Chapter 3 of the valley of fear by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.
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Chapter 3, The Tragedy of Bill Stone.
Now, for a moment, I will ask leave to remove my own
insignificant personality and to describe events which occurred
before we arrived upon the scene by the light of knowledge which
came to us afterwards only in this way.
Can I make the reader appreciate the people concerned and the
strange setting in which their fate was cast?
The verge of birlstone is a small and very ancient cluster
of half-timbered cottages on the northern border of the county of
Sussex for centuries. It had remained unchanged, but
within the last few years, it's picturesque appearance and
situation have attracted a number of well-to-do residents
whose Villas peep out from the woods around.
These Woods are locally supposed to be the extreme Fringe Of The
Great wield Forest which thins away until it reaches the
northern chalk down. A number of small shops have
come into being to meet the wants of the increased
population so the seems some prospect that birlstone may soon
grow from an ancient Village into a modern Town.
It is the center for a considerable area of country
since Tunbridge Wells the nearest place of importance is
10 or 12 miles to the Eastward. Over the borders of Kent about
half a mile from the town standing in an old park famous
for its huge Beech. Trees is the ancient Manor House
of birlstone, part of this venerable building dates back to
the time of the First Crusade. When Hugo de couples built, a
fort Elise in the center of the estate, which had been granted
to him by the Red King, this was destroyed by fire in 1543 and
some of its smoke blackened Corner Stones were used when in
Jacobi and times a brick Country House Rose upon the ruins of the
feudal Castle. The manor house with its many
Gables. It's small, diamond paned.
Windows was still much as the Builder had left it in the early
17th century of the double moats which had guarded, its more
warlike predecessor. The outer had been allowed to
dry up and serve the humble function of a kitchen Garden.
The inner one was still there and lay 40 feet in breadth
though. Now only a few feet in depth
around the whole house, a small stream fed it and continued
Beyond it. So that the sheet of water
though. Turbot was never ditch like or
unhealthy, the ground-floor windows were within a foot of
the surface of the water. The only approach to the house
was over a drawbridge, the chains and windlass of, which,
had long been rusted and broken, the latest tenants of the manor
house, had however, with characteristic energy set this,
right? And the drawbridge was not only
capable of being raised, but actually was raised every
evening and lowered Every Morning by thus renewing, the
custom of the old feudal days. The manor house was converted
into an island during the night, a fact, which had very direct
bearing upon the mystery which Soon to engage the attention of
all England. The house have been untenanted
for some years and was threatening to mold her into a
picture SDK. When the douglases took
possession of it, this family consisted of only two
individuals, John Douglas and his wife.
Douglas was a remarkable man, both in character.
And in person in age, you may have been about 50 with a
strong-jawed rugged face, a grizzling mustache A peculiarly
keen gray eyes, and a wiry vigorous figure which had lost
nothing of the strength and activity of Youth.
He was cheery and genial to all, but somewhat off hand in his
manners. Giving the impression that he
had seen life in Social strata on some Far, lower Horizon than
the county Society of Sussex yet though.
Looked at with some curiosity and reserved by his more,
cultivated neighbors. He soon, acquired a great
popularity Rarity among the villagers subscribing.
Handsomely to all local objects and attending their smoking
concerts and other functions. We're having a remarkably Rich
tenor voice. He was always ready to oblige
with an excellent song. He appeared to have plenty of
money which was said to have been gained in the California
Gold fields and it was clear from his own torque and that of
his wife that he had spent a part of his life in America.
The good impression, which have been produced by his generosity,
and by his Democratic manners, was increased by a reputation
gained for utter, indifference to Danger though our wretched
Rider, he turned out at every meet and took the most amazing
Falls in his determination to hold his own with the best when
the vicarage caught fire. He distinguished himself.
Also, by the fearlessness with which he re-entered the building
to save property, after the local fire brigade, had given it
up as him. Possible.
