The Classic Edgar Allan Poe story, “THE TELL-TALE HEART”
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Welcome, Weirdos! I'm Darren Marlar and this is Retro Radio – old-time radio in the dark, brought to you by WeirdDarkness.com. Here I have the privilege of bringing you some of the best dark, creepy and macabre old-time radio shows ever created.

If you're new here, welcome to the show. While you're listening, be sure to check out WeirdDarkness.com for merchandise, sign up for our free newsletter, connect with us on social media, listen to free audiobooks that I've narrated. Plus, you can visit the Hope in the Darkness page if you're struggling with depression, dark thoughts, or addiction. You can find all of that and more at WeirdDarkness.com.

Now, bolt your doors, lock your windows, turn off your lights, and come with me into tonight's retro radio, old-time radio in the dark. The CBS Radio Mystery Theater presents...

Come in. Welcome. I'm E.G. Marshall with another strange story about the world of the macabre. A very real world, by the way. Because if you think about it, haven't you said to yourself, I can't believe it. Or, that's the weirdest thing I've ever heard.

Behind such reactions, there are explanations of a sort. Some make sense, others... Well, others defy explanations because we huddle together in our small world, which is only a small part of an infinite universe. And nobody knows what unknown influences can change the course of our lives.

For Joey O'Hara, it began not with an unknown influence, but with a policeman. ♪♪

License, please. What's the charge, officer? Speeding. I clocked you at 35. The limit's 25. Yeah, I was flat out. Okay, give me the ticket. We don't write tickets in lifeboat landing. You'll have to follow me. What? You're hauling me in on a speeding charge of 35 miles an hour? What kind of a crazy town is this? ♪♪

♪♪ Our mystery drama, The Three Elders of Lifeboat Landing, was written especially for the Mystery Theater by Roy Windsor and stars Mason Adams. It is sponsored in part by Allied Van Lines and Buick Motor Division. I'll be back shortly with Act One. ♪♪

What began innocently enough, many of us have been stopped at least once for exceeding the speed limit, was to lead Joey O'Hara into an experience so devastating that until now it could never be told. And even now, names have been changed.

The origin of the experience was at a lunch between Joey's brother, Phil O'Hara, and his client, Ross Randall. I'm glad it's over with and that we won. You saved me from a whopping fine and maybe even a jail sentence. You're a very good lawyer, Phil. Thank you.

Tax cases are tricky. Well, I assure you, Phil, my accountant and I were certain those entertainment charges were deductible. Now, I'll tell you what I'd like to do. Would you and Mrs. O'Hara be my guests for dinner sometime soon in Lifeboat Landing? Oh, that's not necessary, Ross. No, no, no, but will you?

Well, we'd be delighted. I mean, maybe you could leave the city mid-afternoon, and depending on the weather, we can play around the golf. Or a few sets of tennis, if you prefer that. Then your wife can join us for dinner at the club. Fine, fine. Tennis, weather permitting. No problem. We have a bubble. You have? Hey, I thought they cost a mint. Well, money's no problem in Lifeboat Landing.

What the village wants, it gets. And pays for, of course. In proportion to a person's income. Lifeboat Landing is ideal, Phil. I know you'll enjoy seeing it. Well, I look forward to it. Carol and I, we have two small children, and we've been thinking about moving out of the city. School is expensive, and we think we'd like to have them grow up in one of the suburbs. Well, Lifeboat Landing is not exactly a suburb, Phil. We're a village of 4,000 in southeastern Long Island.

Actually, it's more rural and suburban. Beautiful homes, clean air, no crime. Really? No crime? None. Now, if you and Mrs. O'Hara have any interest in moving out our way, I don't think there'd be any problem. Just bring the money to the real estate agent. Not quite.

First, you have to be approved by the three elders. Oh? Like being okayed by a private club? Well, kind of yes and no. It's an integrated village, but the three elders... Who are...

Overseers, if you will. They decide if a family is suitable for us and we for them. Only then is a family allowed to buy property in Lifeboat Landing. Well, isn't that discrimination? We refer to it as selection. I see. And what happens if one of the 4,000 strays from the beaten path? It's not a beaten path, Phil. It's an organized, disciplined, and worry-free way of life. Yeah, but what if someone gets out of line? Then what? The three elders get him back on line...

or he leaves. Sit down, Joey. What's on your alleged mind? You've been editing this newspaper so long, you don't know a news story from a promotion for Aunt Lily's Golden Grits. You know what's on my mind, Frank. It's...

Yeah. What happened to those two guys? And what about the cashier who was plugged and left for dead on the bank floor and was up and around the next day? I saw that myself before a guard showed me the door. Well, how do you know it's the same cashier? Oh, come on, Frank. Why,

I've been cashing checks in Lifeboat Landing for years on my way to Montauk for fishing. It's the same teller the hold-up guy has laid out. How do you know that? We don't have a picture. Little Joey's got big ears. A pal of mine's a conductor on the railroad. He's been taking tickets from the guys who get on at Lifeboat Landing, and he hears them talking about the hold-up. No question the cashier was killed. But the next day, he's back at work, same cashier.

And from what my pal overheard, the description fits. It's a miracle. Now look, Joey, run along and play. Forget whatever's bugging you. It's months ago. So the cashier's okay. Good. Now go away. And the two stick-up guys? And what happened to them? They were caught by the police of Lifeboat Landing, but...

Where are they? Who cares? In jail, probably, or set up state. But they haven't been. Since they pulled the stick up, they've never been heard of. And that doesn't grab you? Frank. Now, let me give you some advice.

I've been sitting at this desk for a long time. Lifeboat Landing's unique. Nothing that happens out there ever gets reported. I mean ever. Not by the island papers, not by us. Now, maybe that's because nothing ever does happen. If that's wrong, I don't want to hear about it. Well, I do. I do.

I'd be a lousy newspaper reporter if I couldn't smell out a story. You know who Mr. Lloyd is, don't you? Yeah. Assistant to the publisher. What about him? He lives in Lightboat Landing. Hey, then maybe he can help me. You want to be out of a job? What? I knew about your interest in those guys, so I spoke to Mr. Lloyd.

He told me politely not to waste my time or yours on a petty felony. But the two guys disappeared. I said as much to Mr. Lord. He just smiled and said he assumed they'd been dealt with. What does that mean? Well, he said he didn't know. But someone must know. Joey, listen to the old ostrich. Keep your nose out of lifeboat landing. Or else I get the old heave-ho.

Or worse. Let me help you, darling. Sure, thank you. Oh, what a lovely room. Yeah, this is the grill. The main dining room is upstairs. Nice, isn't it? One of those cages out there. The platform tennis court. The pool is just beyond them and the golf course winds around it along the shoreline. It's beautiful. You saw the tennis bubble as we drove in. Very impressive. Thank you.

This place must cost an arm and a leg. Would you believe $500 a year for everything except food and drink? It can't be. Yeah. Ross Randall told me. He ought to know. And the food is excellent. I had a late lunch here with him. I've never tasted better scallops. Is he joining us? Yeah, any minute. He stayed on in the sauna. He's having a rubdown. I showered and I came up to look around. Yeah.

Yeah, you are right, Carol. It is impressive. Are we staying here or are we having dinner at Mr. Randall's house? I don't know. Why? Well, if we're serious about moving out of the city, I'd like to see the inside of one of these elegant homes. I didn't see anything we could afford. I wandered around a bit, and this village is one estate after another.

The houses must cost a fortune so you can imagine what's inside of them. Yeah. I'm glad we had a chance to see the place. You told Mr. Randall we've been thinking of moving out of the city. Yeah. And he's pushing Lifeboat Landing. He's not pushing it, Carol. You move here by invitation. I don't like the idea of someone passing judgment on whether or not we're good enough for a place like this. Judgments are passed every day by each of us, darling. Don't sound like a lawyer.

You know what I mean. Why can't we live where we please? We can, but not in lifeboat landing, unless the three elders say we can. Phil, that's not democratic. I agree. It's autocratic. But can you put down these benefits?

How did this place come about? Do you know? Well, we'll ask Randall. He could... Ah, wait a minute. Here he comes. I'm so very glad you could join us for dinner, Mrs. O'Hara. Thank you. You have a beautiful club, Mr. Randall. And the village, it's like a picture postcard. So you did have a chance to drive around. Well, just for a half hour. But I'm as impressed with the village as Phil is with your club.

Are the dues really only $500 a year? Why should they be more? That amount is adequate to meet our costs. There are a thousand families here, about 4,000 persons. Every family belongs to the club. Half a million is more than enough to meet our bills.

How did all this come about? I was asking Phil. Well, many years ago, this was just another potato farming area. But about 35 years ago, a few men decided to buy the acreage and found a village of carefully screened families whose frustrations were common to all. Yeah, the interdependent community. You said it was something like that, I think. That's right. Color, race, religion meant nothing. We wanted families that believed in honesty...

The work ethic. High cultural standards and who abhorred waste, ugliness, and crime. Now, if in the judgment of the three elders, a family qualified for residence here, they could make it possible. By saying, okay, you may buy the house? Much more than that. We would make certain that you could buy the house at a price you could afford. I'd be in debt for life. No, no.

Only a debt to the community. Now, you're a lawyer, Phil. If you bought a house in Lifeboat Landing for a pittance, your debt to the community would be as a lawyer. At any time, you might be called on to prosecute or defend for us at no fee to you. That's what we mean by interdependence. Isn't that kind of communistic? No, Mrs. O'Hara. We are elitist in spirit. We believe in the uncommon man.

Lifeboat Landing is a tribute to him. What if a family is allowed to move here and doesn't like it, Ross? What happens then? He leaves. And what about his house? He sells it only to a person the three elders have found acceptable. What if he objects? Just stops and sells it to someone he knows who hasn't been approved by the elders. Well, he's warned not to, of course. Yeah, but say he's stubborn and he doesn't listen. Then his house might be razed.

Level to the ground? We've had that experience only once, Mrs. O'Hara. A long time ago. Well, Ross? We could use another lawyer for it. He seemed all right. He helped me wriggle out of that tax evasion suit. He's practical. I don't know about the wife. Neither do I. Handsome woman, quite intelligent, but her mind's still filled with clichés.

It would take time to get her to accept our kind of ordered society. I don't understand minds like that. Here we offer everything, literally everything... but the Mrs. O'Harris of the world treasure more than anything... the right to defy, to act independently. Well, she might come to see that in time. The system works. Oh, which reminds me, Ross...

Mr. Lord spoke to me about one of his reporters who is interested in those two hoodlums who held up the bank and shot the cashier. Oh? That's all been disposed of, hasn't it? It was at the time. You did a miraculous job, Fritz, in saving his life. I won't ask you how you got him back on his feet the next day, but I marvel at your skill. Thank you. Who's the reporter who might come snooping around? Joey O'Hara.

Your fellow Harrah's brother. I see. That's too bad. Well, we'll be on the alert for him. Yes.

He could be an embarrassment. So, you and I have doubts, yes? Yes. Let's have Larson show the O'Harris some houses, and then we'll meet and hear his opinion. Phil's all right, but I'm not sure about his wife. And the reporter, brother, if he becomes persistent, you'll know what to do. Oh!

One definition of society is a voluntary association of individuals for common ends. Chemists get together and presumably talk chemistry. Nothing wrong with that.

But a village of 4,000, in which, it would appear, everyone thinks and acts alike? As Americans, we hold many truths to be self-evident, and one of them is the right to protest. But not in lifeboat landing, as we will learn when I return with Act II. Act II

As a nation, we are protesters. Protest to Americans is second nature. We protested the tax on tea and a nation was born. We protested against slavery and a terrible civil war followed. We have died to preserve the right of each man to independent thought. But we have not.

Perhaps we haven't realized the ideal of making the world free for democracy, but neither have we become robots in an ordered society.

In our story, it's not Yankee go home, but Joey get lost. Joey, I mean it, get lost. Not a chance, old pal. Guess who's going to help me get the inside dope on what happened to those two guys? My brother, Phil. You got a brother? I thought you were one of a kind. I am. Phil's another type. I like Phil already. What's his racket? Uh-oh. Hold it.

Is that your brother? The lawyer who got Russ Randolph on that tax evasion case? Mm-hmm. That's my brother, Phil. Oh, yeah.

He's bought a house in Lifeboat Landing, and he and the family are moving out there in a couple of weeks. That's my inside track, baby. You're a real dancer, you are. Wait until I bust the truth across the front page. Before that happens, you'll be bust out of here. What's wrong with you, Frank? Two stick-up guys just vanished, and you don't think there's a story there? I told you until my throat is dry. Lay off Lifeboat Landing.

Something smells out there, Frank, and you know it. I've got a right to ask questions. No one can toss me in the clink just for asking questions. No one has. You've been out there. The bank cashier wouldn't talk to me. Well, that was his privilege. What about the police? Yeah, the police. They said they didn't know what I was talking about. Well? Frank, that's what's funny.

I'm not allowed to talk to the cashier, and nobody else in the bank, including the security guard, would even speak to me. And the police, they just smiled and told me to run along. What goes on out there? It's a tight little community, that's what goes on.

And no hard-nosed reporter's going to loosen it up. I don't believe it. I'll find somebody who'll spill the beans. Yeah, in your face. Why do you keep saying things like that? Because, dummy, if you become an annoyance to the three elders who run the place, you just might join those two hold-up guys your heart bleeds for. You're scared, aren't you, Frank? For your sake, yeah. THE END

Thank you, officer. That will be all. Yes, sir. Good night, gentlemen. You run a pretty high-handed community. Yes, Mr. O'Hara. We do. I go over the speed limit by ten miles an hour. But you did go over the limit. Isn't that so? Get it over with. How much? There's no fine. I'm not going to give you a fine.

Only a warning. Swell, but I got the message when the cop picked me up, so what's the point of this little get-together? There are several points, Mr. O'Hara. You're Ross Randall, right? That's right.

And it was your brother, Phil, who defended me in a tax suit and who has since been allowed to move to Lifeboat Landing. So I heard. I was on my way to his housewarming party. We won't keep you. But as Dr. Heinemann just said, we must give you a warning. Okay, shoot. If you're arrested again, you'll be sent to prison for 30 days. In your hat? No.

In our jail. You couldn't get away with that. That is not worth commenting on, Mr. O'Hara. As Mr. Randall has said, you will be jailed for 30 days. Then I'd sue you and every court in the land. What kind of garbage are you trying to hand out? Another warning is this. Your brother and his family are now members of this community.

For his sake, I hope you won't become an embarrassment to them. You mean an embarrassment like asking what happened in that bank robbery and to the two stick-up guys who disappeared? I'm a newspaper man. There's a story there, and I'm going to dig it out. Or fish it out, if you get what I mean. I have no idea what you're talking about. And I don't suppose you have either, Mr. Randall. Mr. O'Hara, this is a civilized village.

We don't have crime here. If crime enters our community, we deal with it quickly and discreetly. That's why you've been brought before us. Don't break our laws. We obey them, and visitors must. And for your own sake, stop your search for those imaginary hoodlums. All right, you're free to go. ♪

to stay overnight, Joey. No, thanks, Carol. Forget what happened, kid. It's not a federal case. It's going to be before I get through with it, Phil. And you're going to help me. You're back on the vanishing stick-up, man. Give up. That happened months ago. I wish you'd forget it. How can you say that? Don't you care? It's none of my business. And you've been told that it's none of yours. And the more I'm told to lay off...

The surer I am that there's something strange about lifeboat landing... No, not strange. Different is all. It is different. It's highly organized. Each of us helps the other guy. If I have a problem, I can get help. If someone here needs legal advice, I'm here to supply it as a neighborly obligation. Now, what's wrong with that? Everything.

You have no privacy. You've sold out to a weird society that provides you with every material benefit in exchange for dumb obedience. You've got it all wrong, Joey. I think and I say what I please. I go to work freely and come home to a fine house and an ideal community. Phil, can't you see what kind of place this is?

You call it an interdependent society. When persons spy on each other and lead plastic lives, that's what I call the police state. But, Joey, where else could we find all this? You'll admit it's a beautiful village. Sure. And Vienna was a beautiful and carefree city until the Nazis took it over and the Gestapo paid neighbors to spy on neighbors. Isn't that the system you've got here?

You understand, Carol. I can see it in your eyes. Too much housewarming, pal. Spend the night, huh? No. No, I'll be on my way. Look, both of you, I'm... I'm sorry to be like this. It's your home, your community, and I wish you well. I hope it works out. It just wouldn't be for me.

I don't like regimentation. Never mind. It's a great source of satisfaction to me to have everything organized efficiently. This village works. And everybody obeys, including the opposition. If there is one. Of course there is. But the majority opinion prevails and everyone accepts it. That's brainwashing, Phil. Well, what about it?

Can you help me find out what happened to those two guys? You've been told not to snoop, Joey. Uh-huh. Meaning you won't ask questions for me.

Well, then I'll have to find out for myself. I'll say goodnight. I'll see you to the door. So long, Phil. Goodnight. Please don't stir up trouble, Joey. I've tried not to, but... Carol, this place is not for you. If I can't stand it, we can always leave. I wonder. It's one thing to get into a secret society...

Getting out's another. Oh, I wish you wouldn't say things like that. It makes me feel spooky. You said it. I didn't. But I know how you feel. I thought you were entitled to know, Phil. Thanks, Ross. I appreciate it. I said pretty much the same things to my brother last night. He's a flag waver, you know. So I'm told. But so...

We just can't have him prying into the affairs of Lifeboat Landing. For our common good, the elders simply won't permit it. I know, I know, and I agree. We have no crime because our justice is swift and severe. That's the only deterrent to crime, Phil. Now, we're not cruel, but we are absolute. We've had thieves and they've been banished. What makes justice work in Lifeboat Landing is common consent. Once the elders, after consultation with the police and the judge, have made a decision...

All 4,000 of us accepted. Right. Now, for some reason, your brother has found a cause celeb in the bank holdup. And he's determined to find out what happened to the gunman. I've told him he's been warned off. He asked me to help. I told him it's none of my business. Quite right. And I don't propose to explain what happened. But the disappearance of the men will have a salutary effect. Others will think twice before they try a stick-up in Lifeboat Landing. Right.

You do like our way of life, Phil. And Mrs. O'Hara and the children? Oh, very much, certainly. I ask because some of the ladies had tea with your wife the other day and sensed a vague reluctance on her part to participate wholeheartedly in their plans for next season's plays for our community center. Yeah.

Yeah, I heard. Now, the center tries to present plays both classic and modern that are pure entertainment. Now, your wife suggested that we produce at least one protest play. Its subject was racial violence. And the language in it, frankly, is repugnant to anyone who isn't an animal. I know what you mean. Carol's always been a little liberal. Well, the center exists to entertain, not to foment trouble. Oh.

I'll talk it over with her, Ross. Good. Oh, and Phil. Yeah? Speak to your brother. Our warning to him was not a gesture. He's become an irritant. And if he aggravates the situation, the warning will have to be acted upon. That's how it is. Yeah, I understand. Just who does he think he is, Ross Randall, warning me...

All he said was if I broke the speed limit again, I'd go to jail for 30 days. Ridiculous. I'd have a lawyer spring me in half an hour. He wasn't talking about you being arrested for speeding. Worried about me snooping into what happened to those two holdup men, right? Joey, why don't you drop that? Not on your life, Carol. But what do they mean to you? They were just a couple of bums who got caught robbing a bank. And banished. So what? So everything.

Look, I don't even know who the guys were, and they're probably no good, but this is America, Carol, baby, and those guys were entitled to a hearing before a judge and then sentenced. They just can't be rubbed out. That happens in a police state, but not here. Can't you see that? I give up. It's your neck, Joey. I'm not afraid of Ross Randall.

He's not going to feed me to the sharks the way he did with those two hold-up punks. You sure jumped to conclusions. But where did they go? Whatever happened to them, Randall doesn't care to tell me. When the three elders reach a decision, others act on it. There are 4,000 of us here, Joey. Us?

You're one of them now, Phil? Yes. My law practice in the city has increased by half since we moved to Lifeboat Landing. We love our house. The schools are good. The village is kept beautifully. The club is marvelous. And our neighbors are congenial. What more could I want? Freedom. Freedom to think and to act as you please. We have all the freedom we need. Oh, come on, both of you. Let's not get nasty. Joey, we're here. We now belong to Lifeboat Landing. You don't like it? That's okay.

But please, let's not have any more quarrels. And listen to what Phil's been trying to pound into your head. The warning. We'll see you in town, Joey. Not out here. Okay. You still don't see why, do you? I'm not that dumb. They've got me marked. I don't know that. But you sense it. Well, that's okay. It's not going to stop me. I'm going to expose Lifeboat Landing for what it is. A fascist commune. At least I'm going to try. Okay.

Even though I might end up in the briny. Aristotle wrote that democracy arose from men thinking that if they are equal in any respect, they are equal in all respects. I don't think it's worked that way here. You and I have equal rights with, say, a famous doctor, but could we pretend to be equal in the ability to invent the polio vaccine?

More on the subject as it applies to lifeboat landing when I return with Act Three. From what I've gathered so far, lifeboat landing on the southeastern shore of Long Island is the ideal community. Joey O'Hara disagrees.

