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THE ADVENTURE OF MERLIN'S TOMB A Sherlock Holmes/Father Brown Mystery Dramatized by Frank J. Morlock C 1985 From an original story by Frank J. Morlock Etext transcribed by Dagny
Characters: Holmes Watson Mrs. Hudson Father Brown Father Sebastian Dr. Abell Mrs. Carbury Nurse (Abigail Lang) Old Woman (Mary Good) A Gypsy An infant in swaddling clothes Six men, three women
Time around 1896 in a small Cathedral town somewhere in Essex.
The set should be very abstract. No effort should be made to actually change scenes. In particular, the Rectory and the interior of the Cathedral should be joined. If possible, part of the stage should represent Baker Street. Center stage the Cathedral and stage right Dr. Abell's home/surgery.
The Rectory Cathedral Baker Street Dr. Abell's
Those areas of the stage not being used should be darkened.
Watson (heatedly)
Holmes, my dear fellow, you are endangering your reputation.
Holmes
What is reputation to the advancement of science, Watson?
(snapping his fingers) I don't give that for my reputation.
Watson
But, what are you about, Holmes?
Holmes
I am trying to perfect a method of reconstructing the human face
from the skeleton alone.
Watson
And that is why you've been going to Bart's and measuring the
faces of corpses with calipers?
Holmes
Precisely. Before and after dissection.
Watson
All the doctors are commenting on it.
Holmes (lighting his pipe, amused)
Not favorably?
Watson (dejectedly)
Not favorably.
Holmes
But, don't you see how important this discovery is? To
Criminalistics?
Watson
But I've read several studies that say it is not possible.
Holmes
True, Watson. I read those studies, too. And I became convinced
they are based on certain false premises—not to mention an
inattention to detail. Now, do as I do. Pinch the skin on your cheeks
and pull the skin away from the bone as far as you can. (doing so)
Watson (imitating Holmes rather clumsily)
Very well.
Holmes
Now, here. (moving the site of the pinch)
Watson (imitating Holmes)
All right.
Holmes
Do you observe the skin is thicker in some places than others?
Watson
Well, yes, but what of it? Everyone knows that—
Holmes
No, everyone does not know that. Now, if you will observe, when I
pinch—
(Enter Mrs. Hudson with a small, rotund young man in the habit of a
Catholic priest.)
Mrs. Hudson A visitor for you, Mr. Holmes. Ha, ha, ha. You both look so funny.
Holmes (not embarrassed)
All in the interests of science, my dear Mrs. Hudson.
Mrs. Hudson Whoop! A scientific undertaking. Making faces at each other like children. Ha, ha, ha—you are too droll, Mr. Holmes, ha, ha, ha.
Watson (irritated and terribly embarrassed)
What is the name of our visitor, Mrs. Hudson?
Mrs. Hudson
A Romish priest, I believe. And his name is Brown. (whispering to
Watson) But, I don't believe it, not one word. And in my house. A
papist.
(Exit Mrs. Hudson, laughing and muttering.)
Brown
Mr. Holmes, I believe? My name is Brown.
Holmes
I am pleased to meet you, Father Brown. This is my colleague Dr.
Watson.
Watson
Delighted. I think we should explain to Dr. Brown that the
situation in which he found us is subject to misconstruction and
that—
Holmes (lightly)
I'm sure Father Brown understands—
Watson
And, that we are not in the habit of—
Brown
Oh, there's no need for explanations.
Watson
Of making fools of ourselves—and, that—
Holmes
How can we be of service to you, Father Brown?
Brown
Well, I'm not sure I ought to have come here, but, frankly, I'm at
my wits' end, and I can't see the bottom of it.
Holmes
Please, tell us what has happened.
Watson
And, that we were, in fact—
Brown
It's my lack of experience, I'm sure. Otherwise, I should have
known what to do. You see, I was only recently ordained, and my first
assignment was to a small and quite ancient parish in Essex. I was
ordered by my superiors to examine and report on the archives of the
Church. They go back to the time of the Conquest. The only point of
interest is that they refer to the existence of an ancient tomb
located somewhere in the Church.
