by Fergus Hume
CHAPTER XXI
YOUNG JUDAS
The next morning Michael was pronounced to be out of danger by Dr.Payne, and appended his signature to the confession. He still held tohis indignant attitude against Beryl, and was most anxious that heshould be arrested. So far as he knew, Beryl was innocent of the crime;but Durham knew better. Having the evidence of Tolomeo and possession ofthe fatal handkerchief, he was perfectly content to believe that Juliuswas guilty. Since he was one of the Gore family, it was a grave questionas to whether he should be arrested. But seeing that Bernard's charactercould not be cleared until the whole truth came out, and the wrongdoersuffered for his wickedness, it was agreed that a warrant should beobtained for the guilty person. This business was entrusted to Durham,and he departed for town by the mid-day train.
"And you can ride over to the castle, Conniston," he said to that younggentleman, who accompanied him to the station, "and tell Bernard to holdhimself in readiness to come to London."
"Will he be arrested?"
"I fancy so. But I can't yet be sure. At all events, Beryl will beaccused and taken in charge, so Bernard will soon be set free."
"What about Jerry?"
"I will go to Scotland Yard as soon as I arrive, and see if anything hasbeen heard of the young scamp. However, if we get Beryl, we may be ableto do without Jerry."
"Do you intend to have Michael arrested?"
"Yes," said Durham, calmly, "as an accessory before the fact. I can'tsay if he is innocent or guilty."
"But, Durham, you heard him declare that he was unaware that Berylintended to kill Sir Simon. Michael only called to see about the check."
"I doubt that part of his confession," replied the lawyer, dryly. "Itappears to me that Michael would have kept out of the way had heentertained the slightest idea that Sir Simon--as he did--guessed thatthe check was forged. Besides, I want to have a mention of MichaelGilroy's arrest put in the papers, so that his mother may be withdrawnfrom her hiding-place."
"Do you think she will come?"
"I am certain. She alone knows what took place when Beryl entered thehouse and how he strangled the old man. I am convinced that to save herson she will denounce Julius, no matter what offer he has made to herabout holding her tongue. Here's the train. Good-bye, Conniston, andbring Bernard up to town when I send a wire."
The train steamed off, and Conniston was left standing on the platform."I do hope all this business will soon be at an end," he said tohimself. "I am about weary of surprises."
Already it had been arranged that Miss Berengaria should keep an eye onMichael--who never expected to be arrested--so Conniston had no need toreturn to the Bower. Mounting his horse he took his way along thehigh-road to the castle, and arrived there somewhere about two o'clock.As there was no one about the place he put up the horse himself, andthen came to the front door. Much to his surprise it was locked, but avigorous ringing of the bell brought Mrs. Moon to the door. Thatestimable lady looked worried, and her pallid face was whiter than ever,gleaming like the moon itself from the frilling of her cap. When she sawher master, she lifted up her large hands.
"Goodness be praised your lordship has come," said she, with a moan andgroan combined in a most extraordinary way. "Have you seen my wickedVictoria, your lordship?"
"No. Has she gone away?"
"Last night," said Mrs. Moon, drifting into the hall. "Bless yourlordship dear, she went away before ten o'clock in her best things,saying she would be back. And not an eye have I set on her since. Butthen I expect the coming of Jerry upset her."
"Jerry!" shouted Conniston, throwing down his cap. "Did you say thatJerry was here?"
"Yes. He's here, your lordship, and he has sent Mr. Grant mad. As soonas Jerry set eyes on Mr. Grant last night, when he come at nine o'clock,he had his hair standing on end. Mr. Grant, he was amazed-like also, andtook Jerry to his room. There he have kept him locked up, and wished tosend a messenger to your dear lordship, and----"
Conniston waited to hear no more. He tore up the stairs two at a time,and burst red-faced and excited into Bernard's sitting-room.