He's a newspaper man, of course, with a natural instinct for news, and he finds any controlled society repugnant.

His curiosity was aroused by the disappearance of two men who held up the local bank and vanished. That's just what it is, Frank. So were some of the private clubs around town. What's wrong with that? Guys from the same college band together, other guys who like boats, beer-drinking guys, they're all over town. But they don't decide flatly what taxes you're going to pay or what happens to a guy who holds up a liquor store.

Okay. You got something up your sleeve. What is it? Take a look at this.

There's a picture of some German soldier in a fatigue jacket. So? It's Dr. Fritz Heinemann. Who's he? Some small fry ex-Nazi? That's right. Well, there's lots of them still drifting around. This guy drifted to lifeboat landing. So what? Is he on the wanted list? No. He came here from South America and took out citizenship papers in 1950. So what about him?

He's one of the three elders of the village. Oh? Heinemann's the kind of guy who'd still be indoctrinated with law and order and obedience and a system of informers. Just what lifeboat landing has plenty of. So Heinemann is an ex-Nazi. So what? So he and the other two elders, Ross Randall and some guy named Larson, rule absolutely.

That's why there's no crime. Somebody drifts into lifeboat landing and commits a crime, he's never heard of again. You two stick up, then? They got it, Frank. It's easy to cover up two murders if 4,000 persons want it covered up. And what I want to do, Frank, is to begin to write a series of articles about the place. No good. You said nobody out there is willing to talk.

What you think is one thing. But unless you got facts, we'd be inviting a libel suit. The paper can't print a story without possessing hard facts. You haven't got any. Oh, sure, you know about Heinemann and you got a bug in your ear about the two hoods. But what have you got, really? Nothing. I've got more than that. If the three elders weren't worried about an investigation, would they warn my brother that I could get hit?

Would your brother testify that you'd been threatened? I don't know. I do. And what you've told me about him since he moved out there, your brother wouldn't talk. He's my brother. He's also a guy who'd probably like to stay alive. Now what? They just want to come here and talk. You know, that makes me nervous. I feel the way I used to feel when I hadn't done my homework. What have I done now? The play committee.

Oh, no. I saw the light. No protest play for next season. Phil. I know what you're going to say. But doesn't conformity get you down? It's smothering. I like it here, Carol. But if you don't, we can always move back to the city. But think of what we've got. And what we've given up. I'll let them in.

Hello, Ross. Hello, Fritz. Come on in. Thank you. We won't be five minutes, Phil. Ah, good evening, Mrs. O'Hara. Hello, Dr. Heinemann. Ross, please sit down. Shall I stay, or do you want me? Oh, please, please, please. What we have to say is for both of you. Sit down, Fritz. Phil, we think we've made a mistake.

I really made the mistake, but the elders act together. We share credit and errors. A mistake? Ross and I met with Mr. Larson, the third elder, and we have concluded reluctantly that lifeboat landing is not quite right for your family. I'm sorry to hear that. We like it here very much. Yes, I think you do, Phil. But what about you, Carol? Well...

Well, I'm getting used to it.

It's taking a while because it's a different experience for me. But I love my house and everything else about the village. Yes, physically it is perfect. And the reason for that is efficient organization. Some persons fit the yoke. Others do not. Many personal inclinations have to be repressed for the good of all. Decisions made by the three elders represent the majority opinion...

And the minority has to accept it. And some persons might resent that kind of rule as arbitrary. Well, it is kind of, isn't it? Well, isn't it preferable to constant turmoil? The elders decide what is best for all and put it into effect. To be efficient and productive, a house needs a head. So does a business. So does government.

Understand? Yes. Turmoil and bitterness and neighbor set against neighbor. Those are the very reasons that democracy is inefficient. But each of us should be free to say what he thinks. That is the reason for our visit. We suggest it will be happier if you leave Lightboat Landing. We would like to have you stay with us, but not as dissidents. And then feel...

There's your brother. I told him to stay away. It wasn't easy. I'm fond of him. He's still bent on making trouble. How could he? He can't. But he refuses to believe it. Now, I can give you one piece of news that you may not be aware of. He's been discharged from his job. Oh!

You won't give up, will you, Ross? Well, I do like him, Fritz. And his wife will come around. It seems a shame to tell him to move because of that brother of his. Well, he could be disposed of very easily. Ah, too obvious. The publicity would be unpleasant. And I don't know if that editor would stand still for the disappearance of Joey O'Hara. But without facts, who would believe what he might say? The two hold-up men disappear.

Joey O'Hara disappears. The first are missing because a rival gang took care of them. O'Hara is missing because he was close to exposing the gang. That kind of thing can be maneuvered, Ross. Let me try something else first. I have an idea. ♪♪

You sure it's okay for you to be seen with me, brother Phil? Come off it. I mean it. You keep on associating with the headhunter, they'll kick you out of lifeboat landing. They're going to. No. Oh, that's the best news I've heard in days. No kidding. When did this happen? Last night. Have you seen Phil?

After Heinemann and Randall suggested we might be happier if we moved out, they told me that you'd been fired. I tried to get you. I was afloat. Me and my editor, my pal Frank. I got him home and fell asleep in his living room. Sorry about your job. The editor warned you. Yeah, yeah, I know. Not his fault. The word came down from Mr. Lord. He's from Lifeboat Landing, you know. Uh-huh.

Well, I'm not sorry you're coming back to the city, Phil. That place bugs, Carol. Oh, it's not definite. I suppose I'm the reason they want you out. It's mostly you, yes.

Well, I should be sorry, but I'm not. Heinemann is a former Nazi. He settled in Leifboet Landing and built a model brainwashed village. It works like a perfect clock. Great if you're a clock, you get wound up and just tick away. Heinemann, a former Nazi? That's right. Oh, he's an American citizen now, but he's put together a perfect model of a town occupied by the Wehrmacht.

Everybody smiling on the outside, spying on their neighbors, scared stiff on the inside because if you step out of line, the three elders will get you. That's not quite true, Joey. Before they take an important position, they pull the heads of each of the families. And you're going to disagree with what the elders recommend? Not on your life. Another thing about Heinemann, he's also some kind of faith healer. What does that mean?

I've heard that he can affect some remarkable cures. He's an internist, but he also dabbles in the side and faith healing. The reason I got interested was that bank cashier. He was left for dead. The next day, he's up and around, good as new. I don't believe it. The faith healing, I mean. The guy probably was just Nick. I believe it. I'd believe anything about Heinemann and those other two.

Are you all right for money, Joey? Sure. I'm rolling at about 140 bucks. If you need any... Thanks, thanks. And what now? Now I've got another surprise for you. I'm having cocktails at six with Heinemann and Randall at your community club in lovely Lifeboat Landing. Oh, come on. What for? Persistence pays off. They're going to tell me all about the two hold-up guys who floated away into space...

You're quite right, Mr. O'Hara. I was a member of the Nazi Party. I was deluded, as many of my companions were. That, however, was many years ago. I escaped to South America and then to the United States, where I am a citizen. Everyone in lifeboat landing knows this...

Why is the fact so interesting to you? Because the government of lifeboat landing reflects an alien philosophy. Your deluded philosophy of absolute rule. All of us here believe in a democracy controlled by the three elders who enforce the majority rule. So two guys stick up your bank and the majority approves, rubbing them out. Exactly. Exactly.

You admit you had them disappear? Yes. Without trial and without a defense? That's right. That's murder. It is self-preservation. Fear is our weapon, and all of us believe in it. And you place yourself above our accepted concept of law.

We invited you here to demonstrate how justice works in our village. You were warned about speeding. Don't tell me I'm going to be punished for throwing a cigarette in the street. You're not going to be punished at all. But you are about to be rendered ineffective in your attempt to expose us for our way of life.

which includes, when it's necessary, the act of extermination. Oh, you're giving me a mighty juicy story, Mr. Randall. And you may feel free to write it if you want your niece, then your nephew, then Mrs. O'Hara, and then your brother to drop out of sight forever. You'd murder them? Drop your investigations.

Oh, that's exactly what will happen. They're getting out of this sick place. No, they are going to remain. We had thought of telling them to leave and then of dealing with you. This way will be less troublesome. With you alive, no one will believe your story. I'll notify every law enforcement agency in the country. And who would believe you? Your niece is drowned at the beach. Your nephew...

Well, why go on? You do that? Oh, yes. That's fiendish. We like our way of life, and no one will be allowed to interfere with it. All right, now you're free to go. We've warned you, and I assure you we can act. I'll get my brother and his family out of here tonight. Feel free to. But will your brother and his wife believe you? And even if they do, who would print your story? You have no facts.

You're helpless, Mr. O'Hara. You dirty stink. Good night, Mr. O'Hara. Have a nice drive back to the city. Where are you calling from, Joey? What? You say they knock off your family one by one? Joey, are you sober? All right, all right. Save the language.

Yeah. I'll do better than that. I'll have the state police escort Phil and his family back to New York. And I'll bust the story all over tomorrow morning's paper. Yeah, yeah, it may cost me my job, but I'd be a real jerk not to save four lives. Make that five. Well, they'd get you too, Joey.

Okay, pal. Hang up and hide out. I'll take over. Oh!

A fantasy? Of course. It really can't happen here. But back in 1935, Sinclair Lewis thought it could. And it was he who anticipated the monstrous war fomented by a madman who wanted to impose a rigid order on Europe and then on the rest of the civilized world. He failed, just as tyranny failed in the strange village of Lifeboat Landing.

I will return shortly. Everyone believes in law and order, but those are ideals which arise from within a free society for the common good. Try to impose them without common consent.

And there is resistance. The alternative is a police state, which is just what Joey O'Hara finally managed to expose. Our cast included Mason Adams, Ann Shepard, Mandel Kramer, Robert Phelps, and Guy Sorrell. The entire production was under the direction of Hyman Brown. And now,

Now, a preview of our next tale. And now, the news on the hour. Reliable information has it that the organized underworld has collected a fabulous war chest to protect itself against the public avenger. No expense will be spared in a mammoth operation to find the killer. The law enforcement authorities have announced a full-scale drive to apprehend the public avenger.

And so it appears that both the government and the gangsters may very well be united in an effort to fight a common foe. Oh, this is another word. Mm-hmm, mm-hmm.

Interesting alliance. Oh, what am I going to do, Professor? We still have no absolute proof. Well, if he keeps on, they'll kill him. One side or the other will kill him. Yeah, there's no doubt about that. But how can I make him stop? Radio Mystery Theater was sponsored in part by Buick Motor Division and Allied Van Lines. This is E.G. Marshall inviting you to return to our mystery theater for another adventure in the macabre.

Until next time, pleasant dreams. Toyota is the best resale value brand for 2025, according to Kelley Blue Book's KBB.com. That means when you buy a Toyota, you can feel confident that your investment will last.

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Do you like my horror-able humor episodes called Mind of Marler? If so, and you'd like more, it now has its very own podcast. Comedic creeps, sarcastic scares, frivolous frights, macabre madness. Every week I dive into strange history, twisted true crime, and paranormal weirdness. All the stuff you'd expect from me on Weird Darkness, but delivered with dark comedy, satire, and just the right amount of absurdity.

They've been here for thousands of years, making their presence known in the shadows. They might be seen by a lonely motorist on a deserted road late at night, or by a frightened and confused husband in the bedroom he's sharing with his wife.

Perhaps the most disconcerting part of this phenomenon boils down to this question: has the government been aware of their presence all along and is covertly working with them towards some secret end? In the audiobook, Runs of Disclosure, what once was fringe is now reality. While listening, you'll meet regular people just like you who have encountered something beyond their ability to explain.

You'll also hear from people of great faith and deep religious belief who continue to have these strange and deeply unsettling encounters. Author L.A. Marzulli explores these ongoing incidents to discover the answers to these questions: Who are they? What do they want? And why are they here? Can you handle the truth? Listen to this audiobook if you dare!

Rungs of Disclosure Following the Trail of Extraterrestrials and the End Times by L.A. Marzulli Narrated by Darren Marlar Hear a free sample on the audiobooks page at weirddarkness.com Appointment with Fear This is your storyteller, the man in black. Here again to bring you another placid evening in our far-side series, Appointment with Fear.

This is the story of a man who commits murder and gets away with it. Does the idea shock you? Do you believe that justice must always be done? But you and I needn't be cynics to know that justice is very seldom done in this world. Innocence flinches. Guilt is childish and bland.

Innocence is imposed upon me. Guilt can compass all things. Even a successful murder. And I know this because... Because... Because I was the murderer, you are? They would hardly tell you that if you inquired at Scotland Yard. I was the victim?

In Bond Street, not far from Piccadilly, there used to be an establishment, which in a less fashionable part of town would have been called a shop. On the windows, in letters as discreet as a visiting card, were the words, Charles Markham, Antique Dealer. Forty years ago, far back in Texas,

This antique shop, despite deep carpets and crystal chandeliers, was a dingy place. It rustled with the ticking of a hundred clock. It was shadowed by damascened armor and the colors of tall tapestries. And late one summer night, when the shutters had long been closed on the windows, a four-wheeler drew up at that door in the gas-lit street.

That's all, cabbie. You needn't wait. Very good, miss. Good night. Good night. He must be here. He must be. I won't go back to that place. I'll kill myself first. Now, look here, old man. You needn't. Oh. I beg your pardon. And I beg yours.

I'm not the person you're expecting, am I? No, madam. As a matter of fact, I was expecting a police officer. A police officer? A very old friend who often drops in for a talk and a drink. You are Mr. Markham, aren't you? Yes, my name is Markham. Can I be of any service to you? I want to come in. I want to buy a present for somebody. Really, madam, this is hardly the time. Yes, I know it's late. It's nearly one o'clock, madam. Surely tomorrow morning. Oh, that'll be too late.

This is a special occasion. It's a birthday present. Yes, it's a birthday present, and I've got to deliver it at breakfast. And Sir George Little says this is the only place in London to buy antiques. Sir George flatters me. Won't you let me come in just for five minutes? Well, under the circumstances, madam, I think it might be managed. Now, one moment while I put some lights on. No, please. That one little light will be enough. But you won't be able to see anything. That doesn't matter. I'll trust your judgment. Just as you like. This way, madam.

What's that? That noise? Noise? Oh, you mean the clocks, madam. There are more than a hundred clocks in this room. I'm very fond of them. Don't they get on your nerves, ticking away together like a nightmare, striking the hours together? They don't strike together. When the hour approaches, you'll hear a musical din that lasts for some time. Might I interest you in perhaps a clock? No.

I hate them. Well, all the same, this grandfather clock might amuse you. What about it? Observe the signature. Johannes Carver. Londini, Fiset, Anno Domini, 1752. You could see better, madam, if you raise that veil. I'll keep my veil down. Just as you please. But look at the clock. I open the glass. I open the glass face. Like this.

I pushed the second hand forward, like this. One and all. What was that voice? Only the clock, madam. Nothing more. What spoke? Clever, isn't it?

A device of old John Carver, anticipating Mr. Edison's grammar full by more than a hundred years. But you don't like clocks. No. May I ask whether the present is for a lady or for a gentleman? It's, uh, for a man. Has he some knowledge of antiques? No, uh, yes, I mean, he... Oh, furniture, perhaps. Porcelain, bronzes, tapestry, weapons...

He might be very much interested in weapons. Yes. Then I imagine his name is Mr. Ronald Gilbert. Will you tell me, Miss Ray, why you really came here tonight? So you know who I am. Naturally. You're Miss Judith Ray. Why did you come here? I wanted to see what sort of man you actually were. Have you found out? No.

go back to prison. I won't. Since this is to be a business conference, Miss Ray, and I imagine it is. Yes. Then suppose we go into my office here at the back of the shop. Will you precede me? Thank you. You must excuse the dust covers I put on the chairs here. I'm leaving for holiday tomorrow and the shop will be closed. When I return next week, Miss Ray, I shall expect the amount requested.

In cash, of course. But I can't raise 2,000 pounds. You ought to know that. Your fiancé could raise the money, I imagine. Ron? Do you think I'd have Ron know where I've been and what I've been? It's better than having his father know. Surely. Sit down, Miss Ray. I'd rather stand, thank you.

No, no, that's a very foolish gesture. But the ladies will do it. They think it gives them dignity and shows their disdain of the poor blackmailer. Oh, you see, I make no bones. I am a blackmailer. You seem rather proud of yourself. Why not? It's the one... I'm the one person in England, perhaps in the world, who has made it a large-scale business. Congratulations. After all, what is life but blackmail?

The trial says, if you don't give me that, I'll scream. The grown woman says, if you go on behaving like this, I'll leave you. Your sex, Miss Ray, are blackmailers from the cradle. You know Charles Markham. Well? I wonder if anybody has ever hurt you, Ben. Hurt me?

What do you mean? When you talk about the world and people in general, your face goes right under the eyes. You pick up that letter opener from the desk. Oh, not a letter opener, Miss Ray. A medici dagger, 16th century work. It isn't the money that really interests you, is it?

You hate the world. You want to torture people as you think you've been tortured. Isn't that so? This is a very sharp dagger, Miss Ray. If I throw it down on the desk, it sticks. Like that. Isn't it so, Charles Markham? My motives, Miss Ray, aren't in question. I wonder. Whereas your motives are. Now let me see.

Ten years ago in 1894, a certain girl called Lettie Wilson, your real name I believe, fell in love with a rather contemptible underworld character named Arthur Aker. Please. No humiliation was too great for her. She worked for him, lied for him, stole for him. I was only 18. I didn't know what

I didn't know what I was doing. This girl, for a very shabby theft, was sentenced to three years' penal servitude at Holloway Prison. Five months later, she escapes from prison and disappears. All these years afterward, she appears in the West End as Judith Ray, fashionable milliner. Haven't I made up for it? Haven't I? No. For what mistake after ten years? That's the way of the world, my dear. I didn't create it. But...

I'm forgetting the best part of the comedy. This paragon of virtue next falls in love with Mr. Ronald Gilbert, son of Major General Sir Edmund Gilbert. Such a respectable family. No, please! Then, shall we say, two thousand pounds? Suppose I did raise the money. I...

I don't know how, but suppose I did raise it. Well? Well, what guarantee would I have? You wouldn't ask for still more money. I probably shall ask for more money, Miss Ray. That's my privilege as a blackfeeder. Then I'm never going to be free of you. Is that it? Frankly, that's it. Unless I kill you, of course. What if... What if I did kill you? People have threatened that before, but...

They haven't meant it. Maybe I mean it. Well, we can easily test you out. There's a sharp knife stuck in the desk in front of you. I'm going to get up and deliberately turn my back on you like this. Be careful, Charles Markham. As a student of human nature, I'm curious. How much will you risk to keep this secret? Have you the courage to kill and risk hanging? Yes, I do.

I think I have. Look out, you fool. What was that? Aren't you glad? Aren't you glad you held back at the last moment, Miss Ray? I did. What was that? That, my dear, was the front door bell. Probably my friend, Inspector Ross from Wigmore Street Police Station. Come on in, old man. The front door isn't locked.

You wanted me to attack you, didn't you? No. I was merely curious. And in any case, Miss Rape, it would be useless to kill me. Useless? Why? Because I shouldn't die. Don't talk rot. It's quite true. A man in my position must take certain precautions. If you killed me, I should be... I should be back to haunt you within half an hour. And I don't happen to be joking. Come in. Come in.

Now, look here, Markham, I... Ron! Good Lord. Mr. Ronald Gilbert, as I live. Ron, what are you doing here? He hasn't got anything against you, has he? Speak up, Mr. Gilbert. Have I? Well, the fact is, Judith, I... Oh, look at him, this Ray. See how he changes color and clenches his hands and altogether assembles a boy caught at the jam cupboard. The perfect picture of a gentleman being a gentleman. Now, look here, Markham. I'm not very clever...

You can always make a fool of me when you start talking. Let's stop talking. I've brought the money. What money? Mary, my fee for keeping quiet about you. So you went wrong, too. You told him about it. Naturally. If possible, always sell your wares in two markets. How much money? Never mind, Judith. I hoped I could keep you out of this without your knowing. How much money? Three thousand. It's all I could raise. Had he told you who I am and what I've been? Listen, Judith, I don't care who you are or what you've been. I happen to be in love with you. I...

Never mind. Let's get out of here. Oh, Ron, it's no good being able to come back for more money. I know that, but what else can we do? Nothing, I'm afraid. What's that knife doing stuck in the desk? Nothing dangerous, I assure you. No? Merely a curio. I pick it up like this. I flip it down like this. And pick it up again. Miss Ray was much interested in the dagger...

May I have that envelope with the money, please? There you are. Take it. Thank you. As I explained to Miss Ray, I'm leaving tomorrow for a holiday. Hence the general disarray and the dust covers on the chairs. Before my departure, I'm glad we could settle this affair as you... as you would say, like gentlemen. Before we clear out of here, Markham, there's just one favor I'd like to ask. Of course, old man. Ask away. This is your job, I suppose. You can't help being what you are, but never again, as long as you live... Well... Never even say that word, gentlemen! Gentlemen!