Holmes
Most interesting. And the Church is very ancient, too?
Brown
Parts of it probably date from Roman times. It has been rebuilt
several times. Most recently, about thirty years ago.
Watson
And the tomb has never been discovered?
Brown
It was discovered about a month ago. Some alterations were being
done to repair damage caused by a small fire that occurred before I
was posted there. It was then that all the trouble started.
Holmes
What trouble?
Brown
Within a week of the discovery of the tomb, the Verger hanged
himself —at least the coroner's jury thought it was a suicide. A
mortal sin for a Catholic, and almost unheard of in the clergy.
Holmes
To be sure. Is this all?
Brown
Last week, the Dean apparently went out of his mind. He was found
in— I believe the medical term is a catatonic state.
Watson
Dear me. This is strange.
Holmes
Pooh! A coincidence. What connection can there be?
Brown
We have no idea—except that there is some. If this were not
enough to fan the flames of superstition, yesterday, the wife of one
of our oldest parishioners began manifesting signs of demonic
possession.
Holmes
Come, come. In the 19th century?
Brown
The woman is nearly eighty, and I find it difficult to describe
what she was doing—she was soliciting men to sexual intercourse,
amidst the most shocking blasphemies.
Holmes
Needless to say, rumors have begun to fly about a curse on the
tomb. The usual drivel.
Brown
Exactly. Merlin has been seen at night. The usual nonsense. An
exorcist has been sent for.
Watson
Please, I don't understand—what has Merlin got to do with all
this?
Brown
There's a local tradition that Merlin was buried hereabouts.
Watson
Is there really? Most extraordinary.
Brown
Part of the reconstruction involved removing the pulpit to give a
clearer view of the altar. When this was done, the sarcophagus was
found. It bears the image of a rather fierce-looking old man. There is
nothing to suggest from the scant ornamentation that he was a
Christian. I have tried to put a name to him, but I cannot.
Watson
Could it really be Merlin? I've always been fascinated by Merlin,
since I read Tennyson's Idylls of the King. This is indeed exciting,
Father Brown.
Holmes
But, however extraordinary these events are, Father Brown, they
appear to stem from natural phenomena.
Brown
You do not believe in demons—demonic possession, Mr. Holmes?
Holmes
Certainly not. Although some silly people may think themselves
possessed and act accordingly.
Brown
And, the demons themselves?
Holmes
Not at all.
Brown
As a Catholic, I am obliged to believe in demonic possession as a
fact.
Holmes
Then, undoubtedly, you have made the correct choice in seeing
assistance from an exorcist.
Brown (decisively)
Not in this case, Mr. Holmes. Fiends are at work, but they are
human fiends.
Holmes
Then, you attribute it to human—
Brown
To human sinfulness, Mr. Holmes. I have certain suspicions about
the person or persons behind these events—but I am too inexperienced
to trust my own judgement.
Holmes
In that case, you seek the type of assistance I can offer?
Brown
Most definitely, Mr. Holmes.
Holmes
Well, then, tell us exactly why you think these events are
related.
Brown
First of all, they happened within a short period of time.
Holmes
Pooh! Coincidence.
Brown
Secondly, they have all happened to people who are quite aged. The
youngest person was seventy-two.
Holmes
Inconclusive. And thirdly?
Brown
Thirdly, there are certain elements of witchcraft connected with
each of the incidents.
Holmes
Witchcraft! Really, Father Brown. I thought we had dismissed that
sort of explanation.
Brown
Oh, no, no, Mr. Holmes. I never said witches weren't involved—I
only said demons weren't involved. These witches are quite human and
have been practicing their loathsome rites for upwards of fifty years.
Watson
What, in the 19th century? In England? Not fifty miles from
London? Impossible!
Brown (unruffled)
I have the most unshakeable proofs. After the Dean became
incapacitated, it fell to me to arrange his belongings. It was while
doing this, that I found a cache of hosts.
Watson
Hosts, Father Brown?
Brown
Consecrated wafers. You understand their function in Catholic
ritual, Dr. Watson?
Watson
I believe I do, but what is so strange—?
Brown
An orthodox Catholic priest does not keep them wrapped in a purple
cloth, hidden in a chest with his private belongings.