His friend had already heard his hasty footsteps, and was on his feetstaring at the door. "I'm glad you've come, Conniston," he saidbreathlessly. "That boy Jerry is here, and I've locked him up in case heshould get away and tell Beryl."
"Beryl has his hands full at present," said Conniston, grimly. "As toJudas, he's wanted by the police."
"The dickens! What for?"
"For trying to poison Michael Gilroy!"
Bernard stared. "Michael Gilroy? Where is he?"
"At Miss Plantagenet's. It's a long story. I'll tell it to you as soonas I can get my breath. Where's Jerry?"
"Shut up in an empty room," said Bernard. "He came last night at nine orthereabouts. I was outside the castle door and saw him coming. I did notknow it was him until I stepped into the hall. When Jerry saw me, hishair rose on end, and he appeared to be frightened out of his life."
"As he well may be," muttered Conniston.
"I collared him, and he tried to get away. But I took him to my room andkept him there. He refused to answer my questions unless I let him go.Of course not being able to trust him, I declined, so I am quite in thedark as to what he has been doing. I then shut him up in an empty room,with a barred window, and sent Victoria in to take him some food. Andthen a queer thing happened, Conniston. Victoria took him in the food,and was with Jerry for about ten minutes. When she came out she wentdownstairs and dressed herself in her best. Then she left the castle,and has not been heard of since. I am afraid she has gone to tell Berylwhere I am," concluded Bernard, gloomily. "And I may be arrested to-day.I should have looked after Victoria, but I never knew that Jerry wouldact so promptly. He is a perfect imp for cleverness."
"Don't you trouble your head about being arrested," said Dick, drawing along breath. "It's not about that Victoria has gone."
"But what can the boy have sent her away for?"
"To warn Beryl. It's a pity you didn't keep the two apart," saidConniston, much vexed. "But as you have been so much in the dark, youcan't help the mistake you made. As to arrest, you may have to giveyourself up. Mark told me to inform you to hold yourself in readiness."
"I shall be delighted," said Gore, emphatically. "I am about tired ofthis hole-and-corner business. But what about Michael Gilroy?"
"Sit down," said Conniston, lighting a cigarette. "I will tell you thewhole story. It was not told you before, as Mark was afraid, with yourimpatient disposition, you would insist on turning up and spoiling thewhole business."
"I daresay I should have done so," admitted Bernard, frankly. "But, tellme, what's up, old chap? I'm on tenterhooks."
"Well, in the first place, we have discovered that Julius killed yourgrandfather."
Bernard started to his feet. "What!" he shouted, then calmed down. "Ialmost expected to hear you say that," he added. "How was the villainfound out?"
"You may well call him a villain," rejoined Conniston; "he has tried topoison Michael."
"What for?"
"To get rid of an undesirable witness, I suppose. He employed Jerry togive him some arsenic in a cup of tea. Jerry did so, and then clearedout, Mark communicated with Scotland Yard about Jerry, but we neverexpected he would be here. It's a lucky thing you kept the young wretchprisoner, Bernard."
"This is all very well," said Bernard, who looked bewildered. "But youtell me so many facts without detail that I can't understand how toconnect them. Tell me the whole story."
"You won't interrupt if I do?"
"No," said Gore, impatiently, "fire ahead, Dick."
Conniston did so at once, and related all that had hitherto been keptfrom Gore's knowledge. Bernard listened in silence, save for anoccasional ejaculation, which showed how difficult he found it to keephis promise not to interrupt. "And I think Mark was about right to keepthese things from you, Bernard," said Conniston, when he ended. "For youare in a
wax hearing them now."
"And who wouldn't be in a wax?" demanded Gore, furiously. "Look at theway in which I have been treated. Beryl has made me a scape-goat for hisown wickedness. I have been compelled to hide my head. I have beenaccused of an awful crime--my reputation has been ruined. I should thinkI am furious, and I have a right to be."