Be careful, Ron. Look at his face. Tell me, Mr. Gilbert, how much money is in this envelope? You heard what I said. Three thousand pounds. Then take it back, my friend. I find we can't strike a bargain after all. What do you mean? Just what I say. Here's your money. You will now oblige me, both you and Miss Ray, by leaving my shop. What's up? What are you going to do? Tomorrow morning, perhaps even tonight...

I'm going to get in touch with the police. I shall tell them where they can find Lettie Wilson, alias Judith Ray. You can't do that, Markham. Oh, yes, he can. You pity where it hurts. Three thousand pounds, my friend, is not enough compensation for the way you talk. There's the way. Through the shop. Shall I escort you to the front door? No. You prefer to stay here and make a fool of yourself? You're not going to tell the police, Markham. I promise you that. And how are you going to stop me? With this. Sir!

Put that gun away. It's a funny thing, Judith. I felt a bit of a fool bringing this revolver along. But now I've got a use for it. Oh, yes, I've got a use for it. Maybe the best thing would be to go into the street now and call a policeman. You'll never get to the street, Malcolm. Are you following me into the shop? Yes. So...

Both of you, it appears, came here under false pretenses. You said you wanted to pay me some money. The money's still there, but you've lost your chance to get it. And our dear Judith said she wanted to buy a present for you. I showed her this grandfather clock here. This speaking clock. Don't go a step beyond that clock, Malcolm. I warn you. Nonsense, old man. You wouldn't dare shoot. Wouldn't I? No. And I call your bluff. One step. Two steps. Oh!

I know. I know you're a whole silly tribe, my friend. You wouldn't risk it. You wouldn't. What's happening to me? Don't try to grab at the clock, Markham. It won't save you. You wouldn't risk your life. You wouldn't risk your family position. You wouldn't. One, fifteen, twelve. I had to do it, Judith. Don't you see? I had to do it. Did you? Yes, he's done for.

I tell you, I hate to do it. Maybe he's dead, Ron. Go and look at him. He's dead, all right. Please, Ron. Go and look at him. Well? Shot through the heart. The bullet went clean through him and smashed the face of the grandfather clock. That's all I can see in this dim light. This isn't happening to us. It can't... Wait a minute. Teddy was going for a holiday. That gives us time.

It means his absence won't be noticed. The shop will be closed. Nobody will come here for days, and certainly nobody will come here tonight. What's that? The police officer. What police officer? A friend of Markham's. Inspector somebody or other from Wigmore Street is expected here tonight. Oh, then we're finished. No, Ron, we're not finished. You can't see anything out there. The shutters are open. The door's covered. Could you...

Could you pick up Markham and carry him? Yes, I can manage that. Why? There must be a back way out of the shop. Probably in the office. He's as heavy as a sack of meal. He seems to be looking straight at me. No. Did you see the expression in his eyes just before you... No. He seemed to be looking behind us or beyond us. He said, through the door, quick. Quick.

This police officer, Judith, he can't get into the shop, can he? Of course he can. The front door isn't locked. Or only hope is the back way. I thought I'd seen the back door. Oh, there it is. Sorry, Ron, it's locked. Isn't there a key? No. Maybe in his pocket, on a key ring. There isn't time, Ron.

I think I heard the front door open. Our visitor's coming in. I've got it. Dust covers. What? Those white cloth covers that fit over the chairs. Look at them. What on earth are you talking about? We used to play a game when we were kids. Somebody sits in a big chair. You fit the dust cover over him, and nobody can tell he's sitting there. Don't you see, Judith? That's how we can hide Markham's body. It might work if... if there's time. There's got to be time. Take the cover off that big wing chair. All right. Maybe there's a chance. I'll fit him into it. Arms along the chair arms. Feet...

Push back, put the cover back again and pull it down round his feet. Don't let it down. It's got it. You can't see anything now, can you? No. Wrong. Well? What did you do with the gun? The what? The revolver, the gun you shot Markham with. The fact is, Judith, I put it down on the floor when I picked up his body. Out in that other room? Yes, I'm afraid so. It's too late now, old girl. The police are here. What are we doing? I don't know. I was too wits and tried to brazen it out.

Yes? Come in. Good evening, Mr... Miss Ray. Good evening, Mr. Gilbert. Charles Markham. You're Charles Markham. Correct, Miss Ray, but why should that surprise you? Why do you look as though you were seeing a ghost? Because we are seeing a ghost. If you're Charles Markham, body... Oh, Judith, be careful. Body? Miss Ray, did you say body? No, Miss Ray is upset. She doesn't know what she's talking about. If you killed me...

I should be back to haunt you within half an hour. That's what you said. I tell you, Miss Ray isn't herself. She had bad news today. A relative of hers died. I've been trying to make her feel better. Oh, indeed. Did you think it would make her feel better to bring her here? I don't understand. My dear sir, you're very welcome, but the situation is surely a little odd. I come in here and find you two looking as guilty as a pair of murderers in my private office in the middle of the night.

Did you see anybody else here? There's nobody here, Mr. Markham. Not a living soul. Then you didn't by any chance meet my brother? Your... your brother? Yes. My brother, Robert. You couldn't have mistaken him if you'd seen him. He looks so much like me that few people can tell us apart. Then that's... Poor Robert often deputizes for me. He's learned to act like me, think like me, talk like me, but he... he doesn't like the work much.

He thinks, poor fellow, my profession is beneath contempt. But he acts the part and acts it well, because I pay him. And I find it useful to have a double who will run risks for me. What have you done with his body? We haven't done anything with him. I see. Oh, well. In that case, all we can do is to sit down and make ourselves comfortable. Will you sit there, Mr. Gilbert? And you, Miss Ray, in that wing chair by the window...

What's wrong, Miss Ray? Why don't you sit down? Because I prefer to stand, thank you. Oh, then perhaps you won't mind if I sit in this wing chair. It's a very comfortable one. My brother always says... Don't sit down there, for the love of God, don't sit down there! Sir... Yes, that's it. It is rather a thick chair. I press against the dust cover and blood comes through.

I lift the bottom of the dust cover. What's the use of going on with this? I killed him. You admit it? Yes, I admit it. But Judith had nothing to do with this. I swear she hadn't. My telephone, you notice, is against the wall. I shall have to turn my back to you when I ring. Ring? Where? Wigmores Peak Police Station. Give him a chance. Please, give him a chance. Hello? Operator. I want Regent 0586. I won't let them take it.

won't. It's no good, Judith. I killed a man. I meant to kill him, and that's all there is to it. A very sensible attitude, my friend. And if the lady has any idea of flying at me with that knife, just notice what I've got here. A .32 revolver. One chamber fired. Picked up off the floor in that other room. Where... Hello? Wigmore Street Police Station. The last time, Mr. Markham, won't you give him a chance? Quiet, will

May I speak to Inspector Ross, please? Inspector Ross speaking. Isn't that Mr. Markham? Got it, little one, Inspector. Where's Markham, dear?

I understood you were going to drop in and see me tonight. I intended to, Mr. Markham, but I'm afraid I can't make it. Oh, why not? Anything wrong? Only a robbery at David Street, but it's likely to be a long job. Sorry I can't get there. Oh, that's perfectly all right, Inspector. As July rang up to say, to make sure you wouldn't come here tonight. I've got a lot of work to do, and I'm leaving for Eastbourne early tomorrow morning. Oh, let's make it some other time, shall we? Glad to, Mr. Markham.

No crimes being committed up your way, I suppose? No, Inspector. It was quiet as the grave. Goodbye. What are you saying? Why did you do that? Please don't excite yourself, Miss Ray. Didn't you hear what I told the Inspector? You're not doing this without a reason. Naturally not. Has it occurred to you, either of you, that I might not want my business dealings revealed in court? Stop a bit. What...

Has it also occurred to you that a man's double who looks exactly like him and shares all his secrets may become a danger rather than an asset? He knows too much, he wants too much, and so... I think I understand. You're glad he's dead. Oh, no. Not glad, my dear. You shock my brotherly feelings, but definitely relieved. Oh, then what...

You may quiet your fears, Mr. Gilbert. You may stop trembling for goodness' sake. I shall save your skins because I need save my own. And now, while we are all in the mood, shall I show you how we can dispose of my brother's body? The End

This, as I said before, is the story of a man who commits murder and gets away with it. Ronald Gilbert, now an old and honored man, looks back across the years and is still firmly convinced of his own gift. But of course, Ronald Gilbert never shot anybody. I was the man who committed the murder.

Don't you remember? The bullet that killed my brother is supposed to have passed through his body and smashed the face of the grandfather clock. But that's an impossibility. The face of a grandfather clock is much higher than the heart of a man. You see, two shots were fired at the very same instant. Ronald Gilbert missed and smashed the clock face. I fired from the door of the office at the rear and did not miss.

That was why my brother looked past those two. I went out by the back door, locked it, and reappeared at the front afterwards. It was not Robert Markham who died. I am Robert Markham. It was Charles who died that night. And I killed him to stop his blackmailing business forever. His records I destroyed. His correspondence I burnt.

I have assumed his name and identity ever since. Dare you say if I stood on trial for murder that you would condemn me? Toyota is the best resale value brand for 2025, according to Kelley Blue Book's KBB.com. That means when you buy a Toyota, you can feel confident that your investment will last.

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Toyota, let's go places. With the approach of Valentine's Day, I want to tell you a special story, showing the lengths that lovers will go to keep in touch. In the words of Ambrose Bierce, the telephone is an invention of the devil, which abrogates some of the advantages of making a disagreeable person keep his distance. But, occasionally, the telephone can offer, quite literally, a lifeline. Two, seven...

You are about to be connected to Lifeline. Lifeline is a premium rate shared line conversation and information exchange. All calls and conversations are closely monitored. Names are not allowed, home addresses are not allowed, the exchange of personal telephone numbers is not allowed. Come on, come on, come on. Any infringement of these simple rules will result in immediate disconnection.

Lifeline is for telephone discussion only and direct contact between subscribers is not allowed. You may accept these conditions by touching the numbers 5 and 9 on your telephone keypad. You are now connected to Lifeline. Does anybody want to hear the worst thing I ever saw?

Yeah, sure. Yeah, go on. Only it's two o'clock in the morning and I don't know if it's the kind of thing we ought to be talking about. Why don't you just tell us and then we can hear from somebody else? Yeah, right. I was 14. I was at school and we were having a biology lesson. The teacher brought out this frog. I'm sure it was alive. He did something to it. I couldn't quite see what it was. But then he just pulled and the whole thing turned inside out like a glove. It was horrible. I still get nightmares about it. Anyone else? I'll keep having this dream.

By its root. Keep it to yourself, then. Oh, God, listen to them. Where is she? I had a dream once. I was walking towards this car. I knew there was a bomb inside, but I couldn't stop myself. When I was about ten feet away, the bomb went off. The whole world went white, and I could feel this hot wind washing over me.

And I knew it was taking my skin away and that I was going to die. That must have been terrible. Belinda. What? Sorry? I said that must have been terrible. But you know, I think it was probably the most beautiful thing I ever saw in my life.

One cappuccino. A cappuccino. Who wants for a frothy coffee? Down here, love. Colin, I need four all-day breakfasts. I'll be right on, darling. I need them now, Colin. I'm just seeing to Ryan. Oh, well, that takes precedence, doesn't it? Oh, for God's sake. I'll be waiting for the frothy coffee, love. It's coming. I'm getting you in trouble again. No, I'm always in trouble, Ryan. Look, here's tenpete. Just make that phone call. Yeah, I'd tell. Er...

I don't suppose there's any chance of getting something on the slate. I've got no clue at all in the flat. Well, Susan goes on a break in half an hour. I'll get you something while she's out of the way. I'll pay you when I'm fixed. Yeah, that's what the Venus de Milo told me. Are those breakfasts ready? Yeah, just coming up. Give us a chance. Oh, hello. Could I have the advertising department, please? I want a place now to sell a car. What?

What's he doing now? Trying to sell his car. I didn't know he had a car. Well, it hasn't moved in three years. It's probably set to appear on the next Ordnance Survey map. You've given him the money for that call, haven't you? I only lose change. So this is a man who'll walk two miles from home just so that he can scrounge a ten-penny piece. No one's that hard up. I'd rather think he is. He's a loser, Colin. I know, but he's my oldest friend. I've known him since art school. He doesn't look like much of an artist. And I do these days, I suppose. Earning a greasy calf's the ultimate artistic statement. Well, at least you can hold your head up. Yeah.

You're such a muggle. I bet there's not a stray dog in town that hasn't memorised your address in case of emergency. And if you're going to feed him, at least make him wait until it's quieter, all right? Yeah, all right. The load of your cuts. Just waiting on the chips. What was she saying? Have I got to leave? No, no, you're all right. Colin? What? How's business going? All right, why? You haven't got a spare 200 quid you could lend us, have you? Mm, that's right, Colin.

I wouldn't get sick of having cornflakes for three meals a day. I'll tell you something, Ryan. If you need 200 quid for a phone bill, you'd be better off having the phone taken away. The bill hasn't actually arrived yet. It could be more. More? Who have you been calling? Everyone in Brisbane? No, no. It's a bit more complicated than that. Did you ever hear tell of an outfit called Lifeline?

Isn't that the one where you ring for help if you get pregnant? No, no. It's not like that. It's like all different people ring in and talk to each other, I mean. Oh, a chat line. Are they still legal? I don't know. It's something deeper than that. They never advertise, but the right callers just seem to find their way on. You wouldn't believe it, but they do. Right, and those things run on premium rates. They cost a bomb. Yeah. Well, no wonder you're so scared of getting the bill. The only thing I'm scared of is that they'll cut off the phone when I can't pay. They'll be doing you a favour.

I know you may get lonely sometimes, but that's no answer. So what if they cut me off when Belinda tries to call? What do you mean? She calls the old number, sorry, no reply. What's she going to think? Ryan, what are you... I know what you're thinking, but I've heard her calling on Lifeline. You heard somebody like her? There is nobody like her. They never try to tell me that I don't know her voice. She's out there and she's lonely too, and I know she's trying to get back into it. Ryan, Belinda's dead. She's dead. I didn't expect you to understand. Well, what's to understand? She's dead. She died. She died.

She's not going to be giving you a call. Come to the flat tonight. I'll prove it to you. Prove? What's to prove? That's it. You're right and I'm wrong and never mind the evidence. Come to the flat. Right.

Where's all the furniture gone? Sold it. This is a furnished flat. None of it was yours to sell. I'll replace it when I can. The landlord won't know. When you can. Ryan, I found you three jobs through the people who come in the cafe. All regulars. They all did me a personal favour and you didn't hold one of those jobs down for more than six weeks. I mean, you were night watcher on a pile of topsoil. How simple can a job be? But they're still looking for it. Colin, shut up. There's not a thing wrong with me. Nothing wrong?

You have an empty flat. You have no carpet. You have no furniture. Yes, I do. What? You have one table for the telephone and one chair to sit on. This is an answering machine, in case Belinda calls. It does more than just take messages. It can record anything on the line. That's why I chose it. How much? The sofa. Oh, and one of the wardrobes. Oh, one of the wardrobes. The junk shop did a straight exchange. It looks ancient, but it does work. I don't know what to do with you.

I heard her last night. You're making it worse. Sit down, Colin. Listen. And then you can judge me. How long have you been spending on this chat like? Three, four hours a night. I've taped over my entire Led Zeppelin collection. That's the first sane action you've told me about since I've been here. Four hours a night. I know. Sometimes I call and no one answers. You've got to wait until about two in the morning before it starts to mean anything. Why? Well, that's the time when people start to open up. They...

You don't get so many time wasters, then. I was sure that I'd heard her a few times before, but she'd never said much, and I was scared to join in. But, yeah, listen to this. And I could feel this hot wind washing over me, and I knew it was taking my skin away and that I was going to die. That must have been terrible. Do you hear that? What? Sorry? I said that must have been terrible. Would you know, I think it was probably the most beautiful thing I ever saw in my life. Do you want to hear mine? Yes, yes.

My dream happens on a cliff. I'm standing on the edge, and I'm looking out to sea, and it's night, and all I can see are these distant lights somewhere out across the water. I keep thinking they're the lights of home, and all I have to do is take one step out, and I'll be there. One step? All it takes is the nerve to do it. And do you? That's me again. I know. In the dream, do you take the step? Well, I can never remember it.

They have these rules. No full names, no trying to set anything up. Here's what they do if you try. I can see the sun coming up. Is anyone else still there? Only me. I think the others have gone. I've got a confession to make. I was waiting for this. So was I. Belinda, why don't you come back? You see? They cut you off. They just cut you off. But it was her. It was her. Wasn't it cool?

Lifeline is for telephone discussion only and direct contact between subscribers is not allowed. The other person has cleared. The other person has cleared. The other person has cleared. The other person has cleared. The other person has... Close the window if it's keeping you awake. It's not the noise. It's Ryan. How do you know? Oh, don't keep secrets from me, Colin. You're no good at it. He thinks Belinda's trying to get in touch with him. Who's Belinda? I don't know.

Before your time. She died. Oh, I didn't know about her. I always assumed... Now he's heard someone on this chat line thing and... Oh, I don't know. You can't blame him. She did sound like Belinda. I keep thinking about some of the things this woman said. I mean, I know it's only a coincidence, but if I can't get it out of my mind, what must it be like for him? What was she like? She was just this plain girl. Oh, I don't know. They were in it so deep. I suppose they were touchy. They were insecure. They were like a couple of 15-year-olds. And...

What happened to her? They had a big row and she took a train to the coast. They found her all smashed up at the foot of a cliff. Oh, God. Post-mortem said she was pregnant. Her family wouldn't let Ryan anywhere near the funeral. Well, you can't really blame them. I know, but I think it's because of that he's never been able to accept that she's really dead. He said that the row was about nothing. Everyone assumes it was about the baby, but he says he didn't even know. Do you want to know what you started me thinking about?

i always do whenever i think about the two of them stray dogs i reckon there's no dog more devoted than a stray from the dog's home because they know just how lucky they are well that's how ryan and belinda were with each other i don't think he'll ever get over it i think that's why he'll always be the way he is if you ever died and there was a way would you try to come back to me how much would you want me to lifeline is for telephone discussion only and direct contact between subscribers is not allowed

You may accept these conditions by touching the numbers 5 and 9 on your telephone keypad. You are now connected to Lifeline. Is there anybody there? I know it's late. I know some of you just listen sometimes. I know because I've done it myself, so I'll just carry on for a while. And if there is anyone there who wants to join in, or if you're out there and you don't want, that's fine as well. It's not easy to talk. It's never easy to talk about things that matter.

I don't know why they make us so afraid, but perhaps we just don't like to make fools of ourselves. But you'd think that when it was important, we'd somehow... Yeah, well, it never works out that way, does it? You always realise too late. I learned something too late. I learned that everything you love, you lose it in the end. And the end always comes a lot sooner than you'd think. But now I'm starting to wonder. Are there second chances after all? Or is that just a dream? Does anyone know? Anyone? Anyone?

Colin? Yeah? It's gone seven. You can always... Doing it now, darling. You? Me? You're early. I haven't slept, haven't been to bed. God, you look terrible. Thanks, I wonder why. Come on, you'd better come in.

You know it was her, don't you? It couldn't be, Ryan. It could. They could have found a body, anybody on a beach, and stuck a name on it and never really know. Even you don't believe that. Her brother did the identification. The man's a total nut. A plank. Even a plank wouldn't mistake his own sister. It was her on the line, though, wasn't it? What are you doing here so early, anyway? This. The phone bill. First post. Read it. Well, they itemise everything these days. What do you see? Quarterly rental. Test units.

V80. Yeah, look at the calls. 12 units. Only 12? You said you'd made hundreds of premium rate calls. That's got to be wrong. That's it, don't you see? I only use the phone for calling Lifeline. I haven't called anyone else in ages. I even placed a newspaper ad from here. It's a mistake, Ryan. That's all it is. I don't know. I think it's got some kind of significance. Like what? I don't know. They'll catch up with you on the next one. It's not something you're going to get away with. You're missing the point, Colin. There is no point, Ryan.

Something got stuck in the works and you've got a breathing space. Don't try reading anything into that. You're scared. End of conversation. There's nothing to be scared about, Colin. I'm not. Locked up? Yeah. I left a note in the window for the pie man. You know, when I was a kid, one of my friends used to live over a fish and chip shop. Chippy Thompson. That's what everybody called him. His house always smelled of it and so did he. When I come up here, I can't smell a thing. Well, it's probably there. You just don't notice it. I know. Chippy Thompson didn't die there.

What's the point you're trying to make? There isn't one. Sit down. Now, either speak out or shut up. I've had a hard day and I'm not going to waste time trying to fish for what you want me to find. Well, look at me.

It's not exactly the dream I had, is it? Oh, do you think this is mine? I'm not trying to start a competition, sir. Well, I'm sorry, but we've been here before. You get the mopes and you start in on all the things you could have done and should have done. Get that magazine out, Colin. The one the art school sends you every year with all that stuff about where are they now. Most of them are just like you and a lot of them can't hold their heads up as high. But all you can see are the four millionaires. Four out of how many millionaires?

