This Etext is for private use only. No republication for profit in print or other media may be made without the express consent of the Copyright Holder. The Copyright Holder is especially concerned about performance rights in any media on stage, cinema, or television, or audio or any other media, including readings for which an entrance fee or the like is charge. Permissions should be addressed to: Frank Morlock, 6006 Greenbelt Rd, #312, Greenbelt, MD 20770, USA or frankmorlock@msn.com. Other works by this author may be found at http://www.cadytech.com/dumas/personnage.asp?key=130
CHARACTERS Jack Clinton, a painter Dr. Gerald Manly Evelyn Manly, his sister Nellie Ashford, a widow Inspector Murray of Scotland Yard Dr. McKay, a forensic pathologist Sherlock Holmes Dr. Watson Mrs. Norton
Watson
Well, he'll be all right, I think. Nervous shock, a frail
disposition, but I think, Gerald, there is no danger.
Gerald
That's my opinion, too, Dr. Watson, but since Clinton is my future
brother-in-law, I thought it behooved me to get a second opinion. We
aren't colleagues for nothing.
Watson
What an extraordinary occurrence, Gerald. I am not at all
surprised at his reaction. I dare say I would have had a heart attack.
Gerald
What! After all your adventures with Sherlock Holmes. You must
have the nerves of a mountain lion.
Watson
Yes, but I've been prepared for my adventures beforehand. I've
never had a dead body drop through a skylight in the middle of a
horrendous thunder storm.
Gerald
Yes, a most hair raising event—still—poor Clinton was not
exactly a model of fortitude.
Watson
You say he's an artist?
Gerald
Yes. Pretty good, if I am any judge. And he actually makes a
living from it.
(Enter Evelyn, a lovely young woman in her early twenties.)
Evelyn
Ah, Gerald, dear. And Dr. Watson. How is he?
Gerald
Dr. Watson has confirmed my diagnosis—nervous shock, nothing
more. In a month your fiancé will be fit as a fiddle.
Evelyn (looking fondly at Clinton)
Thank you for coming, Dr. Watson.
Watson
I could hardly do less, after all, Dr. Manly is an old friend.
Evelyn
I just don't see why a burglar would pick Gerald's studio to
burglarize.
Watson
There's no predicting what criminals will do.
Evelyn
Well, falling through the skylight served him perfectly right.
But, good God, it nearly killed Jack.
Watson
Well, rest is the best thing for him. Don't worry, he'll pull out
of it.
Gerald
I think your opinion goes a long way to reassuring my sister.
Evelyn doesn't believe me. I'm only her brother, doctor or not.
Evelyn
Oh, Gerald, you know I think you're the very best doctor there is.
Gerald
Anyway, Watson, let's leave the nurse to her patient.
Watson
Frankly, with such a pretty nurse, I should contrive to remain
sick, if I were Clinton.
Gerald (ushering Watson out)
Come along, Dr. Watson. I'm interested in hearing some account of
your friend Mr. Holmes.
Watson
I haven't been to see Holmes lately—
(Watson and Gerald exit. Evelyn goes about the room, opens the
window, plumps the pillows for Clinton. Voice of newspaper hawker
outside can be heard.)
Voice
Well known resident of Finchly Road lost in channel. Body not
found. Read all about it. (fading) Well known resident—lost at sea—
Jack (starting up)
What was that?
Evelyn (alarmed)
Please keep calm, Jack dear.
Jack
"Body"? I'm sure I made out "body".
Evelyn
Lie down at once and be still, you bad boy.
Jack
Please tell me what's going on, Evelyn. Is it about the other
night?
Evelyn
Heaven's no. That's old hat by now. No—the latest sensation is
that a man was washed overboard apparently—and it wasn't discovered
until the boat reached Ostend.
Jack
Oh—who was it?
Evelyn
Robert Ashfield. Gerald knows him. Now, be still and try not to
get excited. I've got the paper already.
Jack
I knew Ashfield, too.
Evelyn
How?
Jack
I painted his wife's portrait.
Evelyn (taking up a newspaper and reading)
"A cablegram from Ostend was received at Dover early this morning
announcing that on arrival of the mail boat, one of the passengers was
found to be missing. There can be little doubt that the missing man
was Robert Ashfield, of Leadenhall, and Coombs Hall, Finchly Road, the
owner of considerable tea plantations in Ceylon and widely known in
the city." It's a very sad thing, isn't it?
Jack
Yes. I believe I did his wife's portrait a year or so ago. An
extraordinary woman. A real beauty.
Gerald (reentering)
Ah—our patient is up.
Evelyn
The newsboys have been seriously disturbing poor Jack.
Gerald
Something astonishing has come to light.
Evelyn
What is it?
Gerald
The body that came through the skylight has been identified.
Jack
What? Who was it?
Gerald
That's the amazing thing.
Evelyn
What's amazing about it?
Gerald
The body has been identified as belonging to Robert Ashfield—who
was washed off the Dover boat.
Jack
But, that can't be possible.
Gerald
Of course, it can't be possible. It's a case of mistaken identity,
I'm sure.
Jack
What a strange coincidence.
Gerald
Jack will have to be present at the inquest—more's the
pity. He's not so ill as to have an excuse for not appearing.
Evelyn
Gerald, I'm frightened.
Gerald
Don't be absurd. There's no danger.
(There is a knock on the door. Gerald goes out and returns with
Inspector Murray and Dr. McKay.)
Gerald
I will permit you to question him, but try not to get him too
excited.
Murray
Certainly, Dr. Manly, certainly.
