Charles is still weak from his attack of the ‘d’Auberley Choleric’ – though Mr Holmes rescued him in time before it became too serious. But the letter that
was delivered just as he was telling Dot off for her adventure in the walled garden was enough to give anyone a fit!
“Well, Sir Charles?” said Mr Homes gently. “I must have the truth – ALL the truth – if I am to help you. As I told everyone here when I arrived – after you had called on me for my services as a detective.”
Again Sir Charles shook his head. “Nothing… I can’t… ” he whispered, his eyes still fixed on the threatening letter that Mr Holmes was holding in his hand.
Dot wished she could ask Mr Holmes to stop. She was feeling sorrier than ever for Sir Charles – whatever he had done. But at the same time, she knew that this was a moment that the great detective could not let pass by… such a chance to find the truth might never come again.
“Very well” said Mr Holmes. “Very well. Let us try a different approach.”
He took a big silver watch out of the pocket of his waistcoat. It hung on a long silver chain, which looped across the front of the waistcoat. It looked mega-expensive!
Why did he want to know the time just now though?
“This is a very fine piece” said Mr Holmes, showing it to Dot and Sir Charles. “A gift from the Countess Ursula von Halzenheim, after I had assisted her and the Count in the strange case of the Jumping Man.” He smiled at Sir Charles, whose eyes were still fixed on that horrible letter.
Mr Holmes started to hum a little tune. It was very simple and very soft. It was a little sad, too – like a song of regret.
What on EARTH is he doing NOW, thought Dot!
As he did so, he began to swing the watch from side to side, quite close to Sir Charles’ face – as if he were playing with it, just for fun. The polished silver flashed on – off, on – off, as it swung back and forth through the pool of light cast by the lamp on Sir Charles’ desk.
“Hmmm hmmm hmm hmm” hummed Mr Holmes. “Hmmm hmmm hmmm… ”
Dot couldn’t take her eyes off it – and now, nor could Sir Charles.
“Hmmm hmmm hmm hmm… ”
Dot felt her eyelids drooping. She suddenly felt amazingly sleepy… it was late after all…
“Now!” said Mr Holmes softly, suddenly stopping his humming. Dot jumped. She’d nearly fallen asleep!
”Now Sir Charles, you will sleep. When I awake you with a click of my fingers, you will remember nothing of what I have asked you. But you WILL feel better – so much better!”
Sir Charles WAS asleep – fast asleep. His breathing was heavy, but he already seemed more comfortable. The colour was starting to return to his cheeks, too.
“Sir Charles d’Auberley” said Mr Holmes, still speaking in a soft, soothing voice. “Sir Charles d’Auberley. Hear me now. You and your son the Honourable Herbert d’Auberley, have done a great wrong to the scientist and inventor Giles Langton.”
Dot caught her breath. She could guess what was coming next.
“This has brought sadness and distress to your house, and to your family and servants here at Dendringham Hall, with the terrifying scenes we have all witnessed together. But I believe, if you do the right thing, you can stop this – now. If you do, not only will you have done what is right and behaved like the true English gentleman you know you should be. You will be a man of honour again. I want you now to receive this as you sleep. Put – right – the – wrong.”
Mr Holmes stopped. Both he and Dot looked down at Sir Charles. His face was back to his normal colour, and he was breathing steadily and gently – as if he
was in the most peaceful of sleeps.
The detective took out a handkerchief, and leaning forward, gently wiped away the last remains of the sweat from Sir Charles’ forehead. Then he stood back and folded his hands before him. He turned to Dot.
“Have you seen a person mesmerized before, Dorothea?” he asked.
Dot supposed he meant hypnotized.
“Only on the - ” she began, ALMOST saying “television.” Aarghh!
“Er, no… no!” she said quickly, as Mr Holmes' brow furrowed in puzzlement.
Quick! She had to take his mind off what she’d nearly said! “What does “mesmerized” mean, Mr Holmes?”
She knew he loved telling people about things – he was just like a good teacher, he had so much knowledge and he always wanted to share it!
“Ah!” said Mr Holmes, going into information mode like a shot – just as she’d thought he would! “It’s a mental process named after Herr Franz Mesmer of Vienna. He is believed to have given one of our Scottish physicians the idea for hypnotism – which is what I have just practised. My hope is that, in the deep sleep which Sir Charles is now enjoying, he will receive my suggestions – and act upon them when he wakes. It certainly seems to have improved his present condition!”
“Yes” said Dot. “Yes it has…” But was it fair? She hated those TV shows where people were made to do stupid things while they were hypnotized and weren’t in control of themselves. It seemed cruel – a kind of bullying, really.
Mr Holmes could hear the doubt in her voice. He looked in her eyes.
“Do you think there is any other way that a man like Sir Charles would – even could – own up to what he has done, and put matters right?” he asked gently.
Dot had to admit he was right. “No… no, I suppose not” she said.
“Well then!” said Mr Holmes. “Time to wake our patient, I think, before Lady Sarah joins us.”
He put his hand in front of Sir Charles’ face, and clicked his fingers!