"Bernard! Bernard!" said Dick, shaking his smooth head, "your troubleshave taught you little. It was your furious temper that led you to fightwith Sir Simon. You then said words which made it probable to outsidersthat you committed this crime. And now, when all is on the eve of beingcleared up, you have as bad a temper as ever."
"But think of that man Michael masquerading as me," went on Bernard,determined to speak out. "It was bad enough in London, but that heshould dare to come to Alice--oh!" in an access of rage he shook hisfist. Then he sat down to recover himself. "You are right, Dick," heremarked, wiping his forehead, "I'm a fool. I'll never learn wisdom.Heaven knows I have had a severe lesson. I will try and control thisbeastly temper of mine. But, after all, seeing that I love Alice somuch, it is not to be wondered at that I should be annoyed at anotherman taking my place."
"He didn't," replied Conniston, calmly and soothingly. "Miss Mallesonguessed the truth about him straight off. She has only used him as aninstrument to learn what she could. Don't you fuss, Bernard. What wehave to do is to question Judas, and see if he can supplement therevelations of Michael, your half-brother."
"Don't talk about that fellow being my half-brother."
"Well, he is, isn't he?"
"Yes, but--well, I suppose I should rather pity than blame the chap."
"I think so too," said Dick gravely. "Miss Berengaria says there is muchgood in him. She intends to assist him when she can."
"I shall help him also," said Bernard, after a pause. "The poor fellowcan't help his birth, and I owe him something for the way in which myfather behaved to his mother."
"This is a change of temper," laughed Conniston.
"Oh, I soon get into a rage and soon get over it," rejoined Gore,impatiently. "But we must examine this boy, Dick. He won't answer methough. I have been asking him plenty of questions."
"He'll answer me," said Conniston, rising. "I know about the poisoning.He won't face that."
"But did he really----"
"Yes, he did. I told you he was an imp of darkness, though, to be sure,I never expected he'd begin to murder people at his tender age. Comealong, Bernard, show me the captive."
Gore led the way from the room and along a narrow passage. At the end ofthis was a door, which he opened. It led into a large empty room, but nosooner was the door opened, than a small boy darted out and endeavoredto get away. He ran straight into Conniston's arms.
"Now then, young Judas," said Dick, setting the boy on his legs andgiving him a good shake. "Come and be tried."
"My lord," gasped Jerry, who was pale with terror, and who had red eyesand disordered hair.
"Yes! I know all about your poisoning, young man."
Jerry dropped on his knees. "I didn't," he declared, "oh lor, I reallydidn't. Miss Plantagenet ordered the tea. She gave me the cup I----"
"Here," said Conniston, giving him another shake, "stop that rubbish,you young beast. You dare to say such things of my aunt, who has been sokind to you. Hanging is too good for such a scamp. Come along, andanswer our questions."
But Jerry, grovelling on the floor, embraced Conniston's riding-boots inan agony of terror. "Oh, please," he whimpered, "I didn't mean to do anyharm. Mr. Beryl gave me some white stuff and told me to give it in teato the sick gentleman. I thought it would do him good!"
With great disgust Dick picked up the young liar in his arms and carriedhim kicking to the sitting-room, followed by Bernard. When the door wasclosed, Bernard locked it, and there was no chance of Jerry gettingaway, as the window was thirty feet from the ground. Gore took a seat inone arm-chair and Conniston threw himself into the other, after flingingJerry on the hearth-rug. The boy lay there, kicking and howling, nearlyout of his wits with terror.
"Shut up!" said Dick, sharply. "You have to answer questions."
"I sha'n't," said Jerry. "You'll hang me."
"There's no chance of that, worse luck," said Conniston, regretfully.
On hearing this, the boy sat up. "Isn't he dead?" he asked eagerly.
"Oh!" mocked Bernard, "and you thought the white stuff would do the sickgentleman good--you young scoundrel! No. He isn't dead, Lord Connistonsays, but small thanks to you."
"Oh!" Jerry seemed at once relieved and disappointed. "I won't get thetwo thousand pounds now."