Gerald (to Clinton)
John, Inspector Murray and Dr. McKay would like to ask you a few
questions. Are you up to it?
Jack
I'll do my best.
Murray
Good afternoon, ma'am.
Evelyn
Good afternoon.
Gerald
My sister Evelyn, and Mr. Clinton's fiancée.
Murray
Pleased to meet you, ma'am. Not to waste your time, sir, could we
begin? You are a painter, I believe?
Jack
Yes, sir. An artist. Portrait painter, to be exact.
Murray
You're thirty years old?
Jack
Yes, sir.
Murray
And how long have you occupied the studio?
Jack
Oh, about two years.
McKay Can you describe it for us?
Jack
It's an old building set back from the road. I can't say how old.
It's ideal for an artist. The models' retiring room is curtained off.
The top light over it is in the center of the roof—about six feet by
four, and divided into separate panels.
McKay
Can the skylight be opened?
Jack
I believe it can, but I have never done so.
Murray
How far is it from the floor to the skylight?
Jack
About twenty-five feet, I believe. There are two doors to the
studio. The main entry opens on a vestibule. The vestibule, in turn,
opens into the body of the studio. There is an entry in the back which
opens directly into the models' room.
Murray
Were both doors locked during your absence?
Jack
Certainly. I came in through the front door—and I had both the
ordinary key and the latch key.
Murray
Can you say positively that duplicates of these keys have never
existed?
Jack
I can't quite go that far. I've never seen a duplicate and never
had any made.
Murray
The back door opens with the same keys?
Jack
No. The back door is opened with a separate key. The door is
always locked from the inside. I never use it myself.
Murray
Where is that key now?
Jack
In the lock, I suppose.
Murray
Are you sure you did not take it away with you?
Jack
Possible, but I don't think so.
Murray
How long had you been absent?
Jack
I left town on Tuesday a week ago.
Murray
It was known to your friends that you would be absent for several
months?
Jack
They knew I would be gone a considerable period of time, yes.
Gerald
I told Clinton that he needed a rest. He's over-strained. He was
to spend the summer in France.
Murray
What caused your unexpected return?
Jack
I got a cable about some important business, so I came back. It
was late—a terrible crossing because of the weather—and I went
straight to bed.
Murray
Where do you sleep?
Jack
Directly off the vestibule. I didn't go into the rest of the
studio.
Murray
Did you fall asleep?
Jack
Yes. About one o'clock in the morning, I heard this tremendous
crash and shattering glass. I got up to see what damage had been done,
and I found this body in debris under a lot of glass.
Murray
Did you know the man?
Jack
No—he certainly didn't look familiar. When I perceived that life
was extinct, I must have fainted. Then I recovered and must have gone
for the police.
Murray
You say "must have gone." Do you mean to suggest somebody else may
have gone?
Jack
No. It comes back to me that I did speak to a policeman.
Murray (in a kindly manner)
It would help if you were a little more definite. Try to recall
the exact course of events.
Jack
I fear I cannot. I was very exhausted from traveling. I did not
even know at the time that I had hurt myself—and I was quite
surprised the next morning to find my hands and feet were so severely
cut.
Murray
Were your feet unprotected?
Jack
I believe I had slippers on.
Murray (pulling slippers from under his coat)
These?
Jack
Yes. The soles are cut through.
McKay
How is it you are able to state with certainty you were roused at
one in the morning?
Jack
I really had no idea at the time. I deduced it from what I learned
since.
Murray
Please try to be more careful. That sort of thing confuses the
issue.
Jack
I'm sorry. I'm just trying to do my best.
Gerald
Really, Inspector—you can hardly expect a person in his condition
to answer with absolute precision.
Murray (drily)
Quite so, Dr. Manly. (pause) You have a man who acts as a
caretaker?
Jack
Yes. His name is Elias.
Murray
What sort of company does he keep?
Jack
Really, I can't say. He is sober and reliable. He is a Methodist.
I believe his intelligence is somewhat limited.
Murray (sharply, probably a Methodist himself)
I see no necessary connection between your last two remarks.
(Gerald guffaws and receives a savage look from the Inspector.)
Jack
I did not intend to suggest any.
Murray (not quite mollified)
Indeed! Well, if Elias had bad acquaintances, he might have
communicated your absence to them, might he not?
Jack
I suppose it possible—but I don't think he has bad acquaintances.
Murray
Let me say, Mr. Clinton, that this case presents certain
difficulties. The deceased was found lying across a chair. His head
hung down and rested against the floor. You were brought back to the
house by a constable. You had a coat, but no socks on. Your boots were
not laced. The slippers were found in the bathroom—with fragments of
glass, wet with blood. Your hands and feet were badly cut.— As for
the deceased, his clothes were sopping wet. His face and head badly
cut. There was no name on his watch. He had eleven pounds and some
silver in his pockets. He had several handkerchiefs marked with the
monogram "A". The deceased also wore an overcoat, but the maker's name
was not on it. The frock-coat had, however, the maker's name intact.—
As far as the room itself was concerned it was undisturbed— Except
that the key to the back door was not in the lock or anywhere to be
found.— We were able to go to the coatmaker who thought the coat had
been made for Mr. Robert Ashfield a few weeks before. He later
identified the body as belonging to Robert Ashfield.
Evelyn (exclaiming)
The man who disappeared from the Dover channel boat!
Murray
Precisely.
Gerald
It's a case of mistaken identity, that's all.
Murray
No. The body has been positively identified by several persons. It
is hardly the most extraordinary aspect of the case. Dr. McKay, would
you please give your report.
