made some trivial excuse,
not wishing to be too confidential, and begged Jessop to proceed. Well, mate,
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said the captain, filling another glass of rum. You see
the lady had come earlier and had been put to
bed by the missus. I never saw her myself beIN
drinking in this very room along with Krill, but he
saw her, added Jessup emphatically, and said, has she had
a fine opal brooch? Wish he wish he'd had? Has
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He wanted money, and the missus kept him tight. Krill
was a judge of Jules traveling jewels, once, said the captain,
Bless you, he could size up a precious stone in
no time. But he sat drinking with me, and every
now and then got out of the room when he'd
stop away for perhaps a quarter of an hour at
(16:07):
a time, Did he mention the opal brooch again? No,
said Jessop. After reflection, he didn't. But he got so
drunk that he began to show fight, as he always
did when boozy, though a timid chap when sober, I concluded,
wish he no row to get to my hammock and
cut up stairs. Then I went, by mistake into the
(16:31):
room of that poor lady, carrying a candle, and saw
her tied to the bedpost stone, dead, with a silk
handkerchief round her neck. I shouted out, blue murder, and
missus Krill with the kid, came tumbling down. I was
so feared, added Jessop, wiping his forehead at the recollection,
(16:52):
that I ran out of doors. What good would that do? Lord,
I don't know, confessed the man, shivering, But I was
scared out of my life. It was raining pitchforks, as
you might say, and I raced on through the rain
for an hour or so. Then I thought, as I
was innocent, i'd make tracks back, and I did. I
(17:14):
found Krill had cut. Did his wife tell you? Oh?
She was layin on the floor, insensible where he knocked
her down and the kid, Lord Jessop spat. She was
lying in the corner with her lips fastened together with
a brooch. What cried her? Starting to his feet the
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same as her, the same as Norman's was Jessup nodded
and drank some roan made me sick, it did. I
took the brooch away and slipped it into my pocket.
Then the kid said her father had fastened her lips
together and had knocked her mother flat when she interfered.
I brought missus Crill round, and then left her with
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the kid and walked off to Southampton. The least found
me there and I told them what I tell you?
Did you tell about the brooch? Well? No, I didn't
confess Jessop coolly, and as the kid and the mother
said nothing, I didn't see why I shouldn't keep it
wanting money, so I went to Stoley and pawned it,
(18:18):
then took a deep sea voyage for a year. When
I come back, all was over. Do you think Krill murdered?
The woman asked Hurd, passing over for the moment the
fact that Jessop had stolen the brooch? He said he didn't,
rejoined the man with emphasis. But I truly believe mister
as he did one of them times, when mad with
(18:39):
drink and out of the room, he wanted the brooch.
D'ye see though, why he should have lost the loot
by sealing the kid's mouth with it. I can't say,
when did you come across Krill again? Oh, said Jessop,
drawing his hand across his mouth. Twas this way, d'ye see,
I come round here lots and a swell come too,
(19:02):
A cold graxton, hay, said heard, pointing to the photograph. Yes,
that's him, said Jessop, staring. And I hated him just
with his eye glass at his steering ways. He loved
the kid now a groan fine gal as you know,
and come here often in June at the end of
it anyhow, he comes, and I hears him tell Missus Krill,
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who was always looking for her husband, that a one
eyed bookseller in wyn Street, dury Lane, had fainted when
he saw the very identical brooch showed him by another
cove be caught. I know. Did you wonder how the
brooch had left the pawn shop, asked heard, very attentive. No,
I didn't, snarl Jessop, who was growing cross. I knew
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Old Tinker's assistant had sold the brooch, and he didn't
ought to have done it, as I wanted it back.
Missus Crill asked me about the brooch and wanted it,
so I said I'd get it back. Tinker said, it
was gone, but wrote to the gent has bought it.
Mister Simon Becot of Wargrove and Essex, that was him.
(20:12):
But the Gent wouldn't give it back, so I suppose
he'd give it to his son. Well, then, when missus
Crill heard of the one eyed man fainting at sight
of a brooch, she knew twas her husband, as he
had one eye, she having knocked the other out when
he was sober. Did she go up and see him? Well,
(20:33):
said Jessop slowly. I don't rightly know what she did do,
but she went up. I don't think she saw Krill
at his shop, but she might have seen that Posh,
who was mister Hayes's lawyer, and a dirty little ape
of sorts he is, ah, said Hurd to himself. I
thought Posh knew about the women beforehand. No wonder he
(20:56):
stuck to them and gave poor miss Norman the go by.