"And you won't be hanged either, though you richly deserve it."
"I don't. I've done nothing," said Jerry, sulkily.
"You have attempted to poison Michael Gilroy----"
"Do you know his name, Mr. Grant?"
"Yes! And you know mine, Master Jerry. Come now, you must reply to thequestions which Lord Conniston wishes to put."
"Sha'n't," said Jerry, and set his pretty, tearful face firmly.
"Judas," said Conniston, taking his riding-whip from a near table,"there's only one course to be pursued with boys like you. If you don'tspeak out, I'll give you one of the finest thrashings you ever had inyour life."
"I'll have an action against you then," snapped Jerry, very pale.
"Certainly. But you'll have to get out of prison to bring it."
"Prison?" Jerry quavered and shook all over.
"Yes, prison," mimicked Conniston. "Do you think you can behave like ayoung criminal and get off scot free?"
"I was deceived by Mr. Beryl. He's older than I am. I am only a boy."
"You are old enough to be hanged, at all events."
"You said I wouldn't be, my lord."
"That depends upon my good word," said Conniston, bluffing; "and youwon't have that unless you confess."
"Confess what, my lord?"
"All about this business connected with Beryl," put in Gore. "It was youwho led me to the house in Crimea Square."
"I didn't--I didn't!" And then Jerry uttered a howl as Conniston's whipcame across his back.
"Hold your tongue and answer."
"How can I hold my tongue and answer at the same time, my lord?"
Conniston took out his watch. "I'll give you two minutes to make up yourmind to talk sense. You are clever enough when it suits you. If youwon't speak, I'll thrash you thoroughly, and then take you up to behanded to the police."
"And if I do, my lord?"
"I'll spare you the thrashing. But you must go to the police. You arebeing enquired for, young Judas. Only by confessing the whole can youavoid danger to your neck."
"Only Mr. Beryl can get me into trouble, and you won't find him," saidJerry, tauntingly. "I sent Victoria to him with a letter last night, andshe must have caught the eleven train to London. I daresay she saw Mr.Beryl last night, and he's got away."
"Why did you act so promptly?" asked Gore.
"Because I saw you, Sir Bernard. I knew the game was up, and that youwere playing the fool with Mr. Beryl in getting that will signed."
"Ah! so we all were," said Conniston, calmly. "The game is up, so youhad better explain your share in it. Begin from the time you were kickedout of Taberley's for stealing."
"I sha'n't," said Jerry. "I don't believe you can hurt me."
Dick's patience was exhausted. He caught the young wretch by the scruffof the neck and thrashed him thoroughly. Jerry, who had never beenbeaten before in his life, wept and howled and begged for mercy. At lastConniston threw him again on the rug thoroughly cowed, and between sobsJerry expressed his willingness to reply to whatever questions were putto him. The examination was conducted as though Conniston was abarrister and Jerry a witness. Bernard, in the character of a reporter,went to the writing-table and took notes. Jerry stood wiping his eyesand replying tearfully.
"When did you meet Beryl?" asked Dick.
"At Taberley's. He knew I was Mrs. Moon's grandson,
as he saw me here atone time. When I was kicked out, he promised to help me. I was told towatch Sir Bernard, and I did. I saw you, my lord, with Sir Bernard inthe Park. I was always watching Sir Bernard."
"I see. That was why you sold matches. Well, and it was you who toldBeryl that Sir Bernard was at Mr. Durham's house on that night?"
"Yes," snuffled Jerry. "I saw him go in. I then went to the theatre, andMr. Beryl came out to see me. I told him, and he said I was to bring SirBernard to the Square."
"In any case, Beryl intended Sir Bernard should be brought there on thatnight?"
"Yes. About eleven o'clock or a little earlier. And I waited outside onthat night and----"
"You needn't explain that," said Gore, turning his head. "I remember howyou drew me to the place. Did Beryl tell you to speak of the Red Light?"