McKay
Certainly. I arrived on the scene after being summoned by the
Constable. After satisfying myself that life was extinct, I proceeded
to examine the body. I was greatly puzzled as to the manner of death.
Gerald
Why?
McKay
That water was running from his garments was not astounding
considering the heavy rainfall. But the inexplicable part was that the
deceased presented every indication of having met his death by
drowning.
(There is a solemn silence.)
McKay
The whole body was completely cold. The eyes closed, the pupils
dilated. There was a severe scalp wound on the back of the head, but
serious though it was, it was not enough to cause death. The death was
fairly recent, but not recent enough to have been caused by the fall
from the skylight.— These findings were confirmed on autopsy. The
lungs were spongy and distended and contained froth. Finally, the
stomach was full of water.
Gerald
What kind of water?
McKay
Salt water.
(Another long silence.)
Gerald
Was there no other way death could have occurred?
McKay
No. He suffocated from drowning.
Gerald
What about the scalp wound?
McKay
It was not caused by the fall. It was caused by a blunt
instrument.
Gerald
Well, this certainly seems to be a case for Sherlock Holmes
himself!
Murray
There's no need to be flippant, Dr. Manly.
Gerald
I am quite serious, Inspector Murray. In fact, my colleague, Dr.
Watson, who is Holmes' close associate, was here to examine
Clinton less than an hour ago.
Murray (unenthused)
Indeed. You know Dr. Watson?
Gerald
Very well. And, as you know, he is Holmes' amanuensis.
(Murray looks irritated, but before he can say anything, there is a
knock at the door.)
Evelyn (going out)
I'll see to it.
Jack
You say the body has been positively identified as belong to
Robert Ashfield?
Murray
By his wife—by his brother, by his business associates.
Jack
But, as I understand it, he was on the Dover Channel Boat earlier
that night.
Murray
He was seen there, too, by his wife and—
(Reenter Evelyn.)
Evelyn
Gerald, Mrs. Ashfield has come to consult you.
Murray (surprised)
Mrs. Ashfield?
Gerald
I am the family physician, as chance would have it.
Murray
Would you ask her to step in? This may prove a fortunate
coincidence.
Gerald
Certainly, if she is well enough.
(Gerald exits and returns momentarily with Mrs. Ashfield, and her
companion, Mrs. Norton. Everyone rises except Clinton, who bows while
remaining seated in the bed.)
Gerald
Mrs. Ashfield came to consult me because she had been unable to
sleep. This is Mrs. Norton, her companion.
Murray
Mrs. Ashfield, I wonder if it would be possible for you to answer
a few questions at this time.
Mrs. Ashfield
Certainly, Inspector Murray. I will do everything I can to help.
Murray
I realize it is rather soon for a second interview, but—
Mrs. Ashfield
It's quite all right. I have a strong constitution.
Murray
In that case, please tell us again how your husband came to make
this fateful journey.
Mrs. Ashfield
My husband told me he had business in Ostend. He told me about it
on Saturday. At first he thought of going alone, but on Tuesday, it
was settled we would go together. He went to the City that morning.
About three o'clock I got a telegram to pack his razor. I met my
husband at the Cannon Street Station—he was very late and in a
hurry.— When we arrived at Dover there was no fog, but the weather
was foul, and I was nervous to go on. So I sent the baggage to the
Lord Warden hotel. I went on board with my husband for a few minutes.
I actually stayed on the quay till the boat put out. Then I went to
the hotel.
Murray
When did you first learn your husband was lost at sea?
Mrs. Ashfield
The next morning—by cable.
Murray
Is it possible your husband went off the boat after you had gone
to the hotel?
Mrs. Ashfield
Not unless he was rowed ashore or the boat came back.
Murray
Was he a good sailor?
Mrs. Ashfield
I believe he was. He never complained of being ill at sea.
Murray
Do you have any idea how much money he had about him?
Mrs. Ashfield
I can't say. He was not likely to be short when taking such a
trip.
Murray
Are you certain of your identification of the body?
Mrs. Ashfield (showing emotion for the first time, sobbing)
Absolutely.
Murray
There you have it. The boat pulled out at near midnight with
Ashfield on board. Then sometime around one in the morning Mr.
Ashfield comes crashing through Mr. Clinton's skylight. There was no
train back to London after midnight and several witnesses place
Ashfield on the boat.
Gerald
If we accept the conclusion to which we seem to be forced—then we
must question our beliefs in the established order of the universe.
(Silence. All stare at Gerald and no one speaks as the lights go
slowly down!)
BLACKOUT
Mrs. Ashfield
You artists are such romantic beings to us poor average people. It
is quite thrilling to be allowed to enter your workshops.
Jack
I fear you will miss the thrill. Thanks to Evelyn the place is
more like a drawing room than what I am used to. My cherished
tradition of dirt and disorder have been disenthroned.
Mrs. Ashfield
I almost feel as if I were usurping Evelyn's place. (pouring tea)
Pity she can't be here. She is so sweet that one really can't see
enough of her. Too bad she had to be with those tiresome people this
afternoon. Don't look so horrified, Mr. Clinton. Evelyn told me
herself they were horrible.
Jack
Do I look horrified? I was doing my best to look sympathetic—on
Evelyn's account, of course.
Mrs. Ashfield
Of course, you look sympathetic. Please look sympathetic
again—for me, this time.
Jack (laughs)
Ha, ha.
Mrs. Ashfield
I was expecting a wan smile—but you are so much in love that you
cannot even spare that for another. Byron must have libelled men when
he wrote: "Man's love is of man's life, a thing apart. The woman's
whole existence."
