try using "HELP" or if you're really stuck "HELP STUCK" .... :-)
You're not allowed to go downstairs until you've washed your hands, which forces you to explore a little, and you can't escape the castle until you've hunted about for an item (or preferably you're doing some investigating). It's a murder investigation! What would Sherlock do? (and no, the answer is not 'Opium' ;^)