He rubbed his hands and chuckled. Well, we'll see what
will come of the matter. Go on, Jessop, there ain't
much more to tell, grumbled the Captain. I heard of this,
and I wasn't meant to hear, but I thought i'd
go up and see if I could get money out
(21:16):
of Krill by sayin I'd tell about the murder of
lady Rachel. You are a scoundrel, said Hurd coolly. I
was hard up, apologized the captain. Or I wouldn't not me.
I'm straight enough when in cash. So I went up
in July on the sixth of July. If that was
the day of the murder. Yes, I went up and
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loafed round until it was dark, and then slipped through
that side passage at eight o'clock to see Krill. How
did you know where to find him? Well that hay
knew about the chap and said as he did business
in the cellar after eight. So Krill let me in,
thinking I suppose I was a customer. He'd been drinking
(22:01):
a little and was bold enough. But when I said as,
I'd say he killed lady Rachel, he swore he was
an innocent babe, and cried the drink dying out of
him the same as it died out of you lately,
said Hurd, smiling. Go slow, grunted the captain in a
surly tone. I ain't afraid now, as I ain't done nothing,
(22:24):
I said the Krill. I'd say nothing. If he'd give
me money, he wouldn't, but he said he placed a
lot of pawn things with Posh and I could have them.
Then he gave me a paper sayin I was to
have the things. And I went to push the next
morning and had trouble. But I heard, by chance again
Jessop cast a strange look at herd that Krill had
(22:47):
been murdered. So I didn't wait for the lawyer to
come back, but cut down the Southampton and went on
a short voyage. Then I come here and you nabbed me,
and Jessop finished his rum. That's all I know. Do
you swear you left Aaron Norman alive? Meaning Krill? I do.
He wasn't no use to be dead, and I made
(23:09):
him give me the jewels Posh had, d'ye see? But
who warned you of the death? When you were waiting?
Jessup seemed unwilling to speak, but when pressed burst out
twas a measly little kid with ragged clothes and a
dirty face. Tray, said hurd Hum. I wonder how he
(23:29):
knew of the murder before it got into the papers.
End of Chapter twenty
Chapter twenty of The Opal Serpent by Fergus Hume. This
librivo's recording is in the public domain part of the truth.
Captain Jessop ate as greedily as he drank strong waters
and did full justice to the curry, which was really excellent.
Herd did not broach any unpleasant topic immediately, as he
(00:23):
wished the man to enjoy his meal. If Jessop was guilty,
this dainty dinner would be the last of its kind
he would have for many a long day. Moreover, Heard
wished to learn more of the mariner's character and plied
him with questions, which the unsuspecting sailor answered amiably enough,
(00:45):
me and you might become mates, as it were, said Jessop,
extending his large hand again and again put it there. Well,
we'd want to know something more about one another to
become real mates, laughed Heard. Oh, you're a commercial traveler,
as you say, and I'm the captain of as fine
(01:05):
a barkie as ever sailed under Capricorn. Leastways I was
before I gave up deep sea voyages. You must miss
the ocean living in Stoley Inlet, it is admitted the mariner,
pulling out a dirty clay pipe. At the conclusion of
the meal an ocean. There ain't round bout for miles,
(01:28):
and I've got a shanty there. But live respectable, you
are able to with the stand by, hinted herd. Jessop
nodded and crammed the black tobacco, very strong and rank,
into the bowl of his pipe with a shaking hand.
It ain't much, he admitted, Folks beIN stingy. But if
I once more he struck the table hard, I can
(01:51):
get it. D'ye see, mister commercial, Yes I see, replied
Hurd coolly. Jessop was again growing cross, and the detective
had to be careful. He knew well enough that the
next morning, when sober, Jessop would not be so disposed
to talk. But being muzzy, he opened his heart freely. Still,
(02:13):
it was evident that a trifle more liquor would make
him Quarrelsome so heard proposed coffee, a proposition to which
the sailor graciously assented. Coffee, he observed, lighting his pipe
and filling the room with evil smelling smoke clears the head.