Jack
He certainly stole it from the French—which makes him a double
criminal.
Mrs. Ashfield
I do not like coupling the word criminal with a name like Byron's.
A genius can do no wrong.
Jack
Yes, much can be forgiven genius.
Mrs. Ashfield
Any crime. Much, too, should be forgiven to people who are the
reverse of geniuses.
Jack (genially)
I am quite willing to forgive all such people.
Mrs. Ashfield
Do you know that I have persuaded Mr. Sherlock Holmes to
investigate the mystery?
Jack
Really?
Mrs. Ashfield
He attended the inquest—in disguise, of course.
Jack
It strikes me Sherlock Holmes is a bit of a humbug.
Mrs. Ashfield
I think so, too. But there's no denying his ability. He wants to
see you.
Jack
Certainly. But I doubt I can tell him more than I told the
coroner.
Mrs. Ashfield
I insisted he make an appointment. Otherwise, he might pop up in
the middle of the floor. I shouldn't be surprised if he pretends he
was hidden under your bed that terrible night.
Jack
It would be convenient if he had been. I'm afraid, however, that
even Sherlock Holmes may be forced to declare himself beaten by this
case.
Mrs. Ashfield (glumly)
The inquest was very thorough.
Jack
Still—the verdict was a little perplexing. "Found drowned." In
the middle of London on dry land.
Mrs. Ashfield
It was the only possible verdict. The only possible conclusion.
Jack (wryly)
A miracle. Did I tell you that a minister wanted to preach a
sermon in my studio?
Mrs. Ashfield
What have you done with it?
Jack
I rented it to a Circus. They're selling tickets of admission.
Doing quite a business.
Mrs. Ashfield
How ridiculous.
(A knock at the door.)
Mrs. Ashfield
That will be the celebrated Sherlock Holmes.
Jack (going to the door)
I'll let him in. This should be interesting.
Holmes (entering)
I know you very well by sight, Mr. Clinton—and I am very pleased
to have this opportunity of making your acquaintance. What a great
improvement this studio is upon your last.
Jack (annoyed at Holmes' one upmanship)
Did you pay sixpence, a shilling, or a half crown to see my old
place?
Holmes
I am not in the habit of making useless outlays—and so I took
great care to pay my visit before the place passed into the hands of
the showman. In fact, I was there the very morning after this—well,
curious corpse made its inconsiderate descent upon you.
Mrs. Ashfield
Would it be indiscreet to ask how you're getting along?
Holmes
By no means. To be quite frank, I fancy I'm beginning to see
daylight. There are one or two vital points in the theory that I've
formed that are still wanting—and that's just the trouble. It's a
devilish case.
Jack
So most people said.
Holmes
Not in that sense. It's just my way of cursing. But I know I am on
the right track. I've never known my instinct to mislead me.
Jack
I presume you consider I can be of assistance to you?
Holmes
Obviously. Else, I should scarcely have the good fortune to be
here now.
Jack (ironic)
You are most kind.
Holmes
You will understand that I cannot at this stage mention anything
of the conclusions at which I have arrived. I merely wished to have a
chat with you about your manservant.
Jack
About Elias? Well, I shouldn't be inclined to think any harm of
him. He is rather a bore. He inflicts his little religious sermons on
one and it is almost impossible to remain polite.
Holmes
I suppose that is when he poses? You see I am not unacquainted
with your doings. I know you use him as a model.
Jack
I shouldn't be surprised if you knew my thoughts even when I'm
sleeping.
Holmes
I don't mind being chaffed. But, I particularly want to know if
you've noticed anything in his manner of late that has attracted your
attention.
Jack
Well, he has struck me as cheerful—unusual for one of his
religious beliefs. Also, he looked rather well fed.
Holmes
In fact, as if he had been having more money to spend than before?
Jack
Possibly. But I have no idea where he gets it. The truth is, I
generally ignore Elias.
Holmes
I'll tell you. He has been regularly employed in the afternoons by
Mr. Cyrus Ashfield.
Mrs. Ashfield
My husband's twin brother.
Holmes
Indeed. And it appears that Cyrus Ashfield, after grubbing along
rather modestly for twenty years—has suddenly developed energy as
great—as great, let us say, as that of his late twin brother.
Jack
But, didn't his brother leave him a good deal of money?
Holmes
One third of the estate. One third to Mrs. Ashfield—and one third
divided between the children of his first marriage.
Jack
Well—that explains it. Why shouldn't Elias be cheerful?
Holmes
Yes. But why should Cyrus Ashfield hire Elias?
Jack
That is rather a coincidence.
Holmes
I am of your opinion. Well, I have taken enough of your time, Mr.
Clinton. Oh, by the way, I had the honor of calling on Dr. Manly last
night. I made the acquaintance of his charming sister. What delightful
people they are!
Jack
Sorry I couldn't be of more help.
Holmes
On the contrary, my dear Mr. Clinton, this interview has been
indispensable, indispensable.
(Holmes bows and leaves.)
Mrs. Ashfield (after Holmes leaves)
I think that man is a complete idiot!
BLACKOUT
Mrs. Ashfield
May I come in? Why, you look quite pleased—and I was really
prepared to find you looking black at being disturbed. You must be
much more angelic than I gave you credit for.
Jack
I wish it were in my power to live up to your conception of me.
Mrs. Ashfield
What charming modesty. But, go on painting. I suppose you can work
and listen at the same time.
Jack (lightly)
I shall try.