One of them's already dying. How am I supposed to answer that? Oh, it's that bloody Ryan, isn't it? I don't know how or why, but I'm sure it's down to him. It's not Ryan. It's just me. I know he's your friend, and I'm very sorry and all that, but I don't want to see him around here again. If you want to meet him, go off somewhere, and I won't even ask. But I don't want any more of his misery in my life. I've got enough to cope with as it is. Misery? Do you know...

Right now, I think he's the happiest man I know. But I could get through before. Why can't I get through now? I've been checking with the engineer, Caller, and he says the same. Meaning what exactly? The number that you've given me isn't one that will connect you to any of our exchanges. I've dialed it. I've dialed it loads of times, but suddenly nothing's happening and I don't know why. All I can say is that perhaps you've made a mistake in noting it down. No, that's... That number isn't valid for any line on the system. Lifeline. It's called Lifeline. Could you perhaps be thinking of the Samaritan? No, no...

Look, I've called it every night. I've spent hours on it. I know the number off by heart, and you're trying to tell me it doesn't exist. I can only suggest you try directory inquiry. I tried them first. They sent me to you. Look, I've been phoning this number. I've been getting through. It's a premium rate line. You must have some way of keeping track of them. I could put you onto telephone accounts. What for? It depends on your local exchange, but they should be able to provide you with an itemised breakdown of your bill. That way, you may be able to see what number it was that you were actually dialling whenever you were getting connected.

Call her. My bill. Oh, it isn't like it used to be. These days, if it's on your bill, they can track it down. Oh, my... Yeah, thanks. Shall I put you through? No. Not right now. No, thanks. I must be mad. Off my rocker. I've always had my doubts about it. I should be home in bed with Susan instead of tramping the streets in the pouring rain, peering into phone boxes. I didn't ask you to come, Colin. All I asked you for was a lend of your touch. Just shine it round here while I take a look.

Ah, there's stickers. All human life is here. Busty blonde bombshell. French mistress. Oh, Venus in chains. Shaven Haven? I can remember a time when the boldest thing you could ever hope to see was the corsetry section in Rance's fashion catalogue. You're getting old, Colin. I'm starting to feel it. Have you found anything? It's shown it down here. Why should Lifeline want to advertise in a place like this? I don't know. Could be because of the law. I've never seen or heard of them anywhere else. And what were you doing studying all the call girl ads?

Please don't ask me that, Colin. Oh, sorry. It's here. Where? Look, down here. This orange label stuck to the glass there. Lost, low, now call lifeline. It is the same number. It's the one I've been dialing. I knew I hadn't made a mistake. So this is the number where you used to be able to get through, but now you can't? Yeah. Exactly when did you stop being able to get connected? Well, it was just after I... Just after you broke the so-called rules and spoke to her by name? No, no.

Perhaps it's not the number, that's the problem. Whatever the telephone people say. Perhaps it's me. I broke the rules and so they've frozen me out. How can they do that? How would they know? I've no idea. I really think you should give it up, Ryan. Could you? I mean, if you were me, could you come so far and then give up? She's still dead, Ryan. Whoever you've been talking to, Belinda's still dead. I don't care. You ring them for me. Ring them for me now. Drop this, Ryan. Please. Please.

Before it goes too far, I'm going to find her. I know she wants me too. I'm going to have something that most people want and almost no one ever gets. I'm going to have a second chance. You are about to be connected to Lifeline. It's Lifeline. I got through. Give me your phone. Here. It's a public phone and I'm not even going to say anything so they'll never have a way of knowing it's me. I'm sorry, Ryan. There's got to be something I can do to get back in. There's got to be something.

This is brilliant. What is? The van. I've heard this wreck called many things. Brilliant's never been one of them. Yeah, next left. There's two phone boxes down here. I can't see anyone turning out in this. Someone's going to be out there tonight putting the stickers in the boxes. We just have to find out who hires him. We've been driving around for two hours. We've covered just about every public phone in the middle of town. We'd have seen them by now. Who's that? It's just someone making a call.

Suppose you find his life, that outfit. It's probably a few thousand quid's worth of gear in a crummy back room somewhere. A few machines and somebody reading a newspaper and all these voices telling their hard luck stories to each other way off into the night. How does that get you any closer to Belinda? They've got to help me find her. I'll make them help me. For all you know, they could be anywhere. Some other town or right down the other end of the country. No, you...

That guy there with the shoulder bag. He's going into that phone box. He's probably going to ring for a taxi. Stop the van. I can't stop here. Stop the van, I'm getting out. Ryan! What the hell do you think you're doing? I'll be back as quick as I can. Ryan, I can't... I can't wait here! Thanks, Colin. All right, all right, I'm moving out of the way. I want to get your bloody head examined. No one ever said a truer word, mate. Ryan, come on. Colin! Colin!

Colin. Come on, Ryan, get in, let's go. No, not yet. I said get in. Colin, he knows where they are. He said he'd give me an address for 20 quid. So? I haven't got it. You sold your car. Nobody rang. Please, Colin, I'll never ask you for anything else after this, I promise. I'm not even going to pretend I can pay you back. I'll just stay out of your life for good. Colin, please, he won't wait. Some offers are just too good to be refused.

This can't be right. It is. I can feel it. But we're only half a mile from home. I know. Isn't it amazing? Right. That's a row of derelict buildings over there. I'd have said you'd been taken for a fool if it wasn't for the fact you did it with my money. Have a little faith, Colin. You're not going over there. You don't have to wait for me. There's nothing to see. No one's lived in this street for years. I'm going to find Belinda. On a demolition site? The world is full of wonders, Colin. I'm going to find Belinda.

What will you expect them least? Two minutes. You'll be back here within two minutes. You've been a good friend to me, Colin. Thanks. Two minutes! Carl? Sorry. I came in as quietly as I could. I didn't mean to wake you up. I couldn't get to sleep anyway. There were police cars and all sorts going past at about one o'clock. It's been like Piccadilly Circus out there. Somebody got hurt on the railway line. Oh. It was Ryan.

Ryan? Is he badly hurt? There was somewhere he wanted to go, so I took him there. It was all tied in with Belinda, is it? Too complicated to explain. The address was that row of old cottages down by the railway. It's just a row of shelves with a roof on top. There isn't even any back to them, but he insisted on going in. Well, I waited, but he didn't come back, so I went to look. One of the doors was open, and that was when I realised there was nothing on the other side of the front wall. I was just looking down this embankment full of rubble to the railway lines. Ryan was down there, on the tracks. On the...

What was he doing? Waiting. I shouted to him, but he didn't hear me. He couldn't hear me because there was a train coming. I couldn't see it because of the darkness under the bridge, but I could hear it. Ryan knew it was coming. He was facing down the track and into the dark. It was the train he was waiting for. He was standing there, and he kind of set himself ready. He made his hands into fists, and he kind of leaned forward like a boxer or a runner waiting for the starting gun. I tried to move. It was a waste of time. The train lights were already coming round the bend.

He was standing there between the tracks and I could see the train under the bridge and then the driver saw him and put on the brakes but it was too late to make any difference. I could see the wind blowing his hair back as the train came on. He closed his eyes. It was as if he was feeling, I don't know, bliss. What happened? He was there, he was gone. Like a bursting balloon. The train was going at full speed. I called the police, they brought searchlights and stuff. I couldn't stay to watch. Colin. I think I'd just like to stay here for a while.

Is that all right? No. Come upstairs. Honestly, it's what I want. You mustn't. You've had a terrible shock, Colin. Sitting here with the lights out isn't right. Five minutes. Then I'll come up, I promise. There's someone I want to call. These simple rules will result in immediate disconnection. Lifeline is for telephone discussion only and direct contact between subscribers is not allowed. You may accept these conditions by touching the numbers 5 and 9 on your telephone keypad. 5...

You are now connected to Lifeline. Hello? Here's someone who's just joined us. No names, remember? We're talking about dreams again. Do you have some particular dream that you'd like to tell us about? I don't know. Not right now. I think I'd rather hear from someone else. Anyone, then? Does anybody ever have a dream about dying? Everybody here dreams about dying. I had one of those dreams once. When was this?

I don't know. It's hard to be sure. It's hard to be certain of anything. I think I'd like to hear it. I was standing on a railway line and a train was coming towards me. I just had to stand there as its lights got bigger and bigger. I could hear the brakes, but they made no difference. It came up so fast that it filled the world from one side to the other. That must have been terrible. It was the most beautiful thing I ever saw in my life.

Where are you, Ryan? Names are not allowed. Home addresses are not allowed. The exchange of personal telephone numbers is not allowed. Any infringement of these... Ryan! ...will result in immediate disconnection. Lifeline is for telephone discussion only and direct contact between subscribers is not allowed. The other person has cleared. The other person has cleared. The other person has cleared.

The other person has cleared. And in that moment, have you ever failed to believe with a passionate certainty that there would be an answer? Perhaps you're looking at the phone right now. Perhaps you're considering. But let me give you a warning. To make the call is to break the spell. We can't quite believe in death. That's our eternal problem. But oh, how we long to believe the dead can communicate.

Nicholas Murchie played Ryan, Jonathan Tafler, Colin, Moira Leslie, Susan, Federe Holmes, Belinda, Anne Windsor, the lifeline operator, Matthew Morgan, the telephone engineer, Melinda Walker, Kate Binchy, and Julian Rindtut, the voices. Lifeline was written by Stephen Gallagher and directed by Martin Jenkins. This is Edward D'Souza, The Man in Black.

Signing off until the next time we meet for another series of Fear on 4. Au revoir.

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Toyota, let's go places. Now there's a new way to share weird darkness with the weirdos in your life. It's a skill on your Amazon Echo device. Just say, play Weird Darkness, and you'll immediately start hearing the newest episode. With your Amazon Echo or smart device, you can let me keep you company all day and all night. And it's easy to tell your friends how to tune in too. Just tell your Amazon device, play Weird Darkness to start listening.

Welcome, ladies and gentlemen. This is Basil Rathbone inviting you to join me beyond the Green Door. Today's story is about Alfred Dix, a reporter who should never have gone to the little town of Fenning, Vermont, on All Hallows' Eve. Everyone knows that things happen in Fleming, strange little mysteries that are better left

Beyond the Green Door. Alfred Dix could see nothing unusual about Fenning. It looked like any other New England town, and it obviously didn't deserve its sinister reputation. Dix's editor told him, Al, catch a train up to Fenning. It's supposed to be haunted. Walking dead, that sort of thing. Tonight's all hallows, so it should be worth some philocopy.

But now nearly midnight, after spending half the night in Fenning, Dix still had nothing to write. The locals were a close-mouthed bunch and the town's three-man police force hadn't helped. Loving to these stories, the chief had said, "Ridiculous nonsense. This is the quietest town in Vermont. The town was silent as a tomb." It was a picturesque place.

There was a river and the narrow streets were thick with fog. Nearby was a cemetery with headstones dating back to 1678. Some famous witch burners had lived here, stern men of the law and awfully equipped with the kindling. Maybe he could do a story on them. They had originated the town's unsavory reputation, maybe. And what was that? Dix could have sworn he heard a muffled sob.

It came from the direction of the river, where it swung close to the cemetery. Dix hurried toward the sound. At last, through the tendrils of the fog, he saw a woman standing on the riverbank. She was climbing over the railing towards the rushing black waters below. Here was the story, all right. Dix shouted, don't do it, and he rushed over and caught the girl by the shoulders. Could I always do this on all hallows, the girl said. She turned towards him, and Dix saw that she had...

No face. No face except what might be left after some years in a waterlogged grave. She reached for him and Dix turned and ran. He fled that accursed spot on the riverbank and he could hear the footsteps of the girl behind him gaining on him with a horrid and quite unearthly speed. Dix thought he was done for. But then he saw a familiar blue uniform. Putting on the last spurt, he almost collapsed into a policeman's arms.

"Over there!" Dix shouted. "I saw a girl, a corpse!" "Take it easy," the policeman said. "Calm yourself. She won't get you." Dix caught his breath. The girl was nowhere in sight. In the distance, a church bell was tolling midnight. Only then Dix noticed the policeman's hand supporting him. That hand was white, with yellow bone showing through it at the knuckles.

And Dix fought to free himself of that iron grasp, for suddenly he didn't want to look up at the man's face. A few days later, Dix's editor phoned the Fenning police to ask about his missing reporter. The police weren't able to help very much. They were sure that no one answering Dix's description had entered the town last night.

In fact, no stranger at all had been seen. Most people were superstitious fools, the chief added, and they stayed away from Fenning on All Hallows' Eve. MUSIC

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Toyota has dependable vehicles for any lifestyle, including the 2025 Tacoma, Tundra, and 4Runner, the plug-in hybrid RAV4, and even the hot new Supra. These five models rank in the top 10 for resale value of all vehicles, according to Kelley Blue Book's KBB.com, and have a retained value after five years that is thousands higher than the average vehicle.

So after countless carpools, road trips, and off-road adventures, your Toyota will still have plenty left to give. Shop BuyAToyota.com for a great deal today and a great value tomorrow. Vehicles projected resale value is specific to the 2025 model year. For more information, visit KelleyBlueBooksKBB.com. Kelley Blue Book is a registered trademark of Kelley Blue Book Co. Inc. Toyota, let's go places. I have another story to tell you today.

This one is about a crime in which a murderer is trapped by one of the most powerful forces of nature. Do you want to hear it? Now starring Paul Freese as your teller of tales, another story from The Black Book. Yes. Yes.

From the world's most fabulous collection of strange and unusual stories, The Black Book, I have selected a story called The Vagabond Murder. Eric Patterson was growing desperate. He'd been there for over two hours, waiting, waiting with less and less patience for the door in front of him to open.

He listened intently for the warning sound of the key in the door. Eric needed to be warned because when the man he was waiting for entered the room, Eric was going to kill him. As the seconds ticked past in the darkness, Eric thought back to the beginning of all this. It was in New York.

He had taken his wife, Karen, along on a business trip. It had been quite successful. And one of the best contacts he'd made was Henry Drucker. Drucker, the richest, most influential man in the whole investment business. And he seemed to like Eric from the start. And with Karen, they made a gay trio the last few days. Rounds of cocktail parties, the theater, endless nightclubs.

And then on the last evening of all, Drucker had said... Look, Eric, why not join me on the Bermuda trip? The best thing in the world for you and Karen. My yacht sails tomorrow. What do you say? At first, Eric thought it was just talk. But he was wrong. And the next day, they sailed for Bermuda on Drucker's yacht, the Vagabond. It wasn't until the return trip that Eric began to suspect that it wasn't him Drucker was really interested in. But Karen...

And then the night before they were to dock in New York, it happened. The three of them were sitting at the small bar after dinner when Karen got upset she wanted some fresh air and went out on deck. A few minutes later, Drucker excused himself. I think I'll go to my cabin, Eric. But I won't be long. Wait here for me, will you? Well, yes, if you like. Good. Then we'll have a nightcap together. Good night.

And so Eric was left alone. As he sat there, disturbing images began to form in Eric's mind. Pictures of Drucker, handsome, virile, wealthy, and of Karen, young, beautiful, and oh, so impressionable.

With a suddenness that overturned, the barstool Eric was on his feet, and half running, he crossed the room and went down the corridor to Drucker's stay room. Drucker! Drucker, open the door! Drucker, do you hear me? Open this door or I'll break it down! Wait a minute, Eric. I'll be right there. Just take it easy. I'll take it easy till I count to five, then I'm coming in. One, two... All right, Eric. Where is she? Where's my wife? Well, you must be drunk, Eric.

Karen isn't in here. Was she in here, Drucker? Tell me the truth. Don't be a fool, Eric. Of course she wasn't. Then why was your door... Oh, I... I guess I have made a fool of myself. I'm sorry, Drucker. Forget it. I'll tell you why I locked the door. You see, Eric, I'm diabetic. I have to give myself an insulin shot about this time every night.

Naturally, I don't talk about it, nor do I like anyone barging in while I'm at it. Eric stood there feeling like a fool while Drucker washed the hypodermic needle and put it away in a box. Eric watched him place the box next to a packet of insulin capsules in the drawer of the night table by his bunk. I can understand your jealousy, old man, when a wife as lovely as Karen...

But I know women, Eric, and Karen is in love with you. And she always will be. Look, I'm terribly sorry about this, Dr. Oh, now, let's just forget all about it. Matter of fact, I've been wanting to talk to you about something I've already told Karen. And it should prove how I feel about you, Eric. Here, pour yourself a drink. Thanks, I need it. Um, you know anything about uranium? Well, it's expensive. Know anything about Peru?

What are you driving at? Uranium in Peru, Eric. Big. Really big. And the payoff is so big that I was going to put in $750,000 on my own. But I'll let you have $250,000 of it if you want it. Hmm. That's a lot of money. Hmm. So is a return of 23%. But I haven't got that much. I'd have to borrow on everything. 180 days should see the first dividends. You'll have a certified check within two weeks. Hmm.

Back in New York, Eric and Drucker spent hours poring over graphs, reports, charts, surveys to make certain their investment was sound and they could find no flaw. But six months later, Eric learned that even the most guilt-edged promotion can fail. Uranium in Peru didn't make him a millionaire.

It ruined him. It took his entire personal fortune. And because he borrowed so heavily, his business and his credit were ruined. Eric suddenly found himself without a single capital asset.

In desperation, he went to see Drucker. So that's the picture, Eric. There isn't a thing I can do. Yes, of course. I understand your position. All my cash assets went, too, and everything else of mine is tied up. I can't touch it for years. Well, we took a chance and we both lost.

Thanks again, Drucker. Eric, do you have any plans? Well, I've had an offer from the coast. Small investment house in Oakland. Well, I'm sure it'll work out fine. Tell me about Karen. How is she taking all this? Karen? Oh, she's really great, Drucker. Now she decided to go back to modeling in New York for six months or so. Just while I'm getting started, you understand. She's a fine girl, Eric. You're very lucky. Yes, I know I am.

Well, goodbye and thanks again. Out in California, Eric thought often of Drucker. After all, it was part of the game. They'd miss this time, but maybe the next. More often, however, he thought about Karen in New York. He'd heard from her regularly at first, and then the letters stopped. For six weeks, he heard nothing.

He phoned long distance again and again, but nothing was able to find her. And he was beginning to be beside himself with worry and fear. Then one night his phone rang. Yes, hello? Mr. Patterson? Yes? This is Oliver Fay. I do a little gossip column here for the Herald. I hope you read me. No, I don't. Well, anyway, perhaps you'd like to make a statement? Statement? What are you talking about? Well, it's about the marriage of Karen, your perfectly lovely ex-wife and Henry Drucker.

Where'd you hear this? I never reveal my sources, Mr. Patterson. But they're driving Mr. Drucker's Nash Healy out from Reno tomorrow. They'll be married aboard the Vagabond. Oh, it'll be terribly romantic, sailing off to the seven seas in search of happiness, nursing their newfound love under the Southern Cross. At first, Eric thought it was all a lie, that perhaps he was the victim of a cruel prank. But he had to find out.

And an hour later, he was standing on a fog-wet pier looking at the sleek white outline of the vagabond. And suddenly, as waves of nausea swept through him, he understood everything. Drucker had deliberately ruined him, and undoubtedly with Karen's knowledge. These last six weeks, Karen had been in Reno divorcing him by default. Everything had been taken from him. His money, his wife, his pride, and he hated them for it.

Derek stood there raging, his eyes fixed on the porthole he knew to be that of Drucker's own cabin. And suddenly he realized that he was going to kill Drucker. And a second later, he knew how he was going to kill him. He returned to his rooms and dialed the number of the Herald, asking for Oliver Fay. Fay speaking.

Mr. Fay, this is Eric Patterson. Oh, yes. Look, I want to apologize for my rudeness earlier this evening. That's all right, Mr. Patterson. People are often harsh. Yes, well, I'm sorry. I would like to give you a statement now. It's simply that Henry Drucker and I are close friends, and, well, there's no ill feeling between any of us. You understand, I...

Certainly wish them the best of everything. Good, I'll print that and I'll show it to them tomorrow night. You know, there's a pre-wedding party aboard the vagabond. Oh?

What time are they sailing? I might want to send them a wire. Well, I have my little notes right here. Let me see now. Cocktails at 5.30, then dinner at about 8, and finally the sailing around 2 a.m., I think. You know, it's going to be such fun. I'm the only one of the literary crowd they've included. Oliver Fay gushed on, but Eric wasn't listening now. He had all the information he needed. Henry Drucker was as good as dead right now.

About 6.30 next evening, Eric stood in the shadows of the pier and watched the last of the guests arrive and board the Vagabond. Then he walked quickly across the open area directly to the porthole of Drucker's cabin. He was unobserved. The porthole was on a level with the pier. Eric had to lie on his stomach in order to crawl through it. A moment later, he was safely inside. He closed the porthole and waited for his eyes to become accustomed to the darkness.

Then he found the night table by Drucker's bunk and removed the hypodermic needle and insulin. Quickly he filled the syringe with more than enough insulin to kill a man and placed it carefully on top of the table. Next he found a towel and rolled it lengthwise. With it he could choke Drucker into unconsciousness without leaving a mark. Now he was ready. An hour passed. Then two. And a third more slowly than ever. And for the first time Eric grew nervous.