Not his mine wants clearing, mind you. But coffee ain't
(02:35):
bad when rum ain't to be had. You'll have more
rum later, hinted herd put it there, said Jessop, and
again the detective was forced to WinCE at the strong
grip of a horny hand. Miss Junk appeared in answer
to the tinkle of the bell and removed the food. Afterwards,
(02:56):
she brought in coffee, hot and strong and black, and
Jessup drank two cups, with the result that he became quieter.
Then the two men settled down for a pleasant conversation.
At least Jessop thought so, for he frequently expressed the
friendliest sentiments towards his host. Then Matilda appeared with a
(03:17):
bottle of rum, a kettle, and two glasses. When she departed,
heard intimated that he would not require her services again
that night. This he whispered to her at the door.
While Jessop was placing the kettle on the fire, and
before returning to his seat, he quietly turned the key
so he had the mariner entirely to himself, and got
(03:40):
the business at once while the kettle boiled. You have
known this place for years, I believe, said Hurd, taking
a chair opposite that of Jessop. Did you ever drop
across a man who used to live here, called Lemuel Krill.
The other man started, whatever makes you ask that? He
inquired in a hustle voice. Well, you see, as a
(04:02):
commercial I trade in books and had to do with
the second hand bookseller in gwyn Street, Drury Lane. It
seems that he was murdered, and he eyed Jessop attentively.
The sailor nodded and composed himself with a violent effort. Yes,
said he in a husky voice. So I heard. But
(04:23):
what's he got to do with Lemuel Krill, oh, said
Hurd carelessly. It is said erin Norman was Krill might
have been. I don't know myself, was a gruff reply. Ah,
then you did not know Lemuel Krill, well, admitted the
captain reluctantly. I did. He was the landlord of this
(04:43):
here pub and a cuss to drink. Lord how he
could drink and did so. But he run away from
his wife. Has used to keep this shanty, and she
never heard no more of him until she found he
was rich and could leave her five thousand a year,
said Hurd absently. So like a woman, you seem to
(05:04):
know all about it, mister, said the sailor uneasily, yes,
I read the papers a queer case thought of Norman's death.
I expect it was only right he should be strangled,
seeing he killed lady Rachel Sandal in the same way. Jessop,
resting his hands on the arms of his chair, pushed
it back and stared with a white face. You know
(05:26):
of that, he gasped. Why not? It was public talk
in this place over twenty years ago. I understand you
have been hereabouts for thirty years, went on heard carelessly.
Possibly you may recollect the case. Jessop wiped his forehead.
I heard something about it, that there was a lady
committed suicide. They say, I know what they say, but
(05:50):
I want to know what you say. I won't be
asked questions, shouted the captain angrily. Don't raise your voice,
said the detective smoothly. You may as well conduct this
conversation pleasantly. I don't converse no more, said Jessop in
a shaky voice, and staggered to his feet, rapidly, growing
sober under the influence of a deadly fear. Heard did
(06:14):
not move as the man crossed the room, but felt
if the key was safe in his pocket. The sailor
tried to open the door, and then realized that it
was locked. He turned on his host with a volley
of bad language and found himself facing a leveled revolver.
Sit down, said Heard, quietly. Go back to your chair, Jessop,
(06:36):
with staring eyes and outspread hands, back to the wall.
Who are you anyhow, he demanded, hardly able to speak.
Perhaps that will tell you, said Heard, and threw the
warrant on the table. Jessop staggered forward and looked at it.
One glance was sufficient to inform him what it was,
(06:57):
and he sank back into his chair with a groan,
leaving the warrant on the table. Heard picked it up
and slipped it into his pocket. He thought Jessop might
destroy it, but there was no fight in the Mariner.