"Yes. He said you would come if I talked of a lady and the Red Window.And Sir Simon had arranged the red light with a lamp and a handkerchief,Mr. Beryl told me afterwards. I didn't know it on the night. All I hadto do was to bring you to the Square."
"And what about the whistle you gave?"
"That was to let Mr. Beryl know you were outside?"
"Was Beryl in the house at that time?"
"No," said Jerry, after a few moments of thought. "He should have beenthere, but he afterwards told me that he had come earlier and had goneaway."
"Did he intend to murder Sir Simon?"
"I can't say," replied the boy, doubtfully. "He made that chap, Gilroy,dress up as you, and court the housemaid. His idea was to get Sir Simonto think you were making love to Jane. I think he wished to bring you tothe house, so that on seeing the red light you might go in, and then SirSimon would have quarrelled with you for loving Jane. I don't think heintended murder. But Michael Gilroy came and saw Sir Simon, and thenbolted when he saw the Italian, thinking he was a detective. He told Mr.Beryl that the next day!"
"Who came to the house on that night, Jerry? State the time they camealso."
Jerry thought again. "The Italian came first, and while he was in theroom, about ten I think, Michael came. Then Michael bolted, and theItalian followed. Then shortly after ten Mr. Beryl came from thetheatre----"
"Did you see him?"
"No," rejoined Jerry, tartly. "How could I? I was leading you then."
"Didn't you see Beryl at all that night--I mean again after you saw himto tell him where Sir Bernard was?"
"Yes, I did," said Jerry, rubbing his legs which were sore. "I may aswell tell the truth. Just as we turned into Crimea Square, Sir Bernard,I brushed past Mr. Beryl."
"How could you recognize him in the fog?"
"I did. I saw him under a lamp. He was going back to the theatre and wasvery pale. Then I cut to look after Sir Bernard. I gave the whistle andthen I cleared. Next day Mr. Beryl told me all that had taken place."
"Did you think he had committed the crime?"
"No, I thought that Michael had. He had forged a check, and I thoughtthat he would quarrel with Sir Simon and kill him."
The boy spoke in all earnestness, so apparently Julius had been cleverenough to keep the fact of his own guilt secret. But for thehandkerchief it would have been difficult to have accused him. Connistonasked a final question. "How much do you get for all this?"
"Two thousand pounds if Michael died."
"If you poisoned him?" asked Bernard.
"Yes," said Jerry, sulkily. "I did intend to poison him, as I wanted thetwo thousand pounds. I came on here, and was then going to hide inLondon. After that, I should have sent for Victoria, and when Mr. Berylpaid, we would have gone to America."
"And why didn't you carry out this clever plan?" asked Gore.
Jerry turned still more sulky. "Because I saw you, and then I knew thegame was up. Even if Michael had died, you would have been able to claimthe property."
"Then Beryl really believed I was dead?"
"Yes, he did--so did I. When Victoria wrote me that you were here, Ithought you were Michael. And when Michael came over to the Bower, Ithought he had come from here. If I had known the truth----"
"Well?" said Bernard, dryly.
Jerry smiled amiably. "I'd have chucked Mr. Beryl and offered to proveyour innocence if you gave me the two thousand. No," added Jerry, with acharming smile, "I'd have asked three thousand from you."
The young men looked at one another in wonder at this precociouscriminality. "Can you prove my innocence?" asked Bernard.
"Yes," said Jerry.
"You know who killed Sir Simon?"
"Yes, I do. But I won't tell till I have seen Beryl," and this was allthey could get out of him, in spite of threats of further whippings andcajolings. So Jerry was taken back to his room, and Bernard arrangedwith Conniston that the boy should be taken to London that very day.
"And then, when Durham lets me know, I'll surrender myself. But I wonderwho killed my grandfather after all."
"Julius Beryl," said Conniston.
"Hum! I don't know. This boy seems to have some idea. I tell you what,Dick, I shouldn't be surprised if the boy did it himself."