Thus it came about that John, Douglas of the manor house had
within five years. One himself quite a reputation.
In birlstone, his wife to was popular with those who had made
her acquaintance though. After the English fashion.
The caller's Upon A Stranger who settled in the county without
introductions were few and far between this mattered.
The Lester her. She was retiring by disposition
and very much absorbed to all appearance in her husband and
her Domestic duties. It was known that she was an
English lady who had met mr. Douglas in London he being at
the time a widower she was a beautiful woman tall dark and
slender some 20 years younger than her husband a disparity
which seemed in no wise to Mar the contentment of their family
life. It was remarked sometimes,
however, by those who knew them, best that the confidence between
the two did not appear to be complete since the wife was
either very reticent about her husband's past life or else as
seemed more likely was imperfect.
The informed about it. It had also been noted and
commented upon by a few observant people.
There were signs sometimes of some nerve strain upon the part
of mrs. Douglas And that she would
display a cute uneasiness. If her absent husband should
ever be particularly late in his return.
On a quiet Countryside. Where all gossip is, welcome.
This weakness of the, lady of the manor house did not pass
without remark, and it bulked large du pain people's memory
when the events arose, which gave it a very special
significance. There was yet another individual
whose residents under that roof was, it is true only an
intermittent one, but whose Presence at the time of the
strange happenings, which will now be narrated brought his name
prominently before the Flick. This was Cecil James.
Barker of Hales Lodge Hampstead. Cecil Barker has told,
loose-jointed figure was a familiar one in the main street
of birlstone village for he was a frequent and welcome visitor
at the manor house. He was the more noticed as being
the only friend of the past unknown life of mr.
Douglas who has ever seen in his new English surroundings, Barker
was himself an undoubted Englishmen.
But by his remarks, it was clear that he had first known, Douglas
in America and had their lived on, intimate terms with him.
He appeared to be a man of considerable wealth and was
reputed to be a bachelor in age. He was rather younger than
Douglas. 45 at the most a tall straight broad-chested fellow
with a clean shaved Prizefighter face thick strong black eyebrows
and a pair of masterful black eyes, which might even without
the aid of his very capable hands.
Clear away for him through a hostile crowd.
He neither Road nor shot but spent his days in wandering
around the old village with his pipe, in his mouth, or in
driving with his host or in his Absence with his Hostess over
the beautiful countryside, an easygoing free-handed gentleman
said aims the butler, but my word I had rather not be the man
that crossed him. He was cordial and intimate with
Douglas and he was no less friendly with his wife, a
friendship, which more than once seemed to cause some irritation
to the husband so that even the servants were able to perceive
his annoyance. Such was the third person who is
one of the family, when the catastrophe occurred.
As to the other denizens of the old building, it will suffice
out of a large household to mention the prim respectable,
and capable aims and mrs. Allan a buxom and cheerful
person who relieved, the lady of some of her household cares.
The other six servants in the house bear.
No. Relation to the events of the
night of January 6. It was at 11:45 that the first
alarm reached the small local police station in charge.
Sergeant Wilson of the Sussex. Constabulary Cecil Barker much
excited. Had rushed up to the door and
peeled furiously upon the Bell. A terrible tragedy had occurred
at the manor house and John Douglas had been murdered.
That was the breathless burden of his message.
He had hurried back to the house followed within a few minutes by
the police, Sergeant who arrived at the scene of the crime, a
little after 12:00, after taking Prompt steps to warn the county
authorities that something serious was a foot on reaching
the manor-house. The sergeant had found a
drawbridge down the windows lighted up and the whole
household in a state of wild confusion and alarm the
white-faced servants were huddling together in the hall
with the frightened Butler. Wringing his hands in the
doorway. Only Cecil Barker seemed to be
master of himself and his emotions he had opened the door,
which was nearest to the entrance and he had beckoned to
the sergeant to follow him at that moment there.