And now that we understand one another, said Hurd, putting
away his weapon. I want to talk. Shan't talk, said
(07:18):
Jessop savagely. Oh yes, I think so. Otherwise I can
make things unpleasant for you. You can't arrest me. I've
done nothing that may be so. But arrest you I can,
and I have done so. Now tomorrow you will go
to London in charge of a plain clothes policeman while
I go to Stoley to my crib. No, I'm blessed
(07:42):
if you do. I shan't go immediately to your crib,
rejoined heurd dryly, though I may do so later. My
first visit will be to that old pawnbroker. I think
if I describe you, and you are rather a noticeable man,
Captain Jessop, he will recognize the individual who pawned an
opal serpent brooched with him shortly after the death of
(08:05):
Lady Rachel Sandal, to whom the said brooch belonged. It's
a lie, said Jessip, hoarsely and sober enough. Now quite so,
and perhaps it is also alie that a man resembling
yourself tried to get certain jewelry from a lawyer called Posh.
(08:25):
Jessop lost his self control which he was trying desperately
to preserve, and rose to his feet, white faced and haggard.
Who are you? He shouted? Who are you? Doesn't the
warrant tell you? Replied his companion, not at all upset.
My name is Billy Hurd. I am the detective in
charge of the Norman murder case, and I've been looking
(08:48):
for you for a long time. Mister Jessop, I know
nothing about it. Yes you do, so sit down and
talk away. I'll break your head, cried the captain, swinging
his huge fists. Try heard whipped out his revolver, but
did not rise at the risk of getting a bullet
through you, shaw man, don't be a fool. I'm making
(09:11):
things as easy for you as possible. Create a disturbance
and I'll hand you over to the police. A night
in the village lock up may cool your blood. Sit down,
I tell you. The sailor showed his teeth like those
of a starling dog and made as if to strike
the seated detective, but suddenly changing his mind, for he
(09:33):
saw well enough in what danger he stood. He dropped
into his chair, and, covering his face with his hands,
groaned aloud. Heard put away his revolver. That's better, he said, pleasantly,
take a tote of rum and tell me all you know.
I'm innocent, groaned Jessop. Every man is innocent until convicted
(09:56):
by a jury, said heard. Calmly, consider me a jury
and I'll size up your case when I hear all.
Are you innocent of both murders? Lady Rachel committed suicide?
Said Jessop, raising a haggard face. Yes, I stick to that, Sir,
has the Krill's death in London. I didn't touch him,
(10:16):
I swear I didn't. But you saw him on that night.
How can you prove that? Very simple? Norman or Krill,
if you prefer the old name, took certain jewelry to
Pash for safe keeping shortly before his death. You present
it to Pasha paper undeniably written and signed by the
(10:37):
old man saying that the jewelry was to be given
up to the bearer. Now before taking the jewelry to Pash,
Krill could not have written that paper. So you must
have seen him during the few hours which elapsed between
his visit to Pash and his death. This was clearly argued,
and Jessop could not contradict. I left him light, well
(11:00):
and hearty in the cellar in Gwynn Street. Yes, in
the cellar, admitted Jessop. At what time about half past eight?
Say between eight and nine? Well, what happened? Asked Hurd,
smoking quietly. The sailor twisted his big hands and groaned.
Then he laid his head on the table and began
(11:20):
the sob, talking brokingly and huskily. I'm done for he gasped.
I knowed it would come. No, I ain't sorry. I've
had a nightmare of a time, oh since I've pawned
that brooch. Ah, Then you did pawn the brooch it slowly.
Jessop sat up and wiped his eyes. Yes, I did.
(11:43):
But I pulled my cap down over my eyes and
buttoned up my pea jacket. I never thought, old tinker,
what had knowed me? Wasn't it rather rash of you
to pawn the brooch in a place where you were
well known. I wasn't well known. I only come at times.
Then I went away. Holl taker hadn't seen me more,
(12:04):
nor once or twice. Then I pulled down my cap. Jessop,
badly shaken, was beginning to tell the episode over again
when Hurd stopped him. See here, said the detective. You
say that you are innocent, I swear that I am,
gasped Jessop. Well, then I'll give you the benefit of
(12:25):
the doubt. My business is not to hang innocent people.
Take a glass o rum and tell me all you know,
beginning with your first meeting with Krill and running down
through the death of Lady Rachel to your last meeting
in the Gwynn Street cellar. And when you know all,
then I'll see what is to be done. Will you
(12:46):
arrest me? I have arrested. You don't make conditions with me, man,
said Hurd with a stern face. The night is growing late,
and I want to get to the bottom of this
business before we go to bed. Take some rum. Seeing
that there was nothing for it but to make a
clean breast, Captain Jarviy Jessop wasted no further time in
(13:07):
useless lamentation. He could have smashed her easily enough, even
though there was the risk of being shot, but the
phrakus would bring others on the scene, and Jessup knew
he could not deal with the police. Therefore he took
a stiff peg and became quieter. In fact, when once
started on his confession, he appeared to be rather relieved.