Holmes
Interesting. Why would he keep them, then?
Brown
They are sometimes used in performing a Black Mass, and other
abominations. After I found them, I examined the Dean's personal
effects much more closely.
Holmes
And you found?
Brown
A Satanic Bible, also wrapped in purple silk—together with a kind
of diary.
Holmes
Have you examined the diary?
Brown
Carefully. It suggests a motive for the events—or, at least a
connection—although there's still a mystery to it.
Holmes
I will need to see the diary.
Brown
I brought it with me. (giving the diary to Holmes) You see it
contains a careful record of Black Masses and other abominations going
back nearly fifty years.
Watson
I find that incredible. Surely, it is some sort of hoax.
Brown
I wish it were. The Black Masses have been recorded in exquisite
detail. Every abomination and sacrilege that is conceivable has been
practiced. Even human sacrifices.
Watson
Human sacrifices! It must be a hoax.
Brown
Human sacrifices have taken place in Derbyshire—on the very altar
of our beautiful Cathedral.
Holmes
There can be no mistake in interpreting these passages, Father
Brown. It appears quite authentic.
Watson
Good Heavens, Holmes. Human sacrifices! How awful!
Holmes
The rituals were repeated as often as twice a year, it would
appear. The participants in these orgies are identified by what appear
to be code names. The leader of the cult is called Merlin. Have you
any idea who is intended?
Brown
No. I think, however, we can be sure the Verger, the Dean, and
Mrs. Carbury—the old woman who is propositioning old and young
alike—are clearly members.
Holmes
Some elements of conclusive proof are lacking, but I believe your
supposition is correct.
Brown
From what I have been able to puzzle out from the diary, the Dean
was admitted to the cult soon after he became a priest. He was not,
however, the leader. All of the cult members are local people, I
believe. And they have been practicing their wickedness for over fifty
years.
Holmes
Then, they must all be quite aged.
Brown
These are not just parlor Satanists, Mr. Holmes. They are not just
engaging in the thrill of attending a Black Mass and rubbing shoulders
with the Devil. Oh, no, they are very scrupulous, almost pious in
their satanic devotions.
Holmes
Are all the members of the cult alive except the Verger?
Brown
The diary never records a death, but eventually some names cease
to appear and never recur—as has happened several times in recent
years.
Watson
But, what is the connection between these events and the discovery
of the tomb?
Holmes
Ah, there, my dear Watson, lies the key to the mystery. Well, a
strange game is afoot. What do you say to a journey to Derbyshire, my
dear fellow?
BLACKOUT
Holmes
A most beautiful little town.
Watson
Impossible that such a lovely English town could be the site of
such unholy goings-on.
Sebastian
That's exactly what I think. I refuse to believe that any of my
parishioners could be guilty of such a thing. Right under my nose. No,
it is, as you say, impossible. There's some other explanation.
Watson (to Holmes, in a whisper)
About the right age for Merlin, don't you think?
Sebastian (a little deaf)
Merlin—yes. They say it's his tomb.
(They all go to the tomb.)
Brown
A more unchristian countenance I have never beheld. There is evil
about this tomb.
Sebastian
I think we should cover it up again.
Holmes (examining the tomb)
The lid could hardly be lifted with less than three or four men,
without heavy machinery. There is no sign that it has been disturbed
in decades past. (pacing up and down) Frankly, I'm puzzled.
Brown
There is a connection, Mr. Holmes. I'm certain of it.
Holmes
And, I am, too. But, for the life of me, it eludes me what it may
be.
Abell (emerging from the shadows)
Perhaps, you believe in ghosts, Mr. Holmes? That would no doubt
solve the mystery.
Brown
Ah, Dr. Abell. How are your patients?
Abell
Well, I am not too concerned about the Dean. But, Mrs. Carbury is
failing. I have put her under heavy sedation.
Sebastian
Dr. Abell is our leading physician—and my brother.
Abell
The only physician—and, therefore, the leading physician, Mr.
Holmes. I've practiced here for nearly fifty years. Unless, Dr. Watson
is planning to set up as my rival—
Watson
My dear sir, I assure you— But, how do you know my name?