Another hour and the towel in his hands was wet with perspiration. What had happened? Had Drucker in the excitement of the evening forgotten his injection? Panic began to rise in Eric and he fought it back desperately. And then suddenly he heard a key in the door. He stood back and waited. The door opened and Drucker, a black figure against the light of the corridor, entered the cabin. Eric waited until he'd blocked the door behind him.

Then he moved. The towel went around Drucker's neck and Eric twisted it with a frenzied strength. After a moment or two, Drucker ceased to struggle and Eric finally released him. He might have been dead already, but to be sure and to make it look like suicide or an accident, he injected the overdose of insulin. Then it was over. Eric sighed deeply with relief and satisfaction. Mr. Drucker? Mr. Drucker?

And then he knew.

The tide! The tide was going out, and the ship had dropped a few feet with it. The tide had cut off Eric's only escape. He was hopelessly trapped. He sat down heavily.

Almost ready to cry. I'm still here, Mr. Trucker. And I'll wait right here all night if necessary. Do you hear me? I'm still here.

The Black Book stars Paul Freese as your teller of tales, assisted today by the noted Hollywood actor John Daner. The Vagabond Murder was written by Norman MacDonald and John Meston and directed by Mr. MacDonald. The special music is composed and conducted by Leith Stevens. The Black Book stars Paul Freese as your teller of tales,

Every Monday night, a top Hollywood star plays the leading role in a thrill-packed story on suspense on most of these same CBS radio stations. Clarence Cassell speaking. Remember, Broadway Playhouse brings you top stars and top stories Sunday nights on the CBS Radio Network. Toyota is the best resale value brand for 2025, according to Kelly Blue Book's KBB.com. That means when you buy a Toyota, you can feel confident that your investment will last.

Toyota has dependable vehicles for any lifestyle, including the 2025 Tacoma, Tundra and 4Runner, the plug-in hybrid RAV4, and even the hot new Supra. These five models rank in the top 10 for resale value of all vehicles, according to Kelley Blue Book's KBB.com, and have a retained value after five years that is thousands higher than the average vehicle.

So after countless carpools, road trips, and off-road adventures, your Toyota will still have plenty left to give. Shop buyatoyota.com for a great deal today and a great value tomorrow. Vehicles projected resale value is specific to the 2025 model year. For more information, visit kellybluebookskbb.com. Kelly Blue Book is a registered trademark of Kelly Blue Book Co. Inc. Toyota, let's go places. ♪♪♪

Box 13, with the star of Paramount Pictures, Alan Ladd as Dan Holliday. William? William? Yes, sir, Mr. Mallory? We're ready to leave at a moment's notice, aren't we? Yes, sir. Very well. Please put this in the mail for me. Very well, sir. Oh, you'd better take it ashore and post it there. I'm rather anxious to see who this Box 13 is.

The letter I received was short and to the point. Enclosed with it was a plane ticket and another ticket. First class on the biggest luxury liner afloat. And the letter read, be at the end of Pier 9 tomorrow night at 8. Please be prompt. That was all. A command, not a request. When I received it, I wondered who'd written it. Well, I found out. ♪♪

And now, back to Box 13 and Dan Holliday's newest adventure, One of These Four. But, Mr. Holliday, do you want to go on another trip? Oh, not if I can help it, Susie. But someone paid for these tickets. First class on the biggest liner afloat. And no name or address. You can't send it back. But I can bring it back.

You mean you're going to Pier 9 tonight? Like it says here, Susie, I'm going to Pier 9 tonight. I got to Pier 9 promptly at 8 o'clock. There was no liner there. There was nothing but a cold fog that penetrated to my skin and made me shiver in the dim, hazy light from a half-hearted street lamp a block away.

I looked at my watch. It was exactly ink. Are you Mr. Holliday? Yes, I'm Dan Holliday. Do you have the letter that was sent to you? Huh? Who are you? My name is William, sir. I'm a steward. Steward? On what ship? If you'll be so good as to show me the letter, Mr. Holliday, we can talk later, if you please. I, uh... Okay. Here you are. Very good, sir. If you'll come with me. Where? There's a boat waiting, sir, to take you out of the yacht. Yacht? What yacht?

Look, what about this ticket? That will be explained later, Mr. Holliday. Now, will you come with me, sir? He stood there waiting for me to follow him. I wondered whether to or not. Well, I'd advertise for adventures and who blames whom in a case like this. Then... You coming, sir? I think you've talked me into it. Okay, William. Lead the way. THE END

Ten minutes later, I was aboard a yacht. But what a yacht. It was seagoing, and from what I could see in the bad light, ready to go anywhere and do anything. William led the way along the deck. Go down this companionway, Mr. Holliday. Well, it's nice to know we're going somewhere.

Your cabin, Mr. Holliday. Mine? Yes, sir. I think you'll find everything in order. Pajamas, toothbrush, everything that you'll need for the night. Oh, now, wait a minute. If you... If you're hungry, sandwiches and coffee. Good night, sir. Hey, now, just a minute. Hey, open up. Come on, open this door. William? William? And that, as they say, was that. I was locked in. I thought of breaking in the door, but one good look put that idea out of my head. The door was ironed.

There was one porthole in the cabin. I couldn't have crawled through it if I'd been dehydrated. Well, I sat down to figure this out. Then it was figured out for me. The yacht was moving. I ran to the porthole. The lights of the city had already been swallowed up by the darkness. Mr. Dan Holiday was going on a trip. But where? And why?

Mr. Holliday. Mr. I... Surprise, funny man. I always hide behind doors that people lock on me. Now talk. My arm, sir. It breaks easily. I'm glad to hear that. Now come on, talk. This will do you no good, Mr. Holliday. We've been underway all night. Maybe you're right. Thank you, sir. I hope you slept well. Oh, sure.

Now, what's all this about? Breakfast is being served in the main dining salon, sir. I get great answers to my questions. You'll soon find out, sir. Now, if you please. Go ahead, I'll follow. As you wish, sir. Down the swabs to Holiday. I followed him down the passage, then into the dining salon. And there, seated around a table, were two men and a woman...

They looked up as I entered and one of the men spoke. Look here. Just what's the big idea? You talking to me? I certainly am. If I may have a word. Go ahead. All four of you are in the same position. You mean each of us was kidnapped? No, sir. Invited. Invited? My foot. I was locked up in the cabin. So was I. And me too. Well, well, well. And when do we learn why, William? As soon as Mr. Mallory wishes to tell you, sir. Now breakfast is served. I shall lock this locked door.

Well, I'll be... I wonder what the gag is. Oh, if it is a gag. We may as well get acquainted. My name is Holiday, Dan Holiday. I'm Stanley Waring. How do you do? I'm Philip Clayton. Hello.

My name's Lansing. Catherine Lansing. Well, so we know as much as we did before. We've got to get out of here. Obviously, this is some sort of insane joke. I wonder if it is, Waring. What person in his right mind would kidnap four people like this? What do you say, Clayton? Well, I don't know. Take a look out the porthole. We're obviously far at sea. How well can you swim? Maybe we could get to one of the lifeboats. I don't think so. Why not? Something tells me the rest of the crew are like William, the steward.

I don't think we'd be able to get to a boat even if we got out of this salon. I guess you're right, Holiday. Well, what do we do? Mr. Waring, I suggest we have breakfast. I think better on a full stomach. One hour later, William came and unlocked the salon door and took us back to our cabins. I caught sight of some of the crew. They paid no attention to us but went on with their work.

Lunch was a save, locked in the salon, then back to the cabins. But at dinner time... Good evening, Mr. Holliday. Hello, William. I see the dinner jacket fits you, sir. Very thoughtful of someone to provide the correct size. Dinner is being served, sir. Thank you. And will we be honored by Mr. Mallory's presence this evening? I can't say, Mr. Holliday. Perhaps.

Say, William, where are we? I'm not a navigator, sir. I have no idea. There's still an ocean under us, isn't there? When I last looked, it was there, sir. I'll lead on, William. Thank you, sir. Oh, good evening, Holliday. Hello, Erring. Miss Lansing. Good evening. Say, look, we've got to do something about this. We've got to.

What do you suggest, Clayton? Well, I don't know, but we've got to think. What are they going to do with us? Why did they bring us here? Dinner is served. Why, you, I'll choke it out of you. Let him go, Clayton. Come on, come on, let him go. Let him go. Let him out. What good will that do you, Mr. Clayton? Mr. Mallory, sir. That will be all, William. You may go. And turn that thing off, will you? Very good, sir.

You're an impetuous man, Mr. Clayton. So you're Mallory. Sit down, please. We'll have dinner. Just a minute. Before we have anything else, we'll have an explanation, Mallory. You're Holiday, aren't you? That's right. Picture writer, aren't you? What's that got to do with this routine? Please, sit down. Miss Lansing, on my right, please. Mr. Wearing that chair, Mr. Clayton on my left. Mr. Holiday, sit at the other end, facing me.

Please, you want an explanation. I promise you'll get one after dinner. Or would you rather wait another night and another day? I'll sit down. Thank you, Miss Lansing. All right. Yes, the explanation, it better be good. Oh, it will be, Mr. Clayton. And, uh, Mr. Holliday. Yes? I'll wager you've never written anything to match it. Well, we sat down. Mr. Mallory enjoyed his dinner. We didn't.

I watched him. He was a big man. His huge head was covered with a shock of iron gray hair that matched the mustache under his sharp, thin nose. And he was charming and cultured. In spite of the fantastic situation, we found ourselves listening to him after dinner as we sat in the salon. The 18th dynasty was Egypt's greatest. Its pharaohs conquered and reconquered. Its art reached a beauty and subtlety never before or since reached.

Ah, yes, great people. But maybe I'm boring you. Not at all, Mr. Mallory. You're very kind. And now, Mallory, the explanation. Of course, Mr. Waring. Well, Mallory... I'm choosing my words carefully, Mr. Clayton. They'd better be good. They will be. Miss Lansing, gentlemen, I investigated each of you before inviting you aboard my yachts.

Mr. Waring? What? You advertised in the paper for a job, preferably in a foreign country, that you had no family. Is that correct? Yes, that's right. You answered my ad. Correct. Miss Lansing? Yes? You advertised for a companion position. You, too, have no family. I...

No, I... And, Mr. Clayton, you ran an ad offering your services in any capacity. You're sort of a soldier of fortune. If you want to call it that. I shall. Lastly, Mr. Holliday, Box 13. Adventure wanted. Will go anyplace, do anything. Yes, that's my ad. Now, does any one of you see a striking similarity? No.

Oh, please, you must have. You mean the prolonged absence of any one of us would go, well, would go unnoticed. Exactly. All right, you're clever, Mr. Mallory. We'll admit that. You've got us in a spot where you could do anything. Now, would you mind telling us why?

Mr. Holliday, you're a fiction writer. Have you ever written a story about a perfect crime? Crime? Don't be alarmed, Miss Lansing. Well, Holliday? No, I've never written one. But there have been perfect crimes, murders in which the killer has never been caught. Yes, I suppose so. Yet suppose someone knows the killer in such a murder. Then it would no longer be perfect. What are you driving at? Just this.

One of the four of you is a murderer. What? Murderer? I use the word murderer in the sense that it can be either masculine or feminine. You know that? I do. One of you here is a killer. Twelve years ago, a man was killed, a friend of mine. The killer was never caught. I worked on it. I now have proof who that person is. Why didn't you go to the police? Ha, ha, ha.

Ten years ago, I would have. But now I'm in a position to enjoy myself. To watch the murderers squirm and wriggle. You're insane. What's to prevent us from... From jumping on me? My crew is well-paid, loyal. They've been with me for years. Money is an effective silencer. You're a beast. Perhaps... Look, Mallory. The killer knows you've learned who he is. Or she. I'm not. Perhaps not, Miss Lansing. But you were saying, Holliday... The killer knows you know his or her identity...

What's to prevent him from killing you? My attorneys in the city have an envelope. In that envelope is the name of the person and all details. If I do not return within a certain time, that envelope will be opened. What's the time limit? Wouldn't you like to know, Mr. Waring? Oh, just a minute. I have a question, Holliday. Yes, I don't think you've finished your explanation. I haven't. Here it is. In three days, we will dock at Havana. If by that time the killer's identity is not known to the other three of you...

I will release all four of you. And the killer will go free? Yes. What if we do learn? I'm sure the killer will do all in his or her power to prevent that. How can we find that out? I will give clues. You will have to recognize them. I see. And if the killer realizes he's being trapped? Then he or she may kill to prevent that knowledge from getting out. And, Miss Lansing, gentlemen...

I shall not lift a finger to prevent it. Do you think you can get away with this? Why, of course he can't. You're very wrong, gentlemen. No one can prove you came aboard this yacht. No one knows. You'll stand by and see three people killed. The cleverest will survive. Now here's your first clue. Are you ready? The Roman god, Janus. Janus? The Roman god? Yes. And now, good night.

And may the cleverest among you live to see Havana. And now, back to One of These Four. Another Box 13 adventure starring Alan Ladd as Dan Holliday. So, there we were, the four of us. And one of us a murderer. Or so Mallory said. Was he lying? If he wasn't, then he'd cooked up a fantastic situation...

After dinner that same night, I went to my cabin and sat down trying to figure out what the Roman god Janus had to do with a killer when... Come in. May I come in, Mr. Holliday? Please do, Mr. Mallory. It's your yacht. Mind if I sit down? It is also your chair. I like your sense of humor. I like yours. It's just like an open grave.

Don't you think you could get a story out of this, Mr. Halliday? What else will I get out of it, Mallory? Do you believe my explanation? I don't know. Here, take this. What? Here, take it. It's loaded, too. Why the gun? To protect yourself. Against what? Whom? Against the murderer. It is loaded, isn't it? Yes. Yes.

Yes, and it's pointed right at you. So I see. But strangely enough, I'm not worried. What's to prevent me from forcing you to order the shot back to land? Your sense of adventure, your own willingness to see this through, your desire for a good story. Aren't you placing too high a value on your ability to judge people? I've made no mistake in you, Holiday. That's why I gave you the gun. You mean...

You're actually going through with this incredible thing? Yes. One of the other three is the killer. Miss Lansing, Mr. Waring, or Mr. Clayton. Suppose... suppose none of us learns who the killer is. I intend to keep my yacht on the high seas until you do. But you said we'd be in the van in three days. We don't have to be. You had better be. Holiday, I have my own reasons for this incredible thing. I've come to you because I've watched you, listened to you.

Of the four, you are the one who seems the most resourceful. You alone acted with calm and sense at dinner. Thank you, Mr. Mallory. Not at all, Mr. Halliday. Now I'll leave you alone. And, uh, Mr. Halliday, the cabin doors are no longer locked. They cannot be locked because the keys are gone. Good night. And that was that. Mallory's statement that the cabin doors were no longer locked meant that the killer, if there was one, could go and come freely...

And whoever it was would be watching, waiting. Oh, Mallory was clever. He was safe because of that envelope with his attorneys. And the rest of us? Well, we'd have to do something to protect ourselves. It was midnight when I got up from the bed. I hadn't undressed. I'd kept my eyes on the door. Then I thought again about Janus. Janus, the Roman god. What kind of a clue was that? Well, I decided to find out. There were books in the main salon. Maybe...

Maybe I could learn something from them. I stepped into the passageway. It was dark. Not a light showing. I groped my way along the passage toward the main salon. I opened the door. Who's that? Mr. Holliday, is that you? Yes, what are you doing in here? Oh, I was afraid. I was in my cabin. I was afraid. I had to get out. It was so small, I felt as though... as though I'd smother. But why did you come in here? I don't know. Why didn't you turn on the lights? Well, I tried to. I couldn't find the switch. Hmm.

Did you see anyone else? No. No one. You'd better get back to your cabin. No, I can't. I won't go back there. Mr. Mallory said the door couldn't be locked. Oh. Mr. Holliday, I didn't kill anybody. I'm innocent. Please. Please get me off this yacht. In the middle of an ocean? We can get a boat. We got to. You wouldn't have a chance in the world. Oh, but we'll all be killed. Come on, come on. I'd better get you back to your cabin. Come on. Oh, no. I won't go. I won't go. Now, don't get hysterical. That won't help. Oh, please. Please help. What makes you think I can? You. You.

You mean you won't help? I didn't say that. You're the murderer. You're the one. Be quiet. Be quiet.

That's good advice, Miss Lansing. Be quiet. Mallory. The lights will go out in a moment. Turn them on now. I can't. The main switch is off. I had it turned off because... Ah, there we are. All right, turn off the main switch, Mallory. Added protection and... What's the matter? Who's that screaming? Ah, Mr. Waring. Did Mr. Clayton come with you? Yes. Yes, I'm here. What happened? Well, it seems that Mr. Holliday and Miss Lansing... Holliday? What about Waring? What were you doing in here? Yes.

What were you doing in here? Perhaps he couldn't sleep. Just a moment. I walked to the bookshelves, hunted for a moment while they all watched. It's still there, Mr. Holliday. What's still there? A book of mythology. Mythology? What are you talking about? Mr. Mallory gave the Roman god Janus as a clue. Now Janus would appear in a book of mythology. Here it is. You're very clever, Mr. Holliday.

Would you mind looking in the index for Janus? J-A-N-U-S. I can spell. Here you are. Page 86. Turn to it. There's no page 86. That's right. Someone tore it out of here. Exactly. And that's the only book of mythology on board. It's obvious the killer took it out to prevent the others from finding the clue. In other words, the killer knew that reading that page would give him away. Yes, provided the reader was sufficiently acute.

But the killer forgot one thing. Yes, forgot what? He or she is the biggest clue of all. What do you mean by that? I mean, Mr. Waring, there's something about him or her that gives away the show and ties in with Janice. What is it, Mary? Find that out and you'll have the person, Mr. Clayton. Look at one another and remember what I said. Good night.

Which one of us took that page from the book? He did. Mallory did, deliberately. So we could go on with this preposterous game. I wonder. There was someone in here when I came in. You don't know who it was? No. I left the door open when I came in. I couldn't find the light switch. I think someone slipped out when I came in. And you, Holiday? You were here? Yes. Yes, I was. One of us. What do you think?

What were you going to do here, Holliday? I came here to... He's turned off the lights again. I don't think that anyone should move. We'd better get back to our cabins. I don't like being in the dark with a killer. The next morning on deck, I saw Waring standing at the aft rail. I stopped because he looked around as though seeing if anyone were near. Then he raised his arm and threw something into the sea. I wondered what it might be, and he turned quickly and came toward me. Hello, Holliday. Hello, Waring. Hello.

Nice day, isn't it? I hadn't noticed. Has anything happened? I don't know, has it? What's the matter with you? What did you throw overboard, Waring? Throw overboard? Me? Nothing. Look, Waring. We're all in this together. We've got to cooperate. One of us is a killer. I won't cooperate with anyone. Now, let me get past. All right. All right, go ahead. He left me standing there. I walked toward my cabin down the passageway and opened the door.

Clayton. Oh, Holiday. Well, I thought you were on deck. Well, I'm not. What are you doing in here? Well, I just... I wanted to see you. You can't find me in that drawer. Well, it was open when I came in. It was not? All right, it wasn't. So what? That's my question. What were you looking for? The missing page from that book. Stop lying. Where did you get that gun? What are you going to do? Now, please, don't. Get out of here. Go on, get out. I'm going to tell Mallory that you have a gun. Sit down. Sit down.

Things were moving fast. I thought about Catherine Lansing. She'd been in the salon. I thought about Waring, who had thrown something overboard. And what he'd thrown hadn't been paper, so it wasn't the page from the book. And I thought about Clayton searching my cabin. Hmm. Which of the three was the killer? By now, I believed Mallory's story. Then... Then I remembered something. Something about Janice. And it tied in with what Mallory had said.

Tied in with the killer and something I'd seen. I left my cabin and hurried down the passage. I was almost to the end when... Feeling better, sir? Who hit me? We don't know, Holliday. Whoever hit me took the gun you gave me, Mallory. You, Mallory? You gave him the gun? What was the idea? Where is it now? That's what I'd like to know. Obviously, Mr. Holliday, the killer has it.

That's right. This is going to be an interesting lunch. You may serve, William. Very good, sir. Now, Ray, I know who has that gun. Of course you do, Mr. Halliday. Who is it?

Miss Lansing, when were you born? What month? Month? Go ahead, Holiday. Go on. Well, Miss Lansing? July. Why? Is that right, Mallory? That's right. Clayton. What is this? Answer the same question. December. He's telling the truth, Holiday. And Waring, when were you born? September. Is that right, Holiday? No, I don't think so.

Waring you were born in January, the month named after the Roman god Janus. Be careful, Holliday. What you threw overboard was a ring. A ring with a dark red stone. Your birthstone. A garnet. That's perfectly true, Holliday. Keep your hands on the table, all of you.

And thank you for this gun, Mr. Holliday. You are not welcome. What do you intend to do, Waring? Kill all of us? I'm not that stupid. You killed my brother. Yes. But I'm not going to Havana or any place else on this yacht. Now stay where you are. I'll shoot the first person who gets up from that table. And I'll shoot to kill.