Mrs. Ashfield
What I've really come about is to ask you to dinner tonight. The
guest of the evening is to be Mr. Sherlock Holmes. Dr. Manly has
promised to come. Evelyn is enchanted, and I am to give you her
message that you are to be enchanted, too.
Jack
Only because Evelyn says so.
Mrs. Ashfield (with mock chagrin)
Oh, dear—if I am to be so completely ignored as that, I shall
feel merely as a woman just a little bit jealous.
Jack
It is really unkind of you, Mrs. Ashfield, to embarrass me with
such a speech. Fortunately, I am convinced you do not in the least
believe what you reproach me with.
Mrs. Ashfield
What is the use of denial when you see through me so thoroughly.
What penalty do you impose on me, Sir Judge?
(Clinton stubbornly works at his painting.)
Mrs. Ashfield
What a terrible question I've put to you. I only just realize it.
(pause) But, you will be wondering why this sudden reunion this
evening.
Jack
You don't mean to say Mr. Holmes has—
Mrs. Ashfield
He has not.
Jack
Then what has he done to deserve to be feted tonight?
Mrs. Ashfield
It's for what he's going to do.
Jack
But isn't that rather imprudent flattery?
Mrs. Ashfield
Oh, no. He's going to tell us his theories and explain his
difficulties.
Jack
So. I misunderstood.
Mrs. Ashfield
But enough of myself. Let me praise your picture for a change.
Jack
I had much rather you talk about yourself than praise my picture.
Mrs. Ashfield
Is my praise worth so little?
Jack
Again, you pretend to mistake my meaning.
Mrs. Ashfield
I plead guilty, Sir Judge.
(Pause.)
Jack
You have no definite plans?
Mrs. Ashfield
I have not made them definitely yet.— I think I had rather praise
the picture after all.
Jack (referring to the picture)
How do you think Evelyn has come out?
Mrs. Ashfield
She is just kissable! I suppose you will be setting to work on the
last figure now.
Jack
Immediately—that is imperative.
Mrs. Ashfield
Of course, you have a model coming in. Is she as pretty as Evelyn?
Jack
I fear she is not. That is, the one I have in mind. In fact, the
girl is impossible.
Mrs. Ashfield
Oh!
Jack
I shall have to find someone else.
Mrs. Ashfield
But won't that delay—?
Jack
Yes, but there's no alternative—unless—
Mrs. Ashfield
Unless?
Jack (getting it out with difficulty)
Unless you would sit for the figure.
Mrs. Ashfield
I shall be delighted.
Jack
It will have to be nude.
Mrs. Ashfield
I don't mind at all.
Jack
I—
Mrs. Ashfield
Yes, Jack, dear—
Jack
I'm afraid Evelyn might mind—
Mrs. Ashfield
Well, let's not tell her. It will be entre nous. I shall expect
you then—before half past seven.
Jack (defeated completely)
I shall be punctual.
(Mrs. Ashfield leaves with an air of triumph. Jack slumps down with
his head in his hands. The shadow of Sherlock Holmes appears by the
window.)
BLACKOUT
Holmes
As I explained to Mr. Clinton, I took care to visit his studio
before it had become a public recreation. But I had nothing there to
help me. The only basis I had to work upon was the verbatim of the
inquest. (pulling a pamphlet from his pocket) My idea was to subject
this report to a searching examination. Early in the proceedings, the
Coroner, who was very able by the way, considered the examination of
Mr. Clinton's servant Elias of some importance, but later abandoned
that line of inquiry. Now it struck me that here was a track that
might be followed with advantage—and so it has proved.
Jack
Nonsense! I beg your pardon. You must not take my exclamation
literally. It was merely an expression of surprise.
Holmes (giving Clinton a cold look)
Quite a natural one, my dear, Mr. Clinton. I assure you, I take it
as a compliment.— But, to proceed. As you know, Mr. Clinton, Elias
has been working for Mr. Cyrus Ashfield—and now seems to be
flourishing rather suddenly.
Gerald
All this is interesting—but to what on earth does it point?
Holmes
In time, in time.
Gerald
I must confess that you make me feel quite thick-headed.
Holmes
Perhaps you will soon have an opportunity of exercising your
ingenuity and raising yourself in your own estimation, Dr. Manly.
(pause) But, I have not yet finished with the inquest. Would you care
to read the passage I have marked, Dr. Manly?
Gerald (taking the manuscript)
Certainly.
Holmes
This is the evidence of the porter on duty at the wharf gate.
Gerald (reading)
The Coroner: You are perfectly sure you noticed who passed out?
Witness: Certainly, sir.
Coroner: You were not talking to anyone?
Witness: Only to— No, sir; nobody in particular.
Coroner: Then, you were talking to somebody?
Witness: Yes, sir.
Coroner: How, then, were you able to observe so carefully?
Witness: I was only talking just for a moment, sir.
Jack
What is all this about?
Holmes
Have patience.
Gerald (reading)
Coroner How, then, were you able to observe so carefully?
Witness: I was only talking just for a moment, sir.
Coroner: To whom were you talking?
Witness: To Mr. Barham, sir.
Coroner: Who is Mr. Barham?
Witness: He's an aeronaut.
Coroner: An aeronaut?
Witness: Yes, sir.
Coroner: What was he doing on the wharf?
Witness: He only came for a chat.
Holmes
You see the significance of this, I am sure?
(Everyone looks helplessly on.)
Holmes
Undoubtedly, Barham was making a tool of the gate keeper. As for
Elias, I do not think he was actively guilty. But I am sure he was in
readiness to act—if called upon—and that he knew the crime was
meditated.
