The Adventure of the Mazarin Stone, Part 2

Sherlock Holmes Bedtime Stories

In this concluding part of 'The Adventure of the Mazarin Stone,' Sherlock Holmes outwits Count Sylvius, who arrives at Baker Street intending to murder him. Instead,

Key takeaways

• Holmes uses psychological manipulation and fabricated evidence to break down Count Sylvius's resistance.

Main topics

• Psychological confrontation
• Deductive reasoning

Notable quotes

"You can see in the corner the parasol which you so politely handed to me in the minories before you began to suspect."

Conclusion

Holmes successfully recovers the Mazarin Stone by exposing Lord Cantle

Transcript preview

Speaker 1 (0:03) Hello and welcome to the Sherlock Holmes Bedtime Stories podcast. Each episode is a section from a classic Sherlock Holmes story with relaxing music to help you fall asleep. If you love the podcast and never miss an episode, please follow us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and leave a five-star rating. If our podcast has become a part of your bedtime routine, please consider supporting the show by clicking the link in the show notes. Our show is completely free. In part, thanks to support from listeners like you. There are options to give one time or on a monthly basis. So sleep easier by clicking the support this podcast link in the show notes and become a supporter today. And as always, if you're enjoying the pod, please spread the word. Sharing with friends and family really does help. Thank you for joining us this evening. Now it's time to relax. Let your body fall into a comfortable position in your bed, and drift gently into a state of total relaxation with tonight's story. The Adventure of the Mazarin Stone, Part 2. It was therefore an empty room into which Billy, a minute later, ushered Count Silvius. The famous game shot, sportsman and man about town, was a big swarthy fellow with a formidable dark moustache, shading a cruel thin-lipped mouth and surmounted by a long curved nose like the beak of an eagle. He was well dressed, but his brilliant necktie, shining pin and glittering rings were flamboyant in their effect. As the door closed behind him, he looked round him with fierce startled eyes like one who suspects a trap at every turn. Speaker 1 (1:59) Then he gave a violent start, as he saw the impassive head and the collar of the dressing gown which projected above the armchair in the window. At first his expression was one of pure amazement. Then the light of a horrible hope gleamed in his dark, murderous eyes. He took one more glance round to see that there were no witnesses, and then, on tiptoe, his thick stick half raised, he approached the silent figure. Speaker 1 (2:29) He was crouching for his final spring and blow when a cool, sardonic voice greeted him from the open bedroom door. Don't break it, Count, don't break it! The assassin staggered back, amazement in his convulsed face. For an instant he half raised his loaded cane once more as if he would turn his violence from the effigy to the original, but there was something in that steady grey eye and mocking smile which caused his hand to sink to his side. Speaker 1 (3:04) It's a pretty little thing, said Holmes, advancing towards the image. Tavernier, the French modeler, made it. He is as good at waxworks as your friend Straubensee is at airguns. Airguns, sir? What do you mean? Speaker 1 (3:22) Put your hat and stick on the side table, thank you. Pray take a seat. Would you care to put your revolver out also? Oh, very good, if you prefer to sit upon it. Your visit is really most opportune, for I wanted badly to have a few minutes chat with you. The Count scowled with heavy threatening eyebrows. I too wish to have some words with you, Holmes, that is why I am here. I won't deny that I intended to assault you just now. Speaker 1 (3:58) Holmes swung his leg on the edge of the table. I rather gathered that you had some idea of the sort in your head, said he. But why these personal attentions? Because you have gone out of your way to annoy me. Because you have put your creatures upon my track. My creatures, I assure you now. Nonsense, I have had them followed. Two can play at that game, Holmes. Speaker 1 (4:34) It is a small point, Count Silvius, but perhaps you would kindly give me my prefix when you address me. You can understand that, with my routine of work, I should find myself on familiar terms with half the rogues' gallery, and you will agree that exceptions are invidious. Well, Mr. Holmes, then. Excellent. But I assure you, you are mistaken about my alleged agents. Count Silvius laughed contemptuously. Speaker 1 (5:11) Other people can observe as well as you. Yesterday there was an old sporting man. Today it was an elderly woman. They held me in view all day. Really, sir, you compliment me. Old Baron Dowson said the night before he was hanged that in my case what the law had gained the stage had lost. And now you give my little impersonations your kindly praise. It was you, you yourself? Holmes shrugged his shoulders. Speaker 1 (5:48) You can see in the corner the parasol which you so politely handed to me in the minories before you began to suspect. If I had known, you might never have seen this humble home again. I was well aware of it. We all have neglected opportunities to deplore. As it happens, you did not know. So here we are. The Count's knotted brows gathered more heavily over his menacing eyes. Speaker 1 (6:23) What you say only makes the matter worse. It was not your agents, but your play-acting, busybody self. You admit that you have dogged me. Why? Come now, Count, you used to shoot lions in Algeria. Well, but why? Why? The sport, the excitement, the danger. And no doubt to free the country from a pest. Exactly. Speaker 1 (7:10) "'My reasons in a nutshell.' "'The Count sprang to his feet "'and his hand involuntarily moved back to his hip pocket. "'Sit down, sir, sit down. "'There was another more practical reason. "'I want that yellow diamond.' "'Count Silvius lay back in his chair with an evil smile. "'Upon my word,' said he, "'you knew that I was after you for that. "'The real reason why you are here tonight "'is to find out how much I know about the matter "'and how far my removal is absolutely essential.' Well, I should say that from your point of view it is absolutely essential, for I know all about it, save only one thing which you are about to tell me. Oh, indeed,