Clayton, William, no. Sit still. Let him go. Let him go? Yes, the crew has instructions to let anyone go. They won't see him take the lifeboat. They'll let him go. But he'll get away. I don't think so. He'll be picked up. You see, Miss Lansing, we haven't been many miles from shore. Now, shall we go on with our lunch? Miss Lansing, Mr. Clayton, you've been put to a lot of trouble. I hope these checks will make you feel happier. I think they will.

Mr. Holliday, you got a story, I hope. Oh, yes, I did. You see, Mr. Holliday, I had to do it this way. I had no proof that Waring was the murderer. I spent ten years getting evidence, but no proof. I had to hope that he would break, put him under tension. But that envelope with your attorneys. Mr. Holliday, there was no envelope. The End

They picked up that wearing, huh? Yes. Mallory radioed the police. If he'd kept quiet, no one would have known. Yes, I know. But Mr. Mallory is a very clever man. So are you. Well, thank you, Susie. Oh, thanks. What about that ticket on the liner? Oh, I never thought about that. Hey, Susie, maybe I can still use it. Here it is.

Uh-oh. Mr. Holliday. Huh? What's the matter? Look. The date. The boat sailed yesterday. Oh, fine. Good night, Susie. Next week, same time, through the courtesy of Paramount Pictures, Alan Ladd stars as Dan Holliday in Box 13. Box 13 is directed by Richard Sanville, with this week's original story by Russell Hughes.

Original music is composed and conducted by Rudy Schrager. The part of Susie is played by Sylvia Picker, and production is supervised by Vern Carstensen. Box 13 is a Mayfair production from Hollywood. ♪♪ Watch for Alan Ladd in his latest Paramount Picture. ♪♪

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CBC presents a new series of chills and thrills, of mystery and adventure, old and new. Tales of the supernatural and the unforeseen, of yesterday, today, and tomorrow. To the master among storytellers, we bow, as we bring you The Tell-Tale Heart, by Edgar Allan Poe, in radio version by Len Peterson. True, nervous, very.

Very dreadfully nervous I have been and am. But why will you say that I am mad? The disease that's sharpened my senses, not destroyed, not dulled them. Above all, my sense of healing. I heard all things in the heaven and in the earth. I heard many things in hell. Now then, am I mad? Listen how calmly I can tell you the whole story. I was wandering on my way to nowhere, away from...

Ah, that's my secret. We all have secrets. And I came to the old man's place on the edge of this town and asked for a dipper of water. Thank you.

There you are, fella. Best spring water around here. It's good and cold. I needed that. Shall I fill the dipper again? Yeah, thanks. I could drink another. Have you come far? Yes, far. Much farther to go? Don't know. You're thin, fella. The sun's burnt your skin to bark.

Here. No, no, don't drown yourself drinking it. That's good. I should give you something solid. A meal.

I eat late after the chores if you don't mind waiting. Oh, I'm used to long waits for meals. I'll give you a hand. No need. Well, I'm not afraid to work for a meal. All right, if you wish. Yeah, it'll feel good to have a hay fork in my hands again. I've been needing a man around here. You do? Need a man? Oh, now, I can do a full day's work, but toward night it gets heavy.

Still, with a wife dead and buried last winter and three daughters married and gone to the husband's farm, two sons off to seek more than this small farm can promise, a man needs work to keep his thoughts from growing heavy. Yes, I know. What's your name? Alfred Bain. Ah, Weatherby's mine. The pigs and chickens haven't been fed. Another team. I got six cows to milk and the seventh freshening shortly.

Well, come along to the barn. I stayed out and worked for the old man. It is impossible to say how first the idea entered my brain. But once conceived, it haunted me day and night. Object there was none. Passion there was none. I loved the old man. He had never wronged me. For his money, I had no desire. I think it was his eye. Yes, that's it. It was.

He had the eye of a vulture. His left eye, a pale blue eye with a film over it. Now, shall we cut hay tomorrow, Alfred? Hay? Yes, we can cut hay. But doesn't the sky say rain? No, that's not a rain sky for around here. It is where I come from. Clear by morning. I can feel rain when it's on the way.

I have a way of feeling what's ahead. Do you? Yeah. What's ahead? What is? No, I don't want to know. You can't know everything. Far from it. The weather's enough. Go sharpen the scythes. Whenever his pale blue eye fell on me, my blood ran cold. And so, by degrees, very gradually, I made up my mind to take the life of the old man and thus rid myself of the eye forever.

It was an evil eye. But Mother Bee was very kind to me. No one had been this kind. It was too much to bear. You fancy me mad. Mad men know nothing. But you should have seen how wisely I proceeded, with what caution, with what foresight, with what dissimulation I went to work. I was never kinder to the old man than during the week before I killed him.

Here, let me carry those collars and harnesses, Mr. Weatherby. I'll hook up the team for you. No, why should you? Yes, let me. Here, let go of the tracers. You've more than earned your keep today, and your wages. But not your kindness. How else should one treat a hired man? My son thought I was a tyrant. You a tyrant? Perhaps I do treat you better than I treated the boys.

Well, that's strange. Why do you? I don't know. Because you're not afraid of work. My sons thought they were too clever to work. But I didn't treat them so badly. Some people should be treated badly. Scoundrels? I've never met a real scoundrel. Some innocent people should be treated badly. What an idea. They, they should be treated the worst of all. Why do you say that, Alfred? Isn't that the way life is?

Toss that line over. I'll snap the buckle on here. I'm not an invalid, Alfred. I'm not that old yet. Oh, I'd hate to see you an invalid. I wouldn't want that for you. Nor I. I'd like to do something for you that you would like, Mr. Weatherby. What for? You've admired this knife.

Could I give you this knife? No, no. Keep it. No reason you should give it to me. Well, I've been insulted by people I respected. You haven't insulted me yet. Why should I? I must get on to the elders' meeting. Horses all hooked up. Up you go.

How did I manage without you, Alfred? Get up. I hope I've persuaded you to stay on. Every night above midnight, I turned the latch of Weatherby's chamber door and opened it ever so gently. When I had made an opening sufficient for my head, I put in a lantern all closed so that no light shone out.

Then I thrust in my head. When I was well in the room, I opened the lantern cautiously. Oh, so cautiously. Just enough to let a single thin ray fall upon the vulture eye. This I did for seven nights. Every night, just at midnight. But I found the eye always closed, so it was impossible to do the work. For it was not the old man who vexed me, but his evil eye.

And every morning when the day broke, I went boldly into the chamber and spoke courageously to him. Good morning, sir. Do you want the shutters open? Hot manner of days. Oh, it's a fine day. Warm sun, a little breeze from the east.

Yes, open the shutter. Ah. Hey, you slept well? Yes, I slept well. Oh, I'm happy to hear that. Do we start repairing the stone walls of the Westfield this morning? Yeah, I suppose so. Well, the porridge is ready and the coffee. I'll go by boat, sir. Oh, sure. Here you are, sir. Oh.

Alfred, I don't understand you. Understand me? A hard-working, reliable man like you, drifting about. I... Ooh, my back. I am an old man, I fear. I haven't long, I feel. You're not feeling up to yourself? Oh, I don't know. More than likely, it was only a bad dream that left me liverish. What did you dream? Oh, it's gone now.

You know, it's good to have you around, Alfred. When Amelia went to her rest last winter, I was willing to go to mine, but lately her face has grown vague to me. We had a long life together, she and I, and it was good. Till these last few years when some mold crept in. What am I waiting for?

I wish I knew. Breakfast! Breakfast! Get up and everything will look different. No, it's easy to make the days look different. But the nights are always the same. Always the same. On the eighth day, I was more than usually cautious in opening the door. Never before that night had I felt the extent of my own powers, of my sagacity. I could scarcely contain my feeling of triumph.

to think that there I was, opening the door, little by little, and he not even to dream of my secret deeds or thoughts. I fairly chuckled at the idea, and perhaps he heard me, for he moved on the bed suddenly as if startled. Now you may think that I drew back, but no.

His room was as black as pitch. I knew he could not see the opening of the door. I kept pushing it on steadily, steadily. I had my head in and was about to open the lantern. Who's there? Who's there? I kept still and said nothing. For a whole hour I did not move a muscle.

I did not hear him lie down. No, he sat up in bed, listening. Just as I had done, night after night, he was walking into the death watches in the wall. No, no, no. There was no pain or grief, the old man made. Oh, no.

It was the low, stifled sound that arises from the bottom of the soul, a groan of mortal terror. I knew the sound well. Many a night when all the world slept, it had welled up from my own bosom, deepening with its dreadful echo the terrors that distracted me. I knew what the old man felt and pitied him, although I chuckled at heart. Is it the wind? No.

No, no, no. There's no one. What is it? Who's there? There's nothing to see or to hear. But I feel, I feel a presence. I've known you were coming for me. Death, but

The dark shadow. It's the wrong time. Before the crops are in. While I've still some business to arrange with people in the town. My house is not in order. Do not surround me this way.

I opened a little, a very, very little crevice in the lantern. You cannot imagine how stealthily, until a single dim ray, like the thread of a spider, shot from the crevice and fell full upon the vulture eye. It was open, wide, wide open, and I grew furious as I gazed upon it.

"'Oh, dull blue, with a hideous veil over it that chilled the very marrow of my bones! But I could see nothing else of the old man's face or person, for I had directed the ray, as if by instinct, precisely upon the damned spot. Have I not told you that what you mistake for madness is but over-acuteness of dispenses?'

Now there came to my ears a low, dull, quick sound, such as a watch makes when enveloped in cotton. I knew that sound well. It was the beat of the old man's heart. It increased my fury as the beating of a drum stimulates the soldier into courage. Why do you wait, Death? Why do you wait? Death?

You didn't hesitate with Amelia. She had a shawl half knitted. I have much half done, and less than half. I scarcely breathed. I held the lantern motionless. I tried how steadily I could maintain the ray upon the eye. Meanwhile, the hellish tattoo of the heart increased. It grew quicker and quicker and louder and louder every instant. The old man's terror must have been extreme. I...

I have told you that I am nervous. So I am. And now, at the dead hour of the night, amid the dreadful silence of that old house, so strange a noise as this excites me to uncontrollable terror. Yet, for some minutes longer, I refrained and stood still.

The beating grew louder, louder. I thought the heart must burst, and a new anxiety seized me. The sound would be heard by a neighbor. Stop it! Stop it! Stop it! What? Go!

Go away! No! No! Drew opened the latch on the dragon's floor and pulled the heavy bed over him. For many minutes, the heart beat on with a muffled sound. At length, it stopped. The old man was dead.

I removed the bed and examined the corpse. Yes, he was stone dead. I placed my hand upon the heart and held it there many minutes. There was no pulsation. He was stone dead.

His eye would trouble me no more. If you still think me mad, you will think so no longer when I describe the wise precautions I took for the concealment of the body. First of all, I dismembered the corpse. I then took up three planks from the flooring of the chamber... ...and deposited all between the scantlings. I...

I replaced the board so cleverly, so cunningly, that no human eye, not even his, could have detected anything wrong.

There was nothing to wash out. No stain of any kind. No blood spot, whatever. I had been too wary for that. A tub had caught all. Old man under the planks, you're a good man. If I could have plucked out the evil eye without killing you, that is what I would have done. Don't think badly of me, Mr. Wetherby. I did you a good turn, too, ridding you of that evil eye.

If I've done any wrong, it's because of that evil eye looking at me, giving me thoughts no man should have. But I haven't done wrong. I've done good. A great deal of good. And everything is just... Who? At the door. At four in the morning. Ah, but what have I now to fear? Nothing. The eye is closed and the heart is still. Oh.

Sorry to bother you at this hour. Yes? We're officers of the town's night watch. Is something the matter? We would like to speak to Mr. Weatherby. Mr. Weatherby, you would like to speak to... Oh, but he's not here. Where is he? The old gentleman has gone visiting in the country. Oh? Where?

Well, that he didn't say when he left. Perhaps to one of his daughters. But he didn't say. His buggy is in the yard and his horse is in the barn. Oh, yes. Well, he took a ride with some friends of his who were traveling the same way. What friends? Well, that I don't know. I don't know all his friends. Mr. Weatherby has so many. You're his hired man? Yes. Yes, I've seen him around the town. What brought you here? A rainbow. What's that?

Well, isn't everybody looking for a rainbow? One of the neighbors heard a shriek that sounded like trouble and came to the police office to tell us about it. We've been ordered to investigate. And search the house. The shriek? Oh, yes. Oh, the shriek was from a dream, a nightmare I was having. I dreamt the light from a lantern was shining in my eyes. Oh, but you come in.

Mr. Weatherby will be pleased to learn the police give him such good protection. He has some valuable plate and coins in his cupboard. Come in. All right. How come you're dressed already? Dressed? Oh, I set my chore soon.

Your name is Alfred? Alfred what? Bain, Alfred Bain. Go ahead, search anywhere. Go ahead. Well, I don't know what you're looking for or what you expect.

Roberts? Oh, then you must make a careful search. Let me show you Mr. Weatherby's treasures. Perhaps you would like to see his chamber, too? Come with me. I'll show you. I'd hate to have trouble here while Mr. Weatherby's away. There's nothing wrong here. Oh, everything seems in order. Well, I am very glad you came and looked around.

Is there anywhere else you wish to look? No, I think not. Oh, sit down. Don't go yet. Rest yourselves. Hey, look, sit here. And here. I'll pitch a chair for myself. How well you've done your duty. I must commend you. Oh, no, the light of that lamp will be in my eyes. I'll put my chair here.

Well, how fine it must be working as police officers, protecting the townspeople from theft and robbery and violence. Oh, it's a living. I've often wanted to be a police officer. Have you? Well, my senses are very acute. I hear the most minute sounds around me. I am very sensitive to everything.

Perhaps I shall still end up a police officer. That would suit me admirably. When will Mr. Weatherby be returning? Oh, I don't know. Shortly, I hope. There's the oats to cut if this hot sun stays with us. Yes, the crops are good this year, Herr Balsam. Excellent. Mr. Weatherby is very pleased with his...

He says I brought him luck. A hired man does that sometimes. Oh, but I... I cannot take credit for that. To Weatherby speaks well of you, I hear. Does he? Does he? And Weatherby in the past has been hard to please.

Here, have a pipeful of tobacco for my pouch. Oh, no, no, no, no. Please do. Well, thank you. We're not supposed to smoke on duty. But the full watch without a pipe is a long time. We'll have to trust you not to inform the captain. The officers were satisfied. My manner had convinced them. I was at ease with my chair upon the very spot beneath which reposed the corpse of the victim. Oh!

The officers sat and chatted of familiar things. But there long I felt myself getting pale and wished them gone. My head ached and I fancied a ringing in my ears, but still they sat and chatted. The ringing became more distinct. It continued and became more distant. Yes, the new street lamps in the town have made our job a little easier, more pleasant, especially on the very dark nights. Good, I'm sure, but...

Out here at the edge of town, there are not many lamps, and there should be more, several more at least. Oh, someday. People are always stumbling into holes and hurting themselves. One day, someone will break a leg. But these things take time. Ooh, town has come a long way. Indeed. Yes, I like this town. I hope I can settle here.

Why not? Yes, well, why not? Mr. Weatherby certainly needs a good man. He's grown too old to do much of the work around here himself. That's exactly what I feel, exactly. Mr. Weatherby needs someone, and why not me? Yeah, he and his sons couldn't get along, you know.

Oh, the fighting that went on. A difficult man. I don't understand that. He and I never had an argument. We've gotten along very well, scarcely a crossword. Well, you must be a rare fellow. No, it is Mr. Weatherby who is the exceptional man. He's had his troubles. His whole family leaving him, his wife dying in the aches and pains of old age, and losing the sight of his left eye. His left eye?

He is blind in that left eye. You didn't know? No. No, I am. No, I did not. That's why it stares that way. Sometimes it wanders on its own. He can't see out of it? His left eye? Not a speck. No doubt I grew very pale. I realized the noise was not within my ears. It increased. Increased.

It was a low, dull, quick sound. Such a sound as a watch makes when enveloped in cotton. I gasped for breath. I talked more quickly, more vehemently, but the noise steadily increased. I arose and argued about trifles in a high key and with violent gestures.

Why would they not be gone, those officers? I paced the floor to and fro with heavy strides, as if excited to fury by the observations of the men, but the noise steadily increased.

Sit down, Mr. Baines. Sit down. I'm not going to argue with you over which line of thoroughbred has produced the better horse. No, no, no. Don't give me an argue with me. Argue? What? I, uh, whatever you, uh... You made a statement, and now you won't stand by it. You won't back it up. For my life, I can't remember what the statement was I made that started this whole thing. Nor can I. The two of you...

Then I'm being made a fool of. No, no, no, no. We're simply talking. Can't we talk? Talk, talk, yes, talk. Say anything you like. And I won't disagree with you. I can be as sociable as anyone and agree, no matter what is said. You do not need to convince me either.

What do you wish to say? Oh, come now. One doesn't go at talk as baldly as that one slips into it. I like to talk and slide into it of its own accord, don't you? Do I? I don't like talk that's too careful either or touchy. Easy talk is what I like. Yeah, easy talk. And a fire and smoke. Oh, stop it, this chatter. And the smiles. Those smiles. Yours and yours. Is it possible you don't hear that? Hear what? Listen to it.

Louder. Louder. Louder. What? You hear, both of you? You suspect? You know? No.

You are making a mockery of my horror. I cannot bear your hypocritical smiles any longer. I must scream or die. What has taken hold of you, man? What is wrong with you? Villains! No more pretense! I admit the deed! Tear off the planks! Hear, hear! It is the beating of his hideous heart!

It has stopped. Here, let's see what's under those planks. It has stopped. It has stopped.

The Tell-Tale Heart by Edgar Allan Poe, adapted for radio by Len Peterson, was our introduction to a new series of tales of mystery, suspense, and adventure. Chills and thrills from the world of the supernatural. In the cast, Claude Ray as Alfred Bain, Douglas Master as Mr. Weatherby, with Murray Westgate and Cease Montgomery as the two police officers. Sound effects were by John Sliz. Technical assistance was provided by the U.S. Department of State.

Technical Operation, John Skillen. The Telltale Heart was a CBC Toronto production. Don Sims speaking. Toyota is the best resale value brand for 2025, according to Kelley Blue Book's KBB.com. That means when you buy a Toyota, you can feel confident that your investment will last.

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So after countless carpools, road trips, and off-road adventures, your Toyota will still have plenty left to give. Shop BuyAToyota.com for a great deal today and a great value tomorrow. Vehicles projected resale value is specific to the 2025 model year. For more information, visit KelleyBlueBooksKBB.com. Kelley Blue Book is a registered trademark of Kelley Blue Book Co. Inc. Toyota, let's go places.

Sunrise and sunset, promise and fulfillment, birth and death. The whole drama of life is written in the sands of time. We present a new series of radio programs, The Clock. The Clock

Time is most dramatic in the streets of a great metropolis. Like a three-act play, it divides itself into exposition, development, and climax. Morning and afternoon, the streets are alive with busy people going about the process of earning a daily living. In the evening until midnight, these same people may be found searching for relaxation in the theaters, the restaurants, the cafes. But after midnight, when the law-abiding citizens have gone home to bed, the city streets take on a different aspect. The pavement's empty, the brightly colored lights go out.

Deepening shadows take their places, shadows that give refuge to human bats who emerge, blink their liver-colored eyes, seeking the likely victims.

Until dawn, the streets are haunted by the shapes who fear the light. And the city canyons sometimes echo the shrieks of sudden death. What's the big idea? I'm sorry. Did I frighten you? You've been following me for over an hour. Yes, I have. Why? Perhaps you interest me. Well, go on. Take a walk before I call a cop. You won't call a policeman. Look, mister, go find yourself another girl. I'm not your type. I assure you I meant no harm.

You look hungry. Don't be silly. You don't have a cigarette on you. Yes, I think I have. Thanks. Light? Yes. Okay. You've done your good turn for the day. See you around. Just ten minutes. Let go of my arm. You mustn't be so impulsive. Let me go or I'll yell for the police. And have him find that wallet in your bag. What wallet? Mine. You just took it from my pocket while I was lighting your cigarettes. Oh.

You ought to know better than to carry it on your hip. Here. Thank you. Well, go on. Yell for a cop. I don't intend to. On the contrary, I'd like to provide you with a meal. Are you kidding? We may find a restaurant open around the corner. Will you join me? With pleasure, mister.

More coffee? I've had enough, thanks. Oh, that was quite a spread, Mr... Just call me Luther. My name's Martha. Are you up against it, Martha? Yeah. For how long? Three or four months. Why didn't you try some other kind of work? A waitress was the best I could do, and I hated it. Dirty dishes make me sick. So you became a pickpocket. Yours was the first I ever tried. Oh, you don't have to lie. You were much too clever for an amateur.

All right. Have it your own way. Do you have any relatives here, Martha? I've got no relatives anywhere. You're a funny guy. Am I? You've got funny eyes. How do you mean, funny? I don't know. I'm falling asleep. I think I'd better be on my way. Do you have a place to stay?