Abell
Oh, my brother keeps me well informed.
Holmes
I should like to visit your patients, Dr. Abell.
Abell
Very well. Come after dinner. They are at my home, which serves as
a sort of hospital. I won't give them any more sedation. I will
prepare them— (goes out)
Watson
A very impressive man.
Sebastian
I wish he weren't such a misanthrope. But, he is really very kind.
He has practiced here all his life, when he could have done well in
London. He is attached to Derbyshire—as I am, for that matter.
Brown
He is a very capable doctor.
Holmes
May we see where the Verger hanged himself?
Sebastian
I suppose you may as well. But, on reflection, I think, perhaps,
better not. There is no reason to involve you in this matter. It is a
Church matter.
Brown
But, you object even to summoning an exorcist.
Sebastian
It's all a mistake, a misunderstanding. The Dean is of a literary
turn. I am sure when he regains his reason, there will be a
satisfactory explanation. Probably writing a novel.
Brown
It is a Satanic Bible—
Sebastian
Nonetheless—
Holmes
Perhaps, we should eliminate the possibility that a crime has been
committed. Where did the Verger hang himself?
Sebastian
He hung himself from the Cross behind the altar.
(Holmes goes to the altar and looks around.)
Holmes
Well, the Verger was definitely murdered.
Sebastian
But, how can you tell that? The coroner's jury said it was
suicide.
Holmes
There's a good deal of dust back here from the reconstruction.
There are the footprints of three men, coming in from the side near
the rectory. They stopped here. Two of them carried the third man to
the Cross, and left the way they came. One of the men was very tall.
Brown
But, how do you tell that?
Holmes
From the length of the stride.
Sebastian
But, why couldn't those be the footprints of the men who rescued
him?
Holmes
The footprints of the rescuers are apparent, too. They come from
in front of the altar. They cut him down, and laid the body here, to
the right.
Brown
That's so, Mr. Holmes. I was one of the persons who found him. It
happened exactly as you say.
Sebastian
Dreadful, dreadful. I withdraw my objection. Murder must be
investigated by the civil authorities. It is not simply a Church
matter.
BLACKOUT
Watson
Wasn't that a gypsy woman we saw as we came in?
Brown
Yes. I wonder what she wanted with Dr. Abell?
Watson
Probably begging.
Brown
Oh, no, these gypsies never beg. They come here once or twice a
year, around Christmas or Easter—for no apparent reason. But, they
never beg, or cause any trouble. But, for all their good behavior,
somehow, I don't like the looks of them.
Holmes
Beautiful flower garden. It appears to be much better taken care
of than the rest of the grounds.
Brown
Yes. A rather odd flower garden.
(Enter the Nurse, an old woman with a peasant accent.)
Watson
We've come to see Dr. Abell. He's expecting us.
Nurse
He is with the Dean. The poor man be failing fast.
Holmes
We must hurry, then.
(Enter Dr. Abell, wringing his hands.)
Abell
I'm afraid it's no use, Mr. Holmes. The Dean is dead. His last
words were, "Merlin. Beware Merlin." Surely this Merlin nonsense is
catching.
Holmes
I thought you said there was no need to worry about the Dean, Dr.
Abell?
Abell
So I did. He'd been improving, though his reason was sadly gone.
About an hour ago, he went into convulsions. I administered several
drugs, but to no avail. It happens that way sometimes.
Watson
I've seen it often enough myself. The patient will progress well
for some time, and then suddenly, for no apparent reason, he's gone.
Holmes
And he spoke of Merlin? He wanted to communicate something?
Abell
Which proves conclusively his delirium. What would he know about a
man who, if he ever lived, has been dead a thousand years?
Brown
It may have been important.
Abell (laughing)
Oh, that it must. We all want to know about Merlin. Perhaps, you
care to see my other patient? Maybe she can inform you about Morgan le
Fay, and King Arthur, too.
Holmes
Yes, I'd like to see her. At all events, there is nothing more to
be learned from the Dean.
Brown
I must administer the last rites to the Dean.
(Exit Brown with the Nurse.)