Arrived doctor would a Brisk and capable general practitioner
from the village. The three men entered the Fatal
room together. While the horror-stricken butler
followed at their heels closing, the door behind him to shut out
the terrible scene from the maid servants.
The dead man lay on his back sprawling with outstretched,
limbs in the center of the room, he was clad only in a pink
dressing-gown, which covered his nightclothes.
There were carpet slippers on his bare feet.
The doctor knelt beside him and held down the hand lamp, which
had stood on the table. One glance at the victim, was
enough to show the Healer that his presence could be dispensed
with The man had been horribly injured lying across his chest,
was a curious weapon, a shotgun with the barrel sawed off a foot
in front of the triggers, it was clear that this had been fired
at close range and that he had received the whole charge in the
face. Blowing his head almost two
pieces. The triggers have been wired
together. So as to make the simultaneous
discharge more destructive, The country policemen were unnerved
and troubled by the tremendous responsibility, which had come
so suddenly upon them. We will touch nothing until my
superiors arrived. He said, in a hushed, voice
staring in horror at the Dreadful head.
Nothing has been touched up to now, said Cecil Barker, I'll
answer for that. You see it all exactly as I
found it. When was that the sergeant had
drawn out his notebook? It was just 11:30.
I had not begun to undress and I was sitting by the fire in my
bedroom when I heard the report, it was not very loud.
It I'm to be muffled. I Rush down.
I don't suppose it was 30 seconds before I was in the
room. Was the door open?
Yes, it was open, poor. Douglas was lying.
As you see him, his bedroom candle was burning on the table.
It was, I Who lit the lamp? Some minutes, afterward, did you
see no one? No, I heard mrs.
Douglas coming down the stairs behind me and I rushed out to
prevent her from seeing this Dreadful.
All site, mrs. Allen, the housekeeper came and
took her away. Ames had arrived and we ran back
into the room once more. But surely a Harvard.
The drawbridge has kept up all night.
Yes, it was up until I lowered it.
Then how could any murderer of got away?
It is out of the question. Mr. Douglas must have shot
himself. That was our first idea but see
Barker Drew aside the curtain and showed that the long Diamond
pained window was open to its full extent.
And look at this, he held the lamp down and illuminated a
smudge of blood like the mark of a boot sole upon the windowsill
Someone has stood there and getting out.
You may know someone waded across the moat.
Exactly. Then if you were in the room
with in half, minute of the crime, he must have been in the
water at that very moment. I have not a doubt of it.
I wish to Heaven that I had rushed to the window, but the
curtain screened it as you can see.
And so it never occurred to me, then I heard the step of mrs.
Douglas. And I could not let her enter
the room. It would have been too horrible.
Horrible enough said the doctor looking at the shattered head
and a terrible marks, which surrounded it.
I've never seen such injuries since the bull Stone Railway.
Smash But I say remark the police Sergeant, who slow
bucolic? Common Sense was still pondering
the open window. It's all very well.
You saying that a man escaped by wading this moat but why ask you
is, how did he ever get into the house at all?
If the bridge was up. That's the question.
Said, Barker water clock. Was it raised?
It was nearly 6:00 said aims to Butler.
I've ever heard said the sergeant, but it was usually
raised at Sunset that will be near our past for than six at
this time of year. Mrs. Douglas had visitors to T
said Ames, I couldn't raise it until they went, then I wound it
up myself. Then it comes to this said, the
sergeant if anyone came from outside.
If they did, they must have gotten across the bridge before
6:00 and been in the are doing ever since until mr.
Douglas came into the room after 11:00.
That is so, mr. Douglas, went around the house
every night. The last thing before he turned
into, see that the lights were right.
That brought him in here, the man was waiting and shot him.
Then he got away through the window and left his gun behind
him. That's how I read it for nothing
else, will fit the facts. The sergeant picked up a card,
which lay beside the dead man on the floor.
The initials v v and under them. The number 341 were rudely
scrawled in ink upon it, What's this?