I'll find one. May I offer you a place? I live in a two-family house in Jackson Heights. You're welcome to use the upper floor. With a key of your own, you'll have complete privacy. I... I don't know. I want to talk to you, Marker. About what? Various things. You can trust me. And you're at liberty to leave whenever you like. In Jackson Heights, you said? Yes. You sure got funny eyes. Yes, Marker, I have. Oh.

And I want you to see a great deal more of it. Sit down, Martha. I don't think I should have come. You still don't trust me? I don't trust anybody. Here, this is your key. No. No, I'm leaving. Where are you going? I don't know yet. Here you are. What's that for? For you. Use it to get yourself a room somewhere since you won't stay here.

Are you nuts or something? No. I just want to be your friend. Can't you believe that? Did you say your name was Luther or Santa Claus? Luther. What's the matter? There must be that light above my head. I feel sleepy. Look at me, Martha. Keep looking into my eyes. You're tired. Very tired. You want to sleep.

I... Sleep, Martha. Don't fight me. Sleep. Restful sleep. Quiet sleep. Sleep is good. Sleep. Answer me when I speak to you, Martha. Can you hear me? Yes. Good. When you are awake, you won't remember having been asleep. But you will remember this.

Exactly half past two tomorrow, you must return here. Half past two. And from now on, when I command you to sleep, Martha, you will sleep. Yes. Now wake up, Martha. Wake up. Wake up. What? Oh. Oh, I was leaving, wasn't I? Yes. Well, thanks for the money. I'll give it back. You must have a lot of faith in human nature. How do you know I'll come back at all? I'm sure you will, Martha. Very sure.

Good night. Good afternoon, Martha. Good afternoon. Good, it's 2.30. You're right on time. How did you know what time I'd be here? I guessed. I didn't even know I was coming until half an hour ago. I was going to take that money you gave me and grab a bus back to Chicago.

Something brought me here. Instead, I... Yes. Why? I didn't want to come. I... Sleep, Martha. What? Sleep. Sit down. You're an excellent subject for hypnosis. Did you get a room last night? Yes. Where? Hotel Clayton. You will keep that room. Are you a thief, Martha? Yes. Would you steal again? If I had to, I... Are you a murderer, Martha? Yes.

Answer my question. Are you a murderer? No. But you would kill, wouldn't you, if you had to? No. Why not? I don't like to kill. Are you afraid? No. Would you kill to protect yourself? Yes. Yes, to protect myself. Very well. Now listen very closely. I have instructions for you. First, here is a gun. A gun? Do you know how to use one? I think so. Put the gun in your handbag.

and go to this address. You will arrive there at five minutes to four. Do you hear? Yes. You ring the bell, and a woman will answer, a tall woman. When she comes to the door, you'll pretend to faint. Faint? You'll collapse, and she'll carry you indoors. Then you'll revive and look at the clock in the corner of the room. Are you listening, Martha? Yes. When that clock chimes four times, you'll remove the gun from your handbag and shoot the woman through the head.

Yes, Martha. That woman's your enemy. She hates you. You're killing her in self-defense. I... I wanted to speak to... Hey, what's the trouble? Did you hear that? Oh, Pope!

Oh, dear. I hope I can manage to lift you up. There. Now, be here. Just on the couch. Right. I'll call a doctor. No. Don't bother. Oh, you're feeling better. Yes. Who are you? My name's Martha. What do you want? Why did you come here? I came here...

To kill you? You're my enemy. Are you crazy? I never saw you before in all my life. And that gun. It looks like my husband's. No, don't. Put it down. I haven't seen it. Put it down. No, no, don't. Hello? Martha? Yes. This is Luther.

Did you accomplish your mission? Yes. Are you alone now? Yes. You will go to sleep and sleep until morning. When you awake, you'll remember nothing. Then you will come here, Martha, to me at noon. Very well. Sleep well, Martha. You've done a good day's work. Conserve your strength. I'll have use for it again in the very near future.

There is a time to remember and a time to forget. There is a time to live and a time to die.

And there are some who find the time to make a pack. Well, it's safe to me. Well, good morning, Sergeant. Hello, Luther. What brings you here? Just thought I'd drop by for a chat. You, uh, still living alone? Naturally. I separated from my wife a year ago. Oh, yeah. And you had a great deal to do with that, Sergeant Bowen. Well, practicing medicine illegally isn't exactly an honest occupation, Luther. Oh.

Maybe your wife decided you were a little, uh, too shady for her. What do you want? I've got some news for you. Really? Your wife was found in her home yesterday with a bullet through her head. She was... Oh, no, that's too bad. She should have watched the company she kept. After doing a little checking, I discovered that there was a $40,000 insurance policy in her name with you as beneficiary. Yes. I kept up her payments. Forty grand's a lot of dough for a guy like you.

In other words, I killed her for the money? Maybe. At what time did she die? We figure around four.

We're sure she was killed between 3.30 and 4.30. And I'm not the man you're after. No? No, between 3 and 5 yesterday afternoon, I was delivering a slide lecture on travel at Huntley Hall. There are at least 300 people who can bear witness to that. You do everything, don't you? Quack doctor, travel expert. One must make a living. I've also heard that you've become an expert on hypnosis. Hypnosis? I don't know.

I don't know anything about it. Well, I do. I've discussed it with a friend of mine. He tells me that a subject who happens to be weak-willed might be persuaded to do almost anything while hypnotized. I... I wouldn't know. I'll have to keep checking on that theory. Oh, Luthor? After all, a guy could be almost anywhere while his stooge went out and did his killing for him. It sounds like an interesting idea. Maybe I'll have a few more details to add to it.

Well, so long, Luther. I'll be seeing you again. Sit down, Martha. Yes. And listen closely. I've found another one of your enemies. Who? A man named Bowen. He wants to give you the electric chair, Martha. Why? He wants to strap you into the seat and burn the soul right out of your body. And he will, Martha, unless you stop him.

You still have my gun? Yes. Then you will follow these instructions. This man, Bowen, lives in a secluded section. His house is next to a church. The church, Martha, has a clock in its tower. At five minutes to ten tonight, you'll be waiting for this man in front of his home. Five minutes to ten. You'll flirt with him and ask him for cigarettes. He leaves his work at nine and he invariably arrives home at a little before ten.

What does he look like? Slouch hats, blue suit, tall, heavy set, rather good looking. You will ask him if his name is Bowen. Yes. And you know what to do, Martha, when the clock chimes in the steeple? When the clock chimes in the steeple, I'll shoot him through the head. Oh.

Mother! What? Broby? How are you, Mother? What are you doing here? It's taken me months to find you. Why'd you leave me? Because I...

I wasn't good enough for you. Love me, Martha. You know you did. How did you know I lived in this hotel? I saw you on the street yesterday and followed you here. It was just one of those lucky breaks. I didn't call your room because I wasn't sure whether you'd see me or not. Said I came back about an hour ago and waited here in the lobby. I want you to leave, Roby. Steve will never come back. Martha, for heaven's sake, what's got into you? Well, the good times we've had, the things we've done together mean anything at all? Not anymore. Martha. Good afternoon, Martha. Hello, Lucy. Hello.

Aren't you going to introduce me to your friend? His name is Roby. I knew him before. I'm very glad to know you. How do you do? We're late, Martha. We'd better leave. Yes. Goodbye, Roby. Goodbye, Martha. We'll see each other again. Nice to meet you. Bye. Who is he?

Just a boy I know. He's in love with you? Yes. And you? I'm not good enough for him. He's the reason you left your home? Oh, what difference does it make? Look at me, Martha. You must always do as I say. You know that, don't you? Yes. I don't want you to ever see that boy again. Yes. I promise you, Luther, I won't. Yes.

No one has ever been able to hypnotize me. I just take on regardless. However, maybe I'm unique. But Martha definitely wasn't. Let's hear what I have in store for her. Remember me? Of course. I decided to come over and have a talk with you. About what? Martha. Well, what about her? She's been avoiding me for over a week now. She won't talk to me on the street. She won't see me in a hotel. That's too bad, Roby. Perhaps she doesn't like you anymore. She mugged me once...

I don't understand. Something's happened to her. Really? She can't possibly be in love with you. Why am I so horrible? Yet she sees you almost every day. How do you know? Do you follow her here? What have you over her, Luther? I've cast a spell over her. I'm a witch. Would you like to see my brooms, Dick? Answer me. Take your hands off me. Answer me before I shake the teeth out of your head. Can't you take a hint? She doesn't want anything more to do with you. Now get out of here before I call the police.

Maybe that isn't a bad idea. Go on. Call them. If I did, I'd turn the two of you in. What do you mean? Your friend Martha is a thief. That's a lie. Is it? Well, I can prove it, my friends. And I can send her to the penitentiary for ten years. She's a thief I picked up in the gutter, and if you don't keep away from her, I'll send her right back to the gutter where she belongs. Now get up. Get up and say that again.

You'll regret it. Will I? Yes, you'll regret it. Very much. Well, I'm not through with you yet. I'll find out what you're up to if it's the last thing I do. And it may be, Ruby. That's... Sleep, Martha.

Sleep and listen to me. I'm listening. I have another task for you. Someone else? Another enemy. Who? You know him well. His name's Roby. Roby? Yes. Roby loves me. He hates you. I said he hates you. But why? Because he loved you once. And love is very close to hate, Martha. What shall I do? You must get rid of him to protect yourself and me. With the gun? Yes.

When the clock chimes, I must use the gun. Exactly. Martha, look. I have something for you. Oh, it's a clock. A small clock made in Switzerland. The chimes have a very pleasant tinkle, Martha. You'll enjoy hearing it. Yes. This clock is small enough to fit inside your purse along with your gun. I want you to take it with you and give it to Roby when you see him. A present for Roby? Yes. A present for Roby.

And when the clock strikes, you will add another present to this one, Martha, for Robey. Martha. Oh, Martha, darling. You know what I've gone through in the past week? It's been miserable. I...

Would you want to avoid me? But... Now I know I'm wrong. Robey, I have a present for you. Don't you never mind the present. This is more important. Here, Robey. Take this clock. Martha, listen. That man you're seeing, Luther, he's dangerous. Isn't that a pretty clock, Robey? I checked up on him. He's been arrested before for impersonating a doctor. And he's some sort of a hypnotist. His wife was murdered just a little while ago, Martha. At nine, the clock will chime. You'll hear music, Robey. Aren't you interested in what I'm saying?

It's almost nine. Martha, you... You're ill. No. That man, he must... What do... Martha, that... That gun, you... You wouldn't kill me. All right, go ahead. I love you, but I can see it's no use. It's changed you. You're murderous. Nine o'clock. Well, what are you waiting for? Why don't you shoot? I'm waiting for the chimes.

They haven't rung. And now it's after nine. Now it's too late. I must go back, Roby. I must go back to Luther with the clock. Come in, my dear. You look tired. Was it difficult? Yes. You should be glad he's dead, Martha. Now he's out of your way. But Luther, he...

He's not dead. What? Roby's alive. What are you saying? I didn't kill him. You disobeyed my orders? You told me to wait for the clock chimes. I didn't hear them. Give me that clock. Here. You little fool. You should have killed him anyway. Where is he now?

How did you get out of your room? He didn't try to stop me. He just said he'd get the police. The police? She told me to wait for the chime. Can't you see it was turned off? You should have pushed this button.

I hear the chimes now. Martha, Martha, Martha, put down that gun. That's what I was waiting for, the chimes. Martha, the police are outside. The chimes are so pretty. It's going to kill me. Don't let it kill me. Don't let it kill me. It's the police, Martha. Open the door. Just a moment. I'll let you in.

There is a saying that has long been inscribed in the halls of time, and Luther would have been wiser to take note of it. He who dances a madman's jig must someday pay the piper, and pay him well.

The clock will be heard next week, same time. This program was written by Lawrence Klee and starred Hart McGuire as the clock. Heard on this program were Myrna Dodd as Martha, Guy Delman as Luther, with Neva Coghlan, Owen Weingart, and Ray Barrett. The clock, directed by John Saul, is a Grace Gibson Radio production. Toyota is the best resale value brand for 2025, according to Kelley Blue Book's KBB.com. That means when you buy a Toyota, you can feel confident that your investment will last.

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So after countless carpools, road trips, and off-road adventures, your Toyota will still have plenty left to give. Shop BuyAToyota.com for a great deal today and a great value tomorrow. Vehicles projected resale value is specific to the 2025 model year. For more information, visit KelleyBlueBooksKBB.com. Kelley Blue Book is a registered trademark of Kelley Blue Book Co. Inc. Toyota, let's go places. The confession you're about to hear is an actual recording. Go ahead, please.

I make this confession of my own free will because it is true. There has not been any force or violence used upon my person to induce me to make these statements. Without promise of immunity or reward or gratuity, I confess. You understand, of course, that your statement will be made public through the radio program Confession.

I do. And that your name for the purpose of this broadcast will be Doris Kane? Yes. For what comfort you may find in so doing, you will now be allowed to tell your story. If there is comfort for your listeners, it must lie in the fact that you've been apprehended. You understand all this? Yes, sir, I understand. In the hope that someone somewhere may benefit from my mistakes, I confess. You are listening to Confessions.

The case history of the woman referred to as Doris Kane is a matter of documented record. You will hear the story of her crime experience as told in her own words. Doris Kane, please state your age. I'm 15 years old. And you're pregnant? Yes, I expect my baby in three months. Now go ahead with your story. Well, I knew Jimmy was dead. Even before they told me, I knew he was dead. And I... Suppose you try to tell it from the beginning.

You lived in Cleveland. I ran away. But your home was there. Yes, my mother still lives there. I lived with her. And your father? My father and her are separated. What does your mother do for a living? She sews. She does sewing. Why did you leave home? I don't know. Maybe... I guess because she was always treating me like a kid. Doris? Is that you, Doris? Mm-hmm. You know what time it is. Yeah? Twelve o'clock. I know. Bumming around until midnight.

Where were you? Out. Out. Where? With some friends. Friends like Jimmy, I suppose. Oh, you just don't like him. You spend that money I gave you? I still got it. Who bought for you this evening? Nobody. Listen here, when I ask you a question, I want answers. Who bought for you? Nobody. I'm going to bed. You come back here. What do you want? You was out with Jimmy, wasn't you? Oh, right. I was out with Jimmy. Don't you give me them talking back answers. Mom. Where did you go? Bowling. Bowling. Jimmy bought you liquor, didn't he?

Didn't have any liquor. Don't lie to me. I can smell it when you come in. He bought you liquor, a kid like you. I'm not a kid. I can't do anything with you. I give up. I've done all I can. You're just no good. It was like she said I was no good. Jimmy was at the bowling alley. He wanted me to meet him there after they closed up at two o'clock. To say goodbye, he said, because he was going away and I might never see him again. Then I got a crazy idea. Maybe I could go with him.

I put my clothes in a box and sneaked out the back way. Jimmy was glad to see me. That was one thing about Jimmy. Always glad to see me. Dory, I thought you weren't coming. I wasn't. Your mom, huh? You know how she is. I'd have gone crazy if you hadn't come back to say goodbye. You never did tell me where you were going. Well, we don't really know ourselves. Just west. I thought you were going alone. Uh-uh. With Frankie. You know, my partner. What's in the box? Clothes. What for? I'm running away.

From home? Gee, things must be rough. Yeah. Jimmy, take me along. Take you along? With us? Please, Jimmy, I won't be any trouble. Honest, I won't. Gee, I don't know. Please, Jimmy. Please. But we might not come back. I don't care. Maybe we'll never come back. Please. Well, maybe. Okay, why not? Thanks, Jimmy. Sure, come on. We went across town to the Congress Hotel, I think it was...

Jimmy said he had to meet Frankie there. He waited out on the sidewalk. And then about a half an hour, a car pulled up in front of the hotel. Jimmy opened the door for me. Hi. Hop in, Dory. All right. I'll put your stuff in the back. Doris, this is Frank, my partner. Hello. You didn't say anything about bringing a girl along. We just arranged it. I said the two of us. You don't like it, let us out at the next corner. Oh, take it easy. Don't get blisters. It's just that you didn't say anything. Forget it, will you?

Sure. Sure, if you say she's okay. Only she looks kind of young. How old are you? Fourteen. Your mother know what you're doing? No. What'll she do when she finds out? Nobody can make me go back if I don't want to. Let's not talk about it. We'll decide later. Come here, honey. Comfortable? Frank drove fast. Jimmy put his arm around me. I felt warm inside. After a while, I fell asleep.

When I woke up, it was daylight. Jimmy was sleeping. We were somewhere out in the country. Frankie didn't seem sleepy at all. He just kept driving. When Jimmy woke up about an hour later, we stopped at a little gas station. It was just this gas station. No other buildings around. How'd it look to you, Jimmy? Fine. It's pretty out of the way. There's no other customers. No waiting. That's just what I was thinking. I'll be right back. It's sure dead out here. Yeah. Frank must be tired.

Frank never gets tired, long as he can get a fix. He's gone inside the station. Yeah, you know something? What? You're pretty. What did you mean before, about Frankie? About not getting tired, long as he can get a fix. Age. You know, heroin. He's hooked on the stuff. Oh. No kidding, Dora, you're real pretty. Say... Yeah? Where's Frank? What's keeping Frank? I don't know.

Oh, Dory. I love you, Dory. Jimmy. You love me? Yes. Yes, I do, Jimmy. Hey, I got a great idea. What? Why don't we get married? Married? Why not? Listen, honey. Frank's got something big lined up. Real big. He's taking me in with him. We'll have plenty of money. We'll get an apartment in San Francisco, maybe. How does that sound, honey? Jimmy, it sounds wonderful. Oh, honey. Here comes Frank. Oh, yuck.

All right, let's get rolling. You didn't get any gas. No. How was it, Frank? Not bad, not good. Fifty. That's all I had. Fifty? That's okay. Jimmy, what is it? Jimmy, what happened? Something happened. Take it easy, Dory. Everything's all right. See anybody in the back? Just a second. Nope, all clear. Okay. Now, this ought to hold us for a while. Jimmy! Hey, Frank. Guess what? Huh? Dory and me, we're gonna get married. All right.

You're both kind of young for that. We'll tell them we're older. We'll make ourselves look older. You can give the bride away. I'm kidding. Married, huh? Here comes a bride, big, fat, and wide. We got the license. Then we stopped at a country judge's place and got married. Frank was the witness. By that time, it was getting towards evening. Frank was going to try to connect for some age. He said he was running out of caps. He drove Jimmy and me to a motel.

It wasn't much of a honeymoon, I guess, but I was Jimmy's wife and I didn't care where we stayed as long as we were together. You know, wonder where they're going. Out west, too, maybe. Happy, honey? Jimmy, it's wonderful. Old married people, huh? Yeah. Jimmy, what happened? What happened when? At the gas station. The money Frank gave us he got at the gas station, didn't he? So what? But a holdup. He did it. We didn't do it. He did it. I'm scared. I'm scared.

Dory, you mad at me? No, I'm not mad. But Frank, he's a real dope addict, isn't he? Yeah, he's hooked bad. If he don't score, he goes crazy. Are you, Jimmy? What? Hooked. Me hooked? Of course not. Do you use it? Maybe a joy pop once in a while, just for kicks. But I haven't got a habit, if that's what you mean. Just now and then. Who's that? Frank, probably. I'll get it. No, you wait here.

Yes State police You Mr. Kane? Yeah, that's me A partner and I'd like to see you outside What for? There's a gas station held up about 75 miles east of here They're checking all late arrivals Hold up? I didn't have anything to do with a hold up Officer Officer, he didn't have anything to do with any hold up Stay out of this, Doris We just got married, see? Here's our marriage license He's been with me all day Let me see that Just got married today, huh?

Oh, congratulations. Here you are. Thanks. Oh, say. Yeah? How old are you? Uh, 21. Yeah. Yeah, the man they described was much older. Well, good luck, kids. Thanks. Oh, Jimmy! I was part of it, no. I'd lied for him. The next morning, Frank picked us up. His eyes looked funny, like he was doped or something. He said he'd found a mule. You know, someone who sells heroin? We told him about the state police, and he got mad.

We went about 50 miles and then Frank pulled up at another gas station. I was scared. Jimmy kept telling me to take it easy. Frank got out of the car and left Jimmy and me sitting there. We didn't say anything. We just sat there. We just sat there waiting. No! Quiet. Frank? All clear? Yeah, all clear. Frank? Yeah? Did you have to kill him? I don't like witnesses. But you didn't have to kill him, did you? I don't like cops on my neck. Why did you have to kill him? Because I had to, that's why. Now shut up! You are listening to Confession.