Mrs. Ashfield
Crime! Do you suggest there has been foul play?
Holmes
I have no doubt whatever on that point.
Gerald
All this is indeed astonishing. Now, if you can explain the
miracle away, I shall hold my head high once more. I never was so
humiliated in my life as when, by ridiculing the affair, I gave Evelyn
an opportunity of crowing over me—which she did most unmercifully.
Holmes
I fear I have not yet succeeded so completely as that—but I have
got quite far enough to hold you out the hope of crowing over your
sister in your turn. I am sure Miss Manly will not be too peeved with
me for helping her brother.
Evelyn
I shall admire you tremendously.
Holmes
I must tell you further facts. One startling piece of news was
that Cyrus Ashfield, the twin brother of the deceased was at Dover on
the same eventful Wednesday evening in the company of the aeronaut
Peter Barham.
Mrs. Ashfield
That is certainly a coincidence.
Holmes
This Barham makes balloon descents and takes passengers for a fee.
Now finally, I learned that a full-sized balloon was observed, three
days later by the Danish boat Horsa from Copenhagen, drifting across
the North Sea. A long rope was suspended from the car.
Gerald
Incredible!
Holmes
All these facts have been established.
Mrs. Ashfield
I am beginning to be frightened of you.
Holmes
My dear Mrs. Ashfield, I assure you, I'm a perfectly harmless sort
of mortal.
Jack
And you believe that somehow Ashfield was murdered—drowned at
Dover, put in the balloon which apparently blew out of control and
discharged poor Ashfield on my skylight? Then the balloon blew out to
sea—
Gerald
It's totally improbable.
Holmes
I have not yet succeeded in constructing a perfect theory. The
facts are suggestive—but how exactly it could have been done, I am
driven to admit, I don't yet know.
Jack
How long would it take for the balloon to get to London?
Holmes
According to the most expert calculations I have been able to
obtain, about one hour.
Gerald
But, how the dickens did they get Ashfield off the boat? He was
last seen on the boat.
Holmes
That is the damnable part of it.
Evelyn
Maybe this Barham fellow followed the boat in his balloon. Then he
could have caught Mr. Ashfield with a grappling hook.
Gerald
Bravo, Evelyn! But, how would that have caused Ashfield to drown?
Evelyn (seeing the dilemma)
Oh, dear!
Holmes
I think your suggestion is impossible.
Gerald
I'm certain there's a simple explanation we're all overlooking.
Mrs. Ashfield
It certainly is tantalizing to feel oneself so evidently on track,
yet to be utterly foiled in this way.
Jack
Is there enough evidence to arrest the brother?
Holmes
Cyrus Ashfield? No—
Gerald
But the circumstances are so suspicious—
Jack
I have it. Splendid!
Evelyn
Jack has it!
Jack
Why, it's really simple. Cyrus Ashfield must have somehow lured
Ashfield off the boat. Once off the boat, he could easily have been
drowned, then set adrift in the balloon.
Holmes
That is an extremely brilliant explanation—the only trouble is,
Cyrus Ashfield spent the night in a hotel where he was seen by many
persons before the time the Dover boat left with his brother.
Jack
Well, maybe Barham did the actual murder.
Holmes
Possibly. But we cannot prove any motive.
Jack
Money—from Cyrus Ashfield.
Holmes
Good—but so far, I am unable to prove that.— There's one other
possibility.
Mrs. Ashfield
What is that?
Holmes
That Robert Ashfield is still alive.
Jack
Then, who came through my skylight?
Holmes
Why, Cyrus Ashfield.
Mrs. Ashfield
Are you saying my husband murdered his own brother, and is now
taking his place?
Holmes
It's a decided possibility. The problem is motive.
Jack
Why murder your brother so you can pretend to be him and inherit a
third of what you already have?
Holmes
There seems to be no motive at all for Robert Ashfield to have
wanted to kill his brother. It seems unlikely that the richer brother
would be content to change places with Cyrus since Robert occupied a
magnificent position, and his brother Cyrus was little better than a
petty shopkeeper.
Gerald
There's no motive.
Mrs. Ashfield
Much as I respect your judgement, I don't believe a word of it.
Holmes
The trouble is, neither would a jury. There's a piece of the
puzzle that's missing. When we find it, everything will fall in place.
Jack
But, will we find it?
Holmes
Who knows? I will do my best.
BLACKOUT
Mrs. Ashfield
Dear friend, I hope you do not mind my coming to you so soon
again.— I always feel happy in this studio.— By the way, I had a
letter from dear Evelyn. I am sorry her brother's still so depressed.
Jack
Yes,—he should never have gone with Sherlock Holmes to Dover. He
needs a rest—and now he's bothering his brains about this seemingly
insoluble mystery. Once Gerald's mind starts puzzling him about
something—
Mrs. Ashfield
Yes, Gerald has a real intellect. Mr. Holmes has written me, too,
about his theory.
Jack
And does he still hold by it?
Mrs. Ashfield
He believes eventually he will be able to determine how it was
done.
Jack
Does he still think your brother-in-law is your husband?
Mrs. Ashfield
That's ridiculous. Cyrus, he certainly is—and not Robert.— I do
hope it isn't true about Cyrus murdering Robert. I cannot believe he
would do it.
Jack
You told me a while ago you had some idea of traveling. Have you
decided?
Mrs. Ashfield
I am in the same nebulous condition as before. And, as I have no
real need to make up my mind—I don't. How's the painting coming
along?
Jack
Better—since I started using you as a model.
Mrs. Ashfield
Do you know, I like being your model.
Jack
Do you?