Abell
By all means. But, I do not care to observe. Mr. Holmes, I will
escort you to see Mrs. Carbury. She is, I fear, hopelessly mad.
(Enter Mrs. Carbury, in a disheveled condition.)
Mrs. Carbury
Someone to see me. I like visitors.
Abell
You should have remained in bed, Maria. But since you are up, so
be it. This is Mr. Holmes and Dr. Watson. They wish to ask you some
questions.
Mrs. Carbury (winking coyly)
I like questions.
Holmes
Who is Merlin, Mrs. Carbury?
Mrs. Carbury
Merlin—why, he's a devil.
Abell
You'll get nothing out of her.
Holmes
When was the last time you saw Merlin?
Mrs. Carbury
Why, I see him now.
Holmes
Why did the Verger hang himself?
Carbury
Hang him—hang him—good for him, he deserved it!
Abell
Perfectly useless.
Mrs. Carbury
Come closer, Dr. Watson, and I'll tell you about Merlin and John
the Baptist, too. (Watson approaches and as she seems about to whisper
in his ear, she grabs him by his privates and kisses him!) Fuck me!
Fuck me! Quick, Watson! Be a man to me.
Watson (pushing her off with disgust)
Be off, woman!
Carbury
Don't be shy, Dr. Watson. I like shy men. Fuck me!
Abell
That's enough, Maria. (holding her and forcing a sedative on her)
Mrs. Carbury
I'll show you the best time you ever had.
Abell
Be a good girl.
Carbury (the sedative taking effect, beginning to weep)
Ahhh, ahhh, ahhh!
Abell
That's better. First Merlin, now John the Baptist. Saint Peter
next, ha, ha! I'm afraid, Mr. Holmes, you'll learn nothing from either
of my patients.
Holmes
I fancy we have already learned a good deal.
BLACKOUT
Watson
Brr! I can still feel her lips on mine. it was like embracing a
corpse.
Brown
Another brandy, Dr. Watson?
Watson
Please. (drinking it off quickly) What do you make of it, Holmes?
Holmes
I think we have confirmed that both the Dean and Mrs. Carbury were
part of the witch cult.
Watson
How so, Holmes?
Holmes
Both talked of Merlin. In Mrs. Carbury's case, she also referred
to John the Baptist.
Brown
And John the Baptist is a name used in the diary to refer to one
of the warlocks.
Holmes
In the original coven, there were six witches and six warlocks, as
the diary shows. (hands around a list) I've made up a list of the
names and indicated on what pages of the diary they are mentioned.
Brown
The names themselves are an affront to God.
Watson
What do the dates mean?
Holmes
If I am correct, the date indicates the last date at which the
named person was present at a meeting of the coven.
Brown
If so, then not more than six were alive at the date of the last
entry.
Holmes
That seems likely. Have you noticed anything else that seems
suggestive?
Brown
Yes. The witch Ishtar stopped coming to meetings long before the
rest. About thirty years ago. The rest died off within the last five
years.
Holmes
Exactly, Father Brown.
Watson
But, of what use is such information?
Holmes
Derbyshire is a small parish. If all the members of the coven are
local residents, we ought to be able to determine the names of some of
the deceased members of the coven, simply by checking the parish
register. That, in turn, may give us some clue as to the names of the
living members.
Brown
There is another point, Mr. Holmes. The early death of the witch
Ishtar may be significant, too.
Holmes
You are very perceptive, Father Brown. What made you notice that,
and what significance do you ascribe to it?
Brown
The diary hinted in aesopian language of human sacrifices. They
appear to occur around the dates of significant Christian rituals.
Easter, for example. Usually it would seem that children are intended.
Watson
Children! How abominable.
Brown
But, an entry for the year 1866 suggests an adult female was
sacrificed. That was also the year in which we hear the last of
Ishtar.
Holmes
And you think Ishtar was the victim?
Brown
Undoubtedly.
Holmes
If you could check the parish register for 1866.
Brown
I already have.
Holmes
Splendid! And, what have you found?
Brown
Absolutely nothing. No woman over the age of ten died in 1866 or
1867.
Watson
Perhaps the death was not reported.
