The Mystery of Douglas

About half a mile from the town, standing in an old park famous for its huge beech trees, was the ancient Manor House, with its many gables and its small diamond paned windows. The only approach to the house was over a drawbridge, the chains and windlass of which had been rusted and broken. The family consisted of only two individuals - John Douglas and his wife. Douglas was cheery and genial to all and had acquired great popularity among the villagers. He appeared to have plenty of money. Thus, it came about that John Douglas had, within five years, won himself quite a reputation in Birlstone. His wife was a beautiful woman, tall, dark and slender, younger than her husband; a disparity which seemed in no way to mar the contentment of their family life. It was remarked sometimes, that the confidence between the two did not appear to be complete. There were signs, sometimes, of some nerve strain upon the part of Mrs. Douglas.

Cecil Barker was a frequent and welcome visitor at Manor House. Barker was an easy going, free handed gentleman.

It was on Jan 6th at 11:45 that the alarm reached the small local police station that John Douglas had been murdered. Dr. Wood seemed to be unnerved and troubled.

Dr. Wood: We will touch nothing until my superiors arrive. (He spoke in a hushed voice, staring at the dreadful head)

C Barker: Nothing has been touched until now.

Dr. Wood:

When did this happen?

C Barker: It was just half-past eleven. I was sitting by the fire in my bedroom when I heard the gun shot. In thirty seconds, I was in the room.

Dr. Wood: Was the door open?

C. Barker: Yes, it was open. Poor Douglas was lying as you see him.
Wood: Did you see anyone?

Barker:

No, I heard Mrs. Douglas coming down the stairs behind me, and I rushed out to prevent her from seeing this dreadful sight.

Dr Wood: But I have heard that the drawbridge

is kept up all night.

Barker.

Yes, it was up until I lowered it.

Dr. Wood: Then, how could any murderer have got away? It is out of question! Mr Douglas must have shot himself.

Barker.

That was our first idea. But see! The diamond paned window is open to its full extent.

Dr. Wood:

I think someone stood there while trying to get out.

C. Barker.

You mean that someone waded across the moat?

Dr Wood: Exactly!

C Barker.

I agree with you.

Dr. Wood: But what I ask you is, how did he even get into the house at all if the bridge was up?

C. Barker:

Ah, that's the question.

Dr. Wood: At what time was the bridge raised?

C. Barker. It was nearly 6 o'clock.

Dr. Wood:

Then it comes to this, if anyone came from outside if they did they must have got in across the bridge before six and had been in hiding ever since. The man was waiting. He shot him, when he got the chance.