Mrs. Ashfield
I believed all those silly romantic ideas of artists—getting
involved, shall we say, with their models. Very romantic.
Jack (strangled)
Do you?
Mrs. Ashfield (removing her clothes)
But you always behave with perfect decorum. What a surprise for
the public who think something quite scandalous is going on?
(suddenly, to Jack, who has turned away, after looking at her
hungrily) Why do we keep up this meaningless fencing, this half
hinting at our inner lives? I want to see ME growing under your hand.
Why should Evelyn be here day after day—and not I—who love you! Why?
And you feel the same. Conscience has made cowards of us both.
Jack
It's true. I've been a coward. It's a wonder we both haven't gone
mad. Evelyn has felt the change in me. I can never make her
happy now.
Mrs. Ashfield
Evelyn is too good. I love her myself. Even if you never see any
more of me, you mustn't marry her unless you love her. She's too good
for that.
Jack
Yes, she is far too good for that. But why do you talk of my
seeing you no more? I must see you. I know Evelyn. Her nature is not
like ours. She can bear pain with resignation.
Mrs. Ashfield
But, will she heal?
Jack
This love of ours is a divine gift. Shall we scorn it? Shall we
regret it? Love is here with us now. Happiness is a precious thing,
Nellie. Have we a right to cast it from us? Can we make such a
sacrifice?
Mrs. Ashfield
Sacrifice! Sacrifice is for the strong. Let us both frankly admit
we are not strong. (kissing him) Is it not delicious to be weak?
Jack
I have never loved anyone before. This—this alone is the real
thing.
Mrs. Ashfield
I am glad my husband died, dear.— Because it brought me you.
Jack
I have a confession to make.
Mrs. Ashfield
What is it?
Jack
I'm glad he's dead, too. Did you love your husband?
Mrs. Ashfield
No. He was kind and good—and very fond of me. If you were very
fond of me, I should kill myself. Five years of happiness—that's all
I want of life.
(Jack and Mrs. Ashfield embrace passionately. The shadow of
Sherlock Holmes and then another figure appear briefly at the
window as darkness falls.)
BLACKOUT
Gerald
Hello, Jack.
Jack
Oh, Gerald—your startled me.
Gerald
Sorry, old man.
Jack
Where's Evelyn?
Gerald
She's not feeling well. You look as if you were expecting someone.
Jack
As a matter of fact, yes. I was expecting Nellie.
Gerald
She won't be able to make it.
Jack
Is she sick?
Gerald
She's dead.
Jack
That's impossible!
Gerald
I was called in, but it was too late.
Jack
But how? I just saw her this morning—
Gerald
Suicide.
Jack
No—no. Not Nellie.
Gerald
I thought I'd better tell you myself. I know you've become
involved with her.
Jack
I'm sorry, Gerald. I know you must feel I've betrayed Evelyn.
Gerald
Oh, never mind on that score. Do you have a drink? I could use
one— and so, I think, could you.
Jack
Yes, yes, of course—over there.
Gerald (going to a cabinet and returning with Brandy and two glasses) I'll get them. (pouring Jack a drink) Here, now drink. (Jack drinks) That's a good fellow.
Jack (quietly, more composed)
How did it happen?
Gerald
She took poison.
Jack
But, why, why? We were planning—
Gerald
She became despondent about her husband.
Jack
About her husband? But she loved me. I,—I— That's crazy.
Gerald
No, Jack. She realized that her part in the murder could no longer
be concealed.
Jack
Her part? What are you talking about?
Gerald
We—Nellie and I, planned his murder.
Jack
You!
Gerald (laughing)
It was so simple, and it has given rise to such ridiculous
nonsense.
Jack
You murdered Robert Ashfield?
Gerald
Jack, have you never suspected I was Nellie's lover? I
rather pride myself it would have taken a shrewder man to suspect it.
But, then I was never a hypocrite. All I did was keep it secret.
Jack (in shock)
You were Nellie's lover?
Gerald
We became friends—dear friends—after I became the family
physician about two years ago. She cared nothing for her husband. She
absorbed all my philosophy—she grew to fear neither God nor the
Devil. I alone made her life livable. I did all in my power to dazzler
her—yet, she wouldn't admit she loved me.— Of course, she yielded
her body to me willingly enough.
Jack (his head in his hands)
She never told me! Never!
Gerald
The fact is, Nellie was not always truthful. She worked me up to
it— killing her dolt of a husband, I mean. She couldn't stand being
tied to a man of so bloodless a disposition. She hated him.— He was
driving her mad with his boring kindness. At last an insidious thought
came to both of us. At first we hardly dared speak of it. But if you
want ideas to master you, resist their first approaches. The idea grew
and grew. Then one day, she said "Rid me of him." Rid her of him: I
was quite ready.
Jack (unbelieving)
You murdered him!
Gerald
Murder is a vulgar word. Don't be enslaved by tradition, Jack. You
must look at reality. Nellie is a remarkable woman. Would the world be
the worse off for the loss of a nonentity who differed in no way from
thousands of others. His place could easily be filled.
Jack
I think you must be mad.
Gerald
Not unless it is madness to want to live with the woman you love.
Anyway, we waited our chance. Immediately after you left London our
chance came. Robert Ashfield announced his intention of going to
Dover.— So you remember how I came to your studio before you left for
France?
Jack
Certainly. To say goodbye.
Gerald
And to pocket the key to the back door to your studio. You see, I
had decided where I would do it.
Jack
But, Ashfield was drowned at sea.
