Roy Glashan's Library
Non sibi sed omnibus
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"WITH your permission I will tell you of a weird experience that happened to me some three or four years ago," began the barrister.
We signified our delight at the prospect, settled back more comfortably in our arm-chairs, and the barrister went on:—
"IT is my custom to get away from London for a few days in the month of May. Upon this particular occasion I ran down to the south coast to a little-known seaside resort. My chief amusement was in taking long walks in the country.
"One evening, as dusk set in, I found myself some few miles from where I was staying. I felt a little nervous, for I was far away from a road, and I had not too good a knowledge of the country. With the aid of my compass I continued my walk.
"Darkness had come, and I made my way with difficulty.
"To my relief I spied in the distance a light, and as I approached nearer I could just make out the dark outlines of a house.
"My way was blocked by a high iron railing. I continued round it until I came to a gate.
"I struck a match and saw the bottom of an electric bell, which I pressed, for I was anxious to ascertain the direction of my home.
"I waited a few moments, and then rang a second time; but there was no answer.
"A third time I rang, with the same result.
"I thought that, perhaps, there might be another entrance, so I walked on round the railings. On the other side they approached closer to the house, but I could see no signs of another gate.
"Ahead of me I saw a bright light streaming from a wide window, which lighted up the lawn in front. I approached as near as possible.
"I could see quite plainly into the room. A man and a woman were seated at a dinner-table. They were both in evening dress. He was clean-shaven, with well-cut features, while she had the face of a goddess.
"Suddenly he arose from the table, and addressed her vehemently.
"Her answer was a smile. Then she, too, arose, and they stood facing one another in the centre of the room.
"By his gestures he was evidently in anger. She answered softly, her face filled with pleading. She knelt to him, but he pushed her away roughly.
"The woman rose proudly and returned scorn for scorn. He grasped her by the wrist, and she struggled fiercely. A look of mad passion came on to his face. He turned to the table and grasped a knife.
"A thrust at her bosom and she fell to the ground. I seemed to hear her shriek in my ears.
"I rushed at the railings and tried to climb them, but they were too high.
"I ran round to the gate, but was unable to gain admittance there. Then I returned to the point from which I had witnessed the ghastly scene; but the light was no longer in the window.
"I went back to the gate and rang the bell again. Then I yelled, but with no result.
"Finally I made up my mind and ran along the path as quickly as I could. This took me to a road which I recognised. I was in good training, and it was not long before I arrived at the inn where I was staying.
"I at once went for the police and told them my tale. I gave them my card and told them I was a barrister. The inspector asked me a few questions.
"'Come,' he said quietly, 'I will order the dog-cart.'
"In a few minutes we were driving furiously in the direction of the house where the crime was committed.
"The gate was reached at last. We rang the bell again, but with no result. Then we gave a combined 'Halloa!' and a servant ran to us.
"He conducted us to the door. In the hall I saw the man standing—the assassin.
"'The wretched electric bell is always getting out of order,' he began quietly.
"'That's the man!' I shouted to the inspector. 'Arrest him!'
"The assassin looked at us in astonishment.
"'On what charge, may I ask?' he said at last.
"'Murder!' I cried hoarsely. 'I saw you commit the deed.'
"'Are you mad?' he asked in amazed tones.
"But anger quickly left his face, and a smile took its place.
"'Come into the smoking room, gentlemen,' he said, leading the way.
"'Now let me hear your account of the dreadful deed I have committed.'
"I marvelled at his coolness, but did as he asked.
"When I had finished he rang the bell, which was answered by a maid.
"'Ask your mistress to please come here, Marie.'
"We waited. My heart was in my mouth. In a few minutes my goddess, my murdered woman, came tripping into the room. She looked at us curiously.
"'This is my wife. I am Philip Cranston'—I started, for it was the name of a prominent actor—'and this is my wife, Pauline Seymour. We are producing a new play next week, and have run down here for a holiday. At dinner to-night my wife suggested a new reading of one of the scenes, and we rehearsed it at once—that's all.'
"Well, I did feel a fool. At the present moment I number the Cranstons amongst my dearest friends. But still there is no end of chaff to be put up with at their hands."
Roy Glashan's Library
Non sibi sed omnibus
Go to Home Page
This work is out of copyright in countries with a copyright
period of 70 years or less, after the year of the author's death.
If it is under copyright in your country of residence,
do not download or redistribute this file.
Original content added by RGL (e.g., introductions, notes,
RGL covers) is proprietary and protected by copyright.