(13:32):
It's been a nightmare, said he, wiping his forehead. I'm
glad it's come to the law that I am. I
met Krill as he was then some twenty five years back,
by chance, as you may say. He cast a strange
look at the detective, which the latter noted, Yes, by chance,
mister Hurd, I found he'd kept the pub here an
(13:54):
this beIN no distance from Southampton. I took the running
down here when the bark he was at anchor. Me
and Krill became great mates, and I had what you
might call free quarters here. Yes, sir, it's a frozen fact.
Very generous of mister Krill, remarked her dryly, and wondering
what the man was keeping back. Oh he was right
(14:17):
enough as a mate when not drunk, but the liquor
made him a howling dog. I've seen many drunk in
many places, said Jessop, but any one who held his
liquor worse nor Krill I never did see. He'd knife
you as soon as look at you when drunk, but
he evidently preferred strangling. Hold on, mate, said Jessop, with
(14:39):
another deep pull at the rum I'm coming to. That night,
we was both on the bust, as you may say,
and missus Krill she didn't like it, so she got
to bed with a child. How old was the child, Maude?
Oh you might say she was thirteen or fifteen. I
can't be sure of her age. What's up for heard?
(15:02):
Seeing in the submission a confirmation that Maude was either
not Krill's child or was illegitimate, could not inherit the
money had showed his feelings. However, he made some trivial excuse,
not wishing to be too confidential, and begged Jessop to proceed. Well, mate,
(15:23):
said the captain, filling another glass of rum. You see
the lady had come earlier and had been put to
bed by the missus. I never saw her myself beIN
drinking in this very room along with Krill, but he
saw her, added Jessup emphatically, and said, has she had
a fine opal brooch? Wish he wish he'd had? Has
(15:46):
He wanted money, and the missus kept him tight. Krill
was a judge of Jules traveling jewels, once, said the captain,
Bless you, he could size up a precious stone in
no time. But he sat drinking with me, and every
now and then got out of the room when he'd
stop away for perhaps a quarter of an hour at
(16:07):
a time, Did he mention the opal brooch again? No,
said Jessop. After reflection, he didn't. But he got so
drunk that he began to show fight, as he always
did when boozy, though a timid chap when sober, I concluded,
wish he no row to get to my hammock and
cut up stairs. Then I went, by mistake into the
(16:31):
room of that poor lady, carrying a candle, and saw
her tied to the bedpost stone, dead, with a silk
handkerchief round her neck. I shouted out, blue murder, and
missus Krill with the kid, came tumbling down. I was
so feared, added Jessop, wiping his forehead at the recollection,
(16:52):
that I ran out of doors. What good would that do? Lord,
I don't know, confessed the man, shivering, But I was
scared out of my life. It was raining pitchforks, as
you might say, and I raced on through the rain
for an hour or so. Then I thought, as I
was innocent, i'd make tracks back, and I did. I
(17:14):
found Krill had cut. Did his wife tell you? Oh?
She was layin on the floor, insensible where he knocked
her down and the kid, Lord Jessop spat. She was
lying in the corner with her lips fastened together with
a brooch. What cried her? Starting to his feet the
(17:34):
same as her, the same as Norman's was Jessup nodded
and drank some roan made me sick, it did. I
took the brooch away and slipped it into my pocket.
Then the kid said her father had fastened her lips
together and had knocked her mother flat when she interfered.
I brought missus Crill round, and then left her with
(17:56):
the kid and walked off to Southampton. The least found
me there and I told them what I tell you?
Did you tell about the brooch? Well? No, I didn't
confess Jessop coolly, and as the kid and the mother
said nothing, I didn't see why I shouldn't keep it
wanting money, so I went to Stoley and pawned it,
(18:18):
then took a deep sea voyage for a year. When
I come back, all was over. Do you think Krill murdered?