Gerald
We'll come to that. That is the best joke of all. You see,
Ashfield never intended to take Nellie with him. But he did ask her to
purchase the ticket. She bought two tickets.
Jack
Why two tickets?
Gerald
Two tickets. Then she told everybody she was going to Dover with
her husband. Nobody would doubt that.
Jack
Yes—but still—
Gerald
Ashfield, of course, never left London at all.
Jack
But, how—?
Gerald
I met him on his way to the station, and insisted that he come
with me to your studio.
Jack
To my studio? But, how were you able to get him to break a
business engagement so easily?
Gerald
I showed him a love letter Nellie had written to you.
Jack
But she didn't write me any letters at that time. We hardly knew
each other.
Gerald
But, how was poor Ashfield to know that? I told him Nellie was
your lover and that you were planning a tryst that very night in your
old studio. I insisted we go there to surprise you both.— The poor
man was thunderstruck—docile as a lamb.
Jack
But, how did you explain how you had got the letter?
Gerald
I said Evelyn had found it. After all, she was your betrothed.
Jack
Good God.
Gerald
And the writing was certainly genuine. So he came along. And when
I got him there, I killed him.
Jack
But he drowned.
Gerald
My intent was to stun him and let him bleed to death. I thought he
would be dead two months before you returned.
Jack
It was pure luck that I returned.
Gerald
Yes. I could hardly foresee that New York would make such a large
offer for your wok that you would have to return.— Anyway, to get
back to it. I seized him as soon as I got in the house, and we
struggled for some time. As it happened we ended up in the bathroom.
For some reason there was water in the tub.
Jack
Elias was always forgetting to pull the plug.
Gerald
He begged me not to do it. But I remembered Nellie, and how happy
we were to be—and I hardened my heart.
Jack
But, the coroner said he drowned in sea water!
Gerald
Yes, that amazed me too at first. That was the biggest farce of
all. Then, I understood it. You will remember that when you
persistently refused to leave England, I recommended as the next best
thing that you take a hot bath with artificial sea salt added.
Jack
But Ashfield was seen on the boat!
Gerald
I accompanied Nellie to Dover.— It was simple enough to answer to
Ashfield's name—and then slip off the boat.
Jack
And Cyrus Ashfield—and Barham the aeronaut?
Gerald
Pure coincidence. We made our plans without consulting poor Cyrus,
and had no intent to involve him. It took Sherlock Holmes to do that.
Mr. Holmes, you see, has made a mystery where none existed.
(Holmes and Watson step out of the shadows.)
Holmes
The only mystery, Dr. Manly, was how to get you to
confess—because you had, more by accident than design, created the
almost perfect crime.
Gerald
How did you guess?
Holmes
Well, I examined deceased's correspondence, with his wife's
permission. I took the liberty of examining Mrs. Ashfield's
correspondence as well, without telling her.
Gerald
And you found?
Holmes
Several love letters to her including one from you.
Gerald
Ah!
Holmes
From that point on, naturally, I knew what had happened, but
proving it was decidedly difficult if one of you did not confess.
Gerald
Well—it seems I underestimated you, Mr. Holmes. My apologies.
Watson
I should never have believed it, Dr. Manly, if I had not heard it
from your own lips.
Gerald
Sorry I'm such a disappointment to you, Dr. Watson.
Holmes
It only remains to add the denouement.— After all your efforts to
secure Mrs. Ashfield for yourself, she became enamoured of Mr.
Clinton.
Gerald
Yes—it seems I committed the perfect crime only to benefit my
rival and ruin my sister's happiness. And so, I told Nellie I was
going to confess.
Jack
And Nellie committed suicide.
Gerald (bitterly)
I only meant to bring her to her senses! I knew she was posing
nude for you—and I knew to what end she would bring it.
Holmes
It must have been a great disappointment for you, Dr. Manly.
Gerald
I didn't think she would do anything so foolish. Nellie was a
noble creature—I tell you, Jack, she was good through and through.
She told me she loved you and she begged me to release her from her
promises to me. If she concealed the past from you, it was only
because she wished to begin a new page of existence.
Watson
Did you ever suffer from remorse?
Gerald
So far as the deed itself was concerned—never. Let the mob talk
of murder, and let them glorify men like Napoleon who kill by the
thousands. I destroyed but one. However, the gods are even with me—if
you must put a moral on it. The murder turned out to be utterly
useless. The only thing I regret is my intense satisfaction at the
time. I was free, I was happy, I was in love. Put not your faith in
the heart of a woman, Jack! How could I foresee you would rob me of my
Nellie?
Jack
I never intended to do it.
Gerald
Poor old fellow, you don't imagine how you have made me
suffer—but I never bore you any ill will for it. I must tell you
Evelyn has never suspected anything at all. You can go back to her.
She merely felt a little disquiet. Evelyn is a good girl. Sometimes it
is best not to be too clever.— Cherish her and be happy.
Holmes
I am afraid, Dr. Manly, that you will have to accompany us to
Scotland Yard.
Gerald
Oh, no. I've a precaution against that. I wanted Jack to know.
But, I prefer not to hang. (biting poison) You see, I came well
equipped.
(Dr. Manly collapses; Watson runs to him.)
Watson
Cyanide!
Gerald
Goodbye, dear fellow. I die happy knowing I shall be resolved into
raw dust. As for my cynicism, which you have always refused to take
seriously—be assured that I am in earnest about it. (dies)
Watson
He's dead, Holmes.
Jack
How will I tell Evelyn?
Holmes
Ah, Mr. Clinton, that is a mystery I am glad I am not obliged to
solve.
CURTAIN