Holmes
Yes, of course. We must try to determine if any one was reported
missing. If our theory is not in error, something must turn up for
that year.
Watson
Why place so much emphasis on discovering the identity of someone
who died thirty years ago?
Holmes
Morbid curiosity, perhaps, dear fellow. But, in fact, her death is
a key to the mystery confronting us.
Watson
I should think it would be more important to locate living members
of the cult.
Holmes
All in due time. Is it not very suggestive that the recent events
should all occur after the discovery of the sarcophagus a few weeks
ago?
Watson
Yes, but I'm not sure what it suggests, unless you give credence
to some supernatural power or curse.
Brown
Evil will out.
Holmes
Yes, it will. Even after thirty years. Apparently, in 1866, a
member of the witch cult was sacrificed. If the death of Ishtar raised
no questions in the community, then for some reason the disappearance
must not have been noted. Did you not say the Church was remodeled in
1866 or 1867?
Brown
Yes, indeed. According to the records, the pulpit was rebuilt, and
extensive changes were made in the interior.
Holmes
Who supervised the rebuilding?
Brown
The Dean, I believe.
Holmes
And,, who is superintending the present remodeling?
Brown
That task was given to me. In fact, the Dean was quite upset about
so junior a person as myself being placed in charge. But, Father
Sebastian was adamant.
Holmes
We must open that tomb. There is more than archeological evidence
to be found. I'm certain of it.
Brown
I think the three of us could lift that slab.
BLACKOUT
Holmes
I think we were able to replace everything.
Watson
There's no doubt the woman in the tomb was murdered. She had a
jeweled dagger in her ribs.
Brown (examining the dagger)
I think the dagger explains why the Dean was so nervous. It has
his initials on it.
Watson
What shall we do now, Holmes? Call the police?
Holmes
This is too serious a matter to confide to the police. I fear we
are no closer to discovering Merlin. If the Dean murdered Ishtar—or
performed the sacrifice, if you will, there seems nothing in the way
of physical evidence to connect the murder to Merlin, or to help us in
identifying him.
Watson
But, why did the Verger commit suicide?
Holmes
He didn't. Remember? The Verger was murdered. I think the Dean
became nervous and communicated his fear to the Verger. The Verger was
then silenced, perhaps by the Dean, but more likely by Merlin.
Disposing of the Verger was a temporary solution. The Dean knew the
tomb would eventually be opened and remained fearful he would be
called to account.
Brown
And suffered a breakdown.
Watson
But, how does that account for Mrs. Carbury?
Holmes
Mrs. Carbury was probably close to the Verger or the Dean. What
happened to them unhinged her.
Brown
But, Merlin and the others are alive and well—and believe that
nothing can connect them, with either the tomb or the fate of the
Verger.
Holmes
And rightly so, Father Brown, for unless new evidence comes to
light, we are at an impasse.
Brown
That is dreadful, Mr. Holmes. Because Easter is approaching.
Holmes
At the rate things are going, I doubt we shall solve the puzzle
before then.
Brown
But we must, Mr. Holmes, we must.
Holmes
There is no urgency. Religion will not suffer if the solution is
put off beyond that date.
Brown
But a male child will.
Holmes
What do you mean?
Brown
Is it not apparent that child sacrifices have been performed by
these witches in the past? Is it not likely that they will kill again,
as is their custom?
Watson
Good Heavens, Holmes! We must do something.
Holmes
I don't know what we can do. My powers only carry me so far.
Brown
I think we must resort to a stratagem.
BLACKOUT
Watson
What a sermon Father Brown gave! If that doesn't smoke the witches
out, nothing will. Why, I almost believed he knew everything, and I
know he knows no more than we do.
Holmes
Father Brown is a remarkable man. I suspect the other witches
don't know that the Dean kept a diary, or what was in it.
(Enter Father Brown.)
Brown
Now, we shall see what effect that will have.
Holmes
I think we may expect an attempt on your life, as soon as Merlin
can decently arrange it.
Brown
Yes. I expect that.
Holmes
Watson and I will give you what protection we can.
Brown
I trust God.
(Enter Father Sebastian.)