The woman asked Hurd, passing over for the moment the
fact that Jessop had stolen the brooch? He said he didn't,
rejoined the man with emphasis. But I truly believe mister
as he did one of them times, when mad with
(18:39):
drink and out of the room, he wanted the brooch.
D'ye see though, why he should have lost the loot
by sealing the kid's mouth with it. I can't say,
when did you come across Krill again? Oh, said Jessop,
drawing his hand across his mouth. Twas this way, d'ye see,
I come round here lots and a swell come too,
(19:02):
A cold graxton, hay, said heard, pointing to the photograph. Yes,
that's him, said Jessop, staring. And I hated him just
with his eye glass at his steering ways. He loved
the kid now a groan fine gal as you know,
and come here often in June at the end of
it anyhow, he comes, and I hears him tell Missus Krill,
(19:26):
who was always looking for her husband, that a one
eyed bookseller in wyn Street, dury Lane, had fainted when
he saw the very identical brooch showed him by another
cove be caught. I know. Did you wonder how the
brooch had left the pawn shop, asked heard, very attentive. No,
I didn't, snarl Jessop, who was growing cross. I knew
(19:49):
Old Tinker's assistant had sold the brooch, and he didn't
ought to have done it, as I wanted it back.
Missus Crill asked me about the brooch and wanted it,
so I said I'd get it back. Tinker said, it
was gone, but wrote to the gent has bought it.
Mister Simon Becot of Wargrove and Essex, that was him.
(20:12):
But the Gent wouldn't give it back, so I suppose
he'd give it to his son. Well, then, when missus
Crill heard of the one eyed man fainting at sight
of a brooch, she knew twas her husband, as he
had one eye, she having knocked the other out when
he was sober. Did she go up and see him? Well,
(20:33):
said Jessop slowly. I don't rightly know what she did do,
but she went up. I don't think she saw Krill
at his shop, but she might have seen that Posh,
who was mister Hayes's lawyer, and a dirty little ape
of sorts he is, ah, said Hurd to himself. I
thought Posh knew about the women beforehand. No wonder he
(20:56):
stuck to them and gave poor miss Norman the go by.
He rubbed his hands and chuckled. Well, we'll see what
will come of the matter. Go on, Jessop, there ain't
much more to tell, grumbled the Captain. I heard of this,
and I wasn't meant to hear, but I thought i'd
go up and see if I could get money out
(21:16):
of Krill by sayin I'd tell about the murder of
lady Rachel. You are a scoundrel, said Hurd coolly. I
was hard up, apologized the captain. Or I wouldn't not me.
I'm straight enough when in cash. So I went up
in July on the sixth of July. If that was
the day of the murder. Yes, I went up and
(21:38):
loafed round until it was dark, and then slipped through
that side passage at eight o'clock to see Krill. How
did you know where to find him? Well that hay
knew about the chap and said as he did business
in the cellar after eight. So Krill let me in,
thinking I suppose I was a customer. He'd been drinking
(22:01):
a little and was bold enough. But when I said as,
I'd say he killed lady Rachel, he swore he was
an innocent babe, and cried the drink dying out of
him the same as it died out of you lately,
said Hurd, smiling. Go slow, grunted the captain in a
surly tone. I ain't afraid now, as I ain't done nothing,
(22:24):
I said the Krill. I'd say nothing. If he'd give
me money, he wouldn't, but he said he placed a
lot of pawn things with Posh and I could have them.
Then he gave me a paper sayin I was to
have the things. And I went to push the next
morning and had trouble. But I heard, by chance again
Jessop cast a strange look at herd that Krill had
(22:47):
been murdered. So I didn't wait for the lawyer to
come back, but cut down the Southampton and went on
a short voyage. Then I come here and you nabbed me,
and Jessop finished his rum. That's all I know. Do
you swear you left Aaron Norman alive? Meaning Krill? I do.
He wasn't no use to be dead, and I made
(23:09):
him give me the jewels Posh had, d'ye see? But
who warned you of the death? When you were waiting?
Jessup seemed unwilling to speak, but when pressed burst out
twas a measly little kid with ragged clothes and a
dirty face. Tray, said hurd Hum. I wonder how he
(23:29):
knew of the murder before it got into the papers.
End of Chapter twenty
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