He asked holding it up bark. I looked at it with curiosity.
I never noticed it before. He said the murderer must have
left it behind him. V v 341 Long, make no sense of
that. Sergeant kept turning it over in
his big fingers. What's VV?
Somebody's initials, maybe what have you got there, dr.
Wood, it was a good-sized hammer which had been lying on the rug
in front of the fireplace. A substantial.
Workman like Hammer, Cecil Barker pointed to a box of brass
headed Nails upon the mantelpiece mr.
Douglas was altering the pictures yesterday.
He said, I saw him myself standing upon that.
Chair and fixing the big picture above it, that accounts for the
hammer. We'd best put it back on the rug
where we found. It said the sergeant scratching
his puzzled head in his perplexity.
You will want the best brains in the force to get to the bottom
of this thing. You'll be London job before it's
finished. You raise the hand lamp and
walked slowly round, the room. Hello!
He cried excitedly. Drawing the window-curtain to
one side. What a clock were these curtains
drawn? When the lamps were lit, said
the butler, you will be shortly after for someone have been
hiding here. Sure enough.
He held down the light and the marks of muddy boots were, very
visible in the corner. I'm bound to say this Bears out.
Your theory mr. Barker, it looks as if the man
got into the house after for when the curtains were drawn.
And before 6:00, when the bridge was raised, he slipped into his
room because it was the first that he saw.
It was no other place where he could hide.
So he popped in behind this curtain bad.
All seems clear enough. It is likely that his main idea
was to burghley house, but mr. Douglas chance to come upon him,
so he murdered him and escaped. That's how I read.
It said, Barker, but I say, aren't we?
Wasting precious time. Couldn't we start out and Scout
the country before the fellow gets away?
Sergeant considered for a moment.
There are now trains before 6:00 in the morning, so he can't get
away by rail. If he goes by road with his
legs, all dripping, it's odds that someone will notice him
anyhow. I can't leave here myself until
I'm relieved, but I think none of you should go and till we see
more, clearly how we all stand The doctor had taken the lamp
and was narrowly scrutinizing, the body.
What's this Mark? He asked, could this have any
connection with the crime? The Dead Man's, right?
Arm was thrust out from his dressing gown and exposed as
high. As the elbow about halfway up.
The forearm was a curious Brown design.
A triangle inside a circle standing out in Vivid relief
upon the large colored skin. It's not tattooed said the
doctor peering through his glasses.
I never saw anything like it. The man has been branded at some
time, as they brand cattle. What is the meaning of this?
I don't profess to know the meaning of it said, Cecil Barker
but I have seen the mark on Douglas, many times this last 10
years and so have I said the butler many a time when the
master has rolled up his sleeves, I have noticed that
very mock. I've often wondered what it
could be. Then it has nothing to do with
the crime. Anyhow said to Sergeant, but
it's a rum thing. All the same, everything about
this case is rum. Well, what is it?
Now, the Butler had given an exclamation of astonishment and
was pointing at the Dead Man's outstretched hand.
They've taken his wedding ring. He gasped what?
Yes indeed Master always wore his playing gold wedding ring on
the little finger of his left hand that ring with the saw
nugget on, it was above it and a twisted snake ring on the third
finger, there's the Nugget and there's a snake that the wedding
ring is gone. He's right, said, Barker do you
tell me said the sergeant at the wedding ring was below the other
always Then the murderer or whoever it was.
First took off this ring, you call the Nugget ring then the
wedding ring and afterwards put the Nugget ring back again.
That is so the worthy country policeman shook his head.
Seems to me the sooner we get London on to this case.
The bear said he white Mason is a smart man.
No. Local job has ever been too much
for white Mason. It won't be long now before he's
here too. Help us, but I expect we'll have
to look to London before. We're through anyhow.
I'm not ashamed to say that is a deal too.
Thick for the likes of me. End of chapter 3.