Sebastian
There you are, Father Brown. I must reprimand you. I may have to
suspend you.
Brown
What is wrong, Father Sebastian?
Sebastian
You know very well what is wrong. Did you not, in your sermon,
imply that things had been revealed to you in confession about
witchcraft?
Brown
I did just that.
Sebastian
Need I remind you of your duty as a priest? Confessions must never
be revealed. I will have to suspend you, and report matters to the
Archbishop for his decision.
Brown
That's unnecessary, Father Sebastian.
Sebastian
Why? That's the correct procedure.
Brown
I didn't receive the information in confession. I lied.
Sebastian
You lied about a thing like that?
Brown
It was necessary. We hope it will frighten the witches into taking
some precipitous action. Nothing that I said in my sermon was revealed
in confession.
Sebastian
Oh, in that case, I can absolve you myself. A hundred Hail Marys!
Brown
I would never reveal anything I learned in confession.
Sebastian
I should hope not. Oh, I almost forgot to tell you, I was so
upset. Dr. Abell says that Mrs. Carbury is dying. He thought you would
want to administer the last rites.
Brown
I do. I'll go at once.
Holmes
Before you go, perhaps you would like to look at Ishtar as she
once was. (unveiling the head)
Sebastian (gasping)
Why—why, it's Jennie McPherson!
Holmes
You know this woman, Father Sebastian?
Sebastian
Why, yes. Jennie McPherson was a seamstress. She eloped some
thirty years ago, and no one has ever seen her since. She was from
Scotland, of course, and had no relatives here.
Holmes
She never left Derbyshire.
Sebastian
How can that be, Mr. Holmes?
Holmes
You are looking at the real Jennie McPherson, or I should say, her
reconstructed face. Her skull was removed by me from the Merlin tomb
last night. She was a member of the witch cult, and herself a human
sacrifice to Satan.
Sebastian
She was a member of the choir when I was choirmaster. She was a
good girl, even if she was a little wild. I feel very sick, Mr.
Holmes. (exits)
Holmes
I wonder if there was something between Jennie McPherson and
Father Sebastian?
Brown
It's not uncommon for a celibate priest to have strong feelings
for a pretty parishioner. Now I recollect, he once told me that he
fell in love with a woman, but God intervened, and she went away.
Well, I had best go see Mrs. Carbury.
BLACKOUT
Brown
Thank you, Mr. Holmes. I fear they might have been too much for
me, if you had not come along.
Holmes
Were you able to get a good look at them?
Brown
Unfortunately not. But, they were young men, Mr. Holmes, neither
was over thirty.
Watson
I found this.
Holmes
A gypsy bandana.
Brown
Gypsies must have attacked me.
Abell
Those gypsies are up to no good. First thing in the morning, I'm
going to the police, and have them notified to be gone. They've moved
altogether too close to home for comfort. They should be on their way
immediately. You've had a narrow escape, Father Brown. Pray be more
careful. I don't want to lose all my patients.
Brown
I'll be all right. If we hurry back, I'll be in time to hear
confession.
BLACKOUT
Holmes
No, no, Watson.
Watson
Holmes, I almost didn't recognize you.
Holmes
Where is Father Brown?
Watson
I don't know. He left suddenly, without a word to anyone. I think
he's a bit daft. He kept muttering about Dr. Abell's garden—said it
was unnatural, evil. Catholicism does strange things to people.
Holmes
He's gone. Hmm. That's not good. But, we don't have time to
concern ourselves with him. The witches mean to hold a Sabbath tonight
in the Church. We must conceal ourselves immediately.
Watson
Is it possible? But, how do you know? And, why are you disguised
as a gypsy?
Holmes
All in good time, Watson. We must hurry before the witches get
here. Shh—get down.
(Enter Father Sebastian. He lights a candle and places it before
the altar. After praying briefly, he goes out. Holmes makes no move.
The street door opens and two old women come in. They carry bags. As
soon as they are in, they quickly remove quantities of black crepe and
cover the windows with it. Then, they drape the altar in black and
position the Cross upside down. They begin to dance around the altar.)
Witches (keening)
Merlin, Satan, Lover. Come to me.
(The street door opens, and a man enters. He changes clothes
briefly in the shadows. He wears a purple robe with a golden sash. On
his head, a goat mask. He holds a golden chalice and advances towards
the altar.)
Merlin
Great Master Satan, we, your worshippers, will offer you
sacrifices this night.
Witches
Reward your servants.
(A knock at the street door. Merlin opens the door, and receives a
little child from a man dressed like a gypsy. He takes the child to
the witches, who make cooing noises over it.)
Witches
What a pretty baby. Such a good little thing. Soon, you will be
with Father Satan.
Merlin
Lead the sacrifice to the altar. (raising the knife over the
child) Master Satan, receive this sacrifice from your humble servants.
Holmes (leaping forward)
Now, Watson!
(Holmes rushes at Merlin, and a furious struggle ensues,
counterpointed by a more comic match between Watson and the Witches.
Merlin is getting the better of Holmes, while Watson subdues first
one, then the second witch.)
Merlin
Now, Sherlock Holmes, I will sacrifice you to my master.
(Father Brown enters from behind, and strikes Merlin a terrific
blow on the head with a shovel. Merlin collapses.)
Holmes
Your assistance is very welcome, Father Brown. But, how did you
get here?
Brown
I was at Dr. Abell's house, investigating his garden. I saw him
leave, and I followed him here. I entered from the Rectory.
Holmes (regarding the prostrate masked Merlin)
So, it is Dr. Abell.
(One of the Witches gets up and starts to flee, but Watson grabs
her, and soon ties her up with some crepe.)
Watson
Ah, would you?
Holmes
Do you know these women? Abigail Lang, Dr. Abell's housekeeper,
and Mary Good, a woman with a reputation for great piety and devotion.
Holmes (removing Dr. Abell's mask)
I believe Dr. Abell is dead.
Watson (examining him)
Yes. Stone dead.
Brown
A shovel is a handy weapon against the devil.
Holmes
What made you suspect him?
Brown
I didn't suspect him. I suspected his garden. The place reminded
me of a cemetery. There was something wrong about it. I went digging
there tonight. Someone had already dug a shallow trench on one side.
One doesn't do that in a flower garden.
Holmes
The trench was probably intended to receive the remains of
tonight's sacrifice.
Brown
It looked like a grave, but it was too small for a man. It looked
more as if it were for a child. Then, I thought of the child
sacrifices. I dug around a little bit, and it wasn't long before I
found an infant's skull. When I saw the Nurse and Mrs. Good leave the
house, followed shortly by Dr. Abell, I concealed myself and followed
them here. But, how is it that you came to be here, Mr. Holmes?
Holmes
Why, it was the gypsies, Father Brown. I remembered your saying
they always show up in the vicinity around Easter and Christmas. If
the witches were sacrificing children, they had to get them somewhere.
Obviously, they were not taking local children, or people around here
would have been aroused. They must be getting them somewhere else.
Brown
Yes, of course, I should have realized that myself.
Holmes
It was very suggestive that the gypsies caused no trouble and soon
left. Obviously, they were on their best behaviour, and trying to make
themselves inconspicuous. They must have some reason to do that,
because most places they go, they either beg or panhandle. Then, of
course, they figured in the attack on you. The deduction was
elementary that the gypsies were stealing the children from afar off
and selling them to the witches here.
Watson
But, why are you dressed like a gypsy, Holmes?
Holmes
I went to the gypsy camp earlier tonight. Keeping in the shadows,
I was able to mingle and overhear enough to learn they intended to
deliver the child to the Church this very night—and break camp at
dawn. When I learned the exchange was to take place at the Church, I
reasoned a Black Mass was scheduled.
Watson
I shall never feel the same about burning witches again. They most
richly deserve it.
Holmes (looking at the tomb)
I wonder if this really is Merlin's tomb?
Brown
We shall probably never know, but one thing is certain. Merlin was
no more dreadful than his latter day namesake.
Watson
We had better see about getting these witches to the police.
(Suddenly the baby that has been lying on the altar cries.)
Holmes
Well, we seem to have nearly forgotten the child. Will you play
Nanny, or shall I?
CURTAIN