Before continuing with the documented record of the woman referred to as Doris Kane, the National Broadcasting Company is honored to present Mr. Richard A. McGee, Director of Corrections, Department of Corrections, State of California. We in correctional work know the dangers that exist in exposing young people to evil influence. In tonight's case, three stages of crime are apparent. An archaic addict who is already a hardened criminal, a younger user who is well on the road to becoming both addict and criminal,

and the adolescent girl just exposed to evil influence. Without proper guidance and parental control, she too is destined for disaster. If you expect to help your own children keep out of trouble, know where they go and whom they are with. Most of all, let them know they are loved and respected by you. A child who feels rejected in the home will turn to wrong companions for acceptance. Thank you, Mr. McGee. Now to continue with Confessions.

and the documented record of the woman referred to as Doris Kane. We kept driving west. We'd stop in different places on the way, sometimes a week, sometimes only a couple of days. We changed cars lots of times. Frank got them off parking lots. He always changed the license plates, putting on cold plates, he said. We kept on the move. It was almost three months now. And I guess the only reason I didn't run out was because I was married to Jimmy. Someplace near Denver, I got sick on the road and we had to stop.

After I was all right, we went on again. I was afraid of Frank. He kept using more and more narcotics. Doris? Yeah? You okay now? I'm okay. From now on, you earn your way. What? I said from now on, she earns her way. No more dead weight. Now listen. You heard me. And I want you coming in on the jobs with me. Jimmy? Be easy with both of us where it counts.

and use her for a lookout. Why does she have to get into this? Because she's here and we're feeding her, that's why. Listen. Now you listen, buster. After we hit the big job in Frisco, you're on your own. I don't care what you do. You take your cut and scram, but until then, I'm the boy. I'm not gonna do it. It's just till we get to Frisco, honey. I'm not gonna do it. I'll be depending on you, honey. You don't want me killed. Why can't you quit, Jimmy? What if they catch us? That'll be up to you. Right, Frank? That's right, Doris. It's up to you.

After that, I was the lookout. I don't remember how many holdups there were. It was all like a dream. When we got to San Francisco, we got a room in Richmond. That's across the bay. And Frank got a place in town. Frank had plans for this big job. That's what he called it, the big job. He didn't tell me any of the details. He didn't want me along on this one. For the first time, Jimmy was carrying a gun. I tried to talk to him before he left. I tried to talk to him before he left.

Funny you remember silly things. I remember the landlady was vacuuming in the hallway outside. Listen, honey. Don't do it, Jimmy, please. This is the last one, honey, the last one. After this, we don't have to worry anymore. I can't help worrying. Oh, Jimmy, everything. Everything. What do you mean, everything? Are you hooked now, Jimmy? Did Frankie hook you on the stuff so you can't do without it? I use a little. Sure I use, you know that. So what? Let's not talk about it, you hear? Please, Jimmy. Please.

Please don't go today. It's all set, honey. Now listen to me. What if something goes wrong? Nothing's going wrong. Now listen to me, will you? It's three o'clock. Frank will get back here at five with the money. Are you listening? I'm listening. Okay. Frank and I are going to have to separate. I'll take the bus back here. It'll take longer, but it'll be safer. You'll be all packed and ready to go. I don't like it, Jimmy. The last job, honey. After that, we go south to where it's warm and find a place to settle down. After that, no more. Be careful.

Please be careful. Now, don't worry. Everything's gonna be fine. Goodbye, honey. Jimmy. I didn't have a radio or a newspaper or anything. I just sat there and waited. Then I began to feel sick. Sicker than I ever felt before. I thought it was because I was nervous or something. I went out and saw the landlady, and she told me to lay down, and she went for a doctor. The doctor came and gave me something and went away. After six o'clock, Jimmy came in. He was all out of breath. I was so glad to see him, I cried.

Hi, honey. No, honey, take it easy, honey. There's nothing to cry about. Everything was perfect, not a hitch. I thought I'd never see you again. Don't be silly. They can't hurt me. Where's Frank? Oh, he's not here. Not here? Well, I took the bus. He had the car. He should have been here long ago. Hey, maybe they picked him up. You think they did? Otherwise, he'd be here. Oh, boy, I hope not. I told him I should have taken part of the money. We haven't got any dough. Jimmy. Yeah? Yeah?

Remember? I felt sick that time. Well, I got sick again. I had to have a doctor. When? While you were gone just now. What was the trouble? The doctor was here. He says I'm going to have a baby. What? That's what he said. Honey. Jimmy, what are we going to do? A baby. What are we going to do? That's wonderful. When Frank gets here, we'll have a big celebration. That's what we're going to do. We'll celebrate all the way down to L.A. I wonder where he is. Frank's too smart for the cops. They never got him. Did they see you? I don't know.

All I know is we can't stay here. What about Frank? He's got the money. He's got the car. I'll tell you what. We'll wait here till morning. Then I'll go down and get a paper. The paper will tell us whether they got him. Jimmy, I'm scared. Don't worry, honey. Frank will be here. He's too smart for those dumb cops. He'll be here. Only, I'm getting the shakes. I sure could use a fix. We didn't go to sleep. Jimmy took a fix and kept pacing the floor all night. I knew now that Jimmy was an addict, too.

I got sick again. Finally, when the morning papers came out, Jimmy went down and got one. When he came back, his face was white. How do you like that? What's the matter? Here it is, right here in the paper. But there's nothing about anybody getting caught. Says they got away. How do you like that? We've been left high and dry. He's got all the money? Every penny of it. He ditched us. He took the car and all the money and he ditched us. Jimmy, we gotta get out of here. Yeah. Yeah, we got to.

No car, no money? You gonna have a baby? We'll be all right, Jimmy. Sure, sure, we'll be all right. We'll clean up, honey, you and me. Who needs Frank anyhow? Only, without him, where can I connect for some stuff? And, Dory, I gotta have it now. I gotta have it. I packed our bag and we left. We were pretty lucky. We hitched a ride out of town and then we got another ride. It was a small truck. The man was going all the way to Los Angeles.

We rode a couple of hours and then I got to feeling sick again. What's the matter, honey? I don't feel well. What you need is some coffee. If I didn't have my three cups in the morning, I wouldn't be fit to go out the door. That's what it means to me. My wife says... Mr. Yeah? This is a gun in my pocket. What? Don't get excited. Just turn down that side road. Hey, what is this? Don't talk. Just do as I say. This might go off. Okay, take it easy. That's fine. Now stop. Hand your wallet over here.

Oh, wait a minute. Now, I got all my identification in there. Take the money, but for Pete's sake... The wallet, I said. Now, get out. This is plain stupid of you, buddy. Get out. And walk around in front of the truck. Where are you going, Jimmy? Wait here. And hold this. Okay, mister. Turn around. What are you gonna do? Just this. Oh, Jimmy! Okay, honey. Jimmy. Jimmy, you killed him. He'll be okay. I just clunked him on the head. Gives us more time. You shouldn't have done that, Jimmy. Jimmy.

Look in the wallet. How much is there in it? You shouldn't have done... Come on, come on. How much is there? Let's see. Twenty dollars. Just one twenty dollar bill. Twenty dollars. That's not bad. When we get to Merced, I'll make a connection and get a couple of caps. We'll ditch the truck and we'll swipe a car someplace and pull a job that'll keep us a while. Please, Jimmy, no more. Are you crazy? We gotta have money. I gotta have it right away. I'll get a job, Jimmy. The cop's right behind us and you're gonna get a job. Don't talk silly, honey. Our luck's hot.

Besides, I know how to pull him now. Maybe you killed him. No, no, no. I didn't hit him that hard. Just hard enough to make him sleepy. I didn't kill him. Maybe you did. Jimmy, what are we going to do? I told you. I can't take it anymore. Running away. Always running away and now you hook. You hook. What's the matter with you? Nothing. Only I... You scared of something? Yes, I'm scared. But not for myself. I'm scared for you.

If you don't like the setup, why don't you just pull out? Go ahead. Grab the first bus back home to Mama, why don't you? Don't talk like that, Jimmy. I don't mean... Hey. What? Frank. He doesn't know it, but he did me a real favor. Just when we needed a break. Good old Frank. What is it, Jimmy? I just happened to remember. A couple of weeks ago, Frank was telling me about a place. Drugstore in Fresno. That's real close to here. A pushover, he says. They'll probably have a big narco supply, too.

We'll break it tonight, you and me. I can't, Jimmy. They'll get us. I just can't. Quit saying you can't. Now be quiet. I gotta think. I tried to talk him out of it, but he only got madder. We ditched the truck in Merced, then Jimmy used up his last cap. About nine o'clock that night, we got a ride into Fresno. We got something to eat. Then we went into a parking lot, took a black sedan, and got out of there fast. Then we drove out to the place. It was closed. Jimmy was like a crazy man. He knew there was narcotics inside the store.

I kept the motor running and Jimmy went up to the front door. My heart was pounding harder than it ever did before. Jimmy kicked in the plate glass in the door and went inside. A bell started clanging. It was a burglar alarm. Then I saw the patrol car swing into the alley alongside the store and I started flashing the lights and honking the horn. I could see Jimmy through the window. He ducked behind a showcase.

One of the police was running toward the back of the building. The other ran in the front door. I ran in after him. Remember, I was screaming, Jimmy, Jimmy, trying to be heard over the burglar alarm. And then the shots. Hey, Jimmy! Come on with your hands up! Come and get me! Jimmy! Doris, get out of here! You want to get yourself killed? Jimmy! Up with your hands up! Stuck down, Doris! You're in my way! Get out of here! Don't shoot, Jimmy! Get out of the way! Jimmy! Okay, I think we got him. Oh!

Hey, lady, you hurt? Jimmy. Jimmy. Come on, get up. Get up now. You killed him. Almost got you, too. What was the idea of running right in the line of fire? Jimmy. What am I going to do? What am I going to do? You're coming with us. Our baby. Our baby. What baby? He was my husband's.

I'm gonna have a baby. Baby? Let's have a look at you. Boy, you're just... You kids. There wasn't a dollar in that cash register. Somebody tried to break in last night. We picked him up. Last night? Frank? Yeah, that's his name. Frank, uh... Frank Leonard. You know him? Frank! Frank!

Sure, I know him. He's the one you should have killed. You have just heard an actual confession. This case history of the woman referred to as Doris Kane is a matter of documented record. To protect the legal rights of this girl, names and places were changed or deleted. Technical advice for confession comes from the office of the Director of Corrections, Department of Corrections, State of California.

In a moment, you will again hear Doris Kane. Doris Kane was arrested in Merced County, state of California, and tried under Section 700, sub-MWIC. James R. Kane's body was claimed by his parents and returned to Cleveland for burial. Franco Leonard was extradited to Ohio to stand trial for murder. And the state of California has holds on him for grand theft auto, robbery, and burglary. Now, Doris Kane.

I made this broadcast in the hope that someone somewhere may benefit from our mistakes. My husband Jimmy was only 18 when he died. Frank's 23 and you might say his life's over too. A lot of boys and girls are following in our footsteps and don't know it. I'm a ward of the juvenile court of Merced County at the El Retiro State School for Girls. I'll be a ward of the court until I'm 21. Because of my age, my baby will not have to be born in a prison and I'm thankful for that. I'm thankful too that I escaped becoming a drug addict.

I guess I'm most thankful of all for that because I've seen what it does to you. Can I? Of course. Night, Mom. This has been Confession, transcribed statements of actual crimes. These true tragedies are brought to you each week as an NBC Radio Network production in an effort to stem the nation's forward march of crimes.

Credit for this broadcast goes to our cast. Paul Freese, Joyce McCluskey, Virginia Gregg, Sam Edwards, Stacey Harris, Marvin Miller. Script supervision, Warren Lewis. Music, Michael Samogi. Direction, Homer Canfield. John Wall speaking. Confession, a Canfield Lewis creation came to you from California. Toyota is the best resale value brand for 2025. According to Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com. That means when you buy a Toyota, you can feel confident that your investment will last.

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The book is, uh, on this shelf. Yes, here it is. Death Blew Out the Match. A very absorbing story of death and mystery on a small island. Let's look at it under the reading lamp. It was an evening early in May, and the waters around the Cape just off the coast of Massachusetts were buried under a fog as thick and as massive as any you'd want to see.

Moving cautiously, a small boat makes its way slowly toward one of the islands off the Cape. In the boat, there are Elisha McCumber and Anne Waldron. Well, this is something. I'm glad we're almost there. Yep. You been scared, Miss Waldron? Oh, not scared, Elisha, but if I hadn't bumped into you in New Bedford, I'd have spent the night there. Not even Noah himself could have persuaded me to take a boat ride in this fog.

What's new on the island? Oh, nothing much. Unless you're counting a mysterious stranger. Mysterious? Calls himself David Highland. Gets mail from New York, Washington, Boston. But near every day, nobody knows what's in it. He don't talk. Maybe he's an ex-sailor with a sweetheart in every port. As could be. But I'm chairman of the board of selectmen, and it's my duty to keep the peace on that island. You've always managed, Elisha. What else is new?

Leonard Case is there, too. Leonard? Yep. Four weeks now. Then Myra Van Wick must be visiting. She ain't. I guess Mr. Case will be mighty glad to see you, Miss Walden. Why should he be glad? I reckon the fellow gets pretty lonesome with a plaster cast on each leg. Plaster cast, Leonard? Got both his legs broken in an automobile accident a few months ago. I figured you might know about it. No. No, I didn't know.

Elisha, are you sure Myra isn't on the island? Mm-hmm. You're still sweet on the fella, ain't you? He doesn't mean a thing to me. Maybe not. But some of the last year, when Mr. Case turned from you to that Van Wick woman... Yep, I was mighty glad the season ended. Without a killing. Oh!

Thanks very much, Elisha. I'll go the rest of the way alone. Oh, I don't mind taking you to your door, Miss Waldron. You don't have to. I'll just follow this path around Myra Van Wick's house and that'll take me right home. Good night, Elisha. And thanks for everything. Good night, Miss Waldron. Be careful. Maybe I should have... Oh, well. Nothing ever happens here. What was that? What on earth? Myra's house and it's closed tight. Someone's coming this way.

Someone... Hello. Fancy meeting you here. Who are you? What do you want? You sound like a native. Suppose I answer your first question first. Who am I? David Highland. Highland? Why don't you call me David? Then I can call you... Ann Waldron. Lovely. Your house is about 200 feet from here, isn't it? Yes. You expect to live there alone? Business, is it of yours? Just this. You won't tell anyone that you met me tonight, will you? I won't. That's what I said. Because if you do...

One of us will become very useless. Hey, Mr. Case, there's a dame here to see you. A dame? So we're in, sir. Okay, Tootsie, help yourself to the boss. Don't make him nervous. He's in a very delicate condition. Anne! Oh, Anne, darling, I'm so glad to see you. Hello, Leonard. You look beautiful.

I'm all beautiful and I... Hey, Mr. Case, is it all right if I take the car and go for a drive into town? Yes, speed it. Go anyplace. I'll pick up some chow for the icebox while I'm there. You got a couple of preferences, maybe? Buy anything you like, but for Pete's sake. Okay. Don't look so surprised, Ann. The guy saved my life. Pulled me out of the wreck before the car went up in flames. Hang in if he doesn't turn out to be the best cook and butler this side of the Atlantic. I was hoping you'd come, Ann. You were?

What do you mean? I knew you were on the island. Oh, Elisha told you. No, I saw you. From here? But my house is... Leonard, what have you done to this room? You like? I had these walls ripped out in the glass, put in their place. Ah, I don't miss a trick. I simply look through this telescope and the island has no secrets. I see. Leonard, when is Mara coming? She isn't. Too busy in New York? I hope so. The fact is, Mara and I are washed up. Silly, isn't it? Is it?

The crazy thing about it is that I really thought I loved her. It must have been out of my mind. Did you marry her? It wasn't that crazy, Ann. Leonard! Help! Call on your man. Ann, I want you to meet Mabel, my little helpmate. When Sam's away, Mabel does the little odd jobs that make me comfortable. Watch. Mabel, my pipe. Oh, you're slipping, old girl. You forgot my tobacco pouch. Thank you. Now you may go out and get your lunch. And don't dig up anyone's garden. Help!

For sake, where did you pick that up? Myra gave it to me. What? Everyone to his taste. I don't think I... What's that? What? On your bed. It's a buckle off a woman's shoe. Well, what do you know? I think that bird will bring home with her. Wait a minute, Leonard. I've seen this buckle before. Haven't you? Haven't I? Why, I don't remember. That's Myra's. What are you talking about? Myra's in New York. We'll soon find out. Give me that telescope. But... Hello? Yes, yes, she's here. Would you like to talk to her? Uh-huh.

Good heavens, of course I'll tell her right away. You can stop looking. What is it, Leonard? Myra's here on the island. Elisha McComba just phoned. He wants you to go over to her house. She's been murdered. Elisha? Hey. Oh, Miss Waldron. You got here pretty quick, didn't you? I can't believe it. Myra dead. When did it happen? Sometime last night. Last night? The coroner says it must have took place between 11 and 12. That's impossible. Is it?

It was close to 12 when I left you. I took the path that runs around this place. The house was locked up. Did you look to see? No, there was no reason for me to look. You yourself told me Myra wasn't on the island. I reckon I was wrong, Miss Waldron. Miss Van Wick must have got here while I was in New Bedford. Then that must have been it. Was that Miss Waldron? As I was passing by here last night, I heard the door open and close. Twice. Of course, you didn't see anyone, did you? As a matter of fact, I...

I didn't. Too bad. Would you like to see the body? Must I? It can't hurt you. It's right there in the living room. Come along. There she is, just like I found her. Her head's almost in the fireplace. Yep. She was just about to light the fire with that match when death blew it out. You got any idea what killed her? Why should I? I thought you might have. It was cyanide or potassium. Oh, awful. Uh-huh.

But there's one thing that puzzles me, Miss Waldron. How did the killer get her to take it? I don't know, Elisha. There ain't a sign of a struggle in the room. There ain't a mark on her body. Sinai works like lightning. That means she was killed right here in this room. But, Elisha, you keep talking about murder. How do you know it wasn't suicide? Of course, I ain't never seen a corpse that could get up and dispose of the evidence. Maybe she chewed it.

How would you be knowing about that, Miss Walton? That piece of gum near the fireplace. I guess I must be slipping. We'll see what the coroner has to say about this gum. It was suicidal, Elisha. I'm sure of it now. Ask Leonard Case. He can give you all the facts. I'm asking you, Miss Walton. I don't know them. Now, why did you send for me? I wanted to hear what you had to say in the presence of the corpse.

To my way of thinking, Miss Van Wick was murdered. And I thought maybe I ought to have a talk with the one person that had both motive and opportunity. That's you, Miss Walden. Well, are you trying to break down the door? I must see you, Mr. Highland. All right. Would you like to look at me here, or would you rather come in? I'll come in. Sit down. No, thanks. Mr. Highland.

What were you doing out in the fog last night? You won't call me David, will you? Will you answer my question, please? Sure. What were you doing out in the fog last night? I was going home. So was I. That makes us even, doesn't it? Not quite. Myra Van Wick's been murdered. What? You don't say. On this quiet, peaceful island? Did you tell anyone you met me? No. Good girl. Yes. Always play it smart. But I will, Mr. Highland. Will you? Would you like to hang for the murder of Myra Van Wick? Yes.

Suppose I told Elisha that I saw you coming out of her house last night. But you didn't. How do you know I didn't? I didn't go in after I left you. I went right home. Can you prove it? Can I? Now, look here, Mr. Highland. What are you trying to do? I don't want you to make any mistakes. You protect me, and I'll protect you. You killed Myra. Point, Miss Walden. It's bad manners. Why did you do it? All right. I'm going to find out, Mr. Highland, and what you came to this island for. And when I do... Yes? Yes.

That letter on the desk. That's Myra's handwriting on the envelope. Put it down. Mail from New York yesterday. Give it to me. I wouldn't have to break my arm. I'm sorry. It's such a pretty arm, too. And that's such a pretty neck. What are you going to do? Nothing. If you say one word about this letter to anyone, I'm going to put a rope around that neck. Leonard, what am I going to do? Elijah thinks I killed Myra. And I can't prove that I didn't. Anne, I know you didn't. No matter what you thought of Myra...

Elisha was here. I told him that she wanted to marry me, but, well, I couldn't do it. Then she loved you? I'm afraid so. Leonard, it's possible, then, that Myra committed suicide. No. Just before you came in, Elisha phoned me. That piece of gum you found, there was no poison in it. Oh, don't worry, darling. We'll find a way to get you out of it. But, Leonard, who left that gum there? The killer, no doubt. Listen, Ann, what about David Highland?

Now, don't pretend you don't know him. I saw you with him a little while ago. You saw me? This telescope. Why did you go to his house? I can't tell you. All right. Then maybe you can tell me what you and he were wrestling over. It was a letter, wasn't it? Leonard, please don't ask me. Wasn't it? I... Yes. From Myra. Myra? What's he got to do with it? I don't know. I promise you won't tell anyone. Leonard, you must promise. Why? Well, just promise, that's all. All right, dear.

We've got to know what was in that letter. Yes, but how are we going to get it? I'll keep my telescope trained on his house. When David Highland goes out, I'll tell Sam... Shut up, Mabel! Mabel, Leonard, that shoe buckle she brought in here this morning... Yes? That was Myra's. Oh, what a dunderhead I am. Why didn't I see it before? See what? Where did Mabel find that buckle? Certainly not in Myra's house. She must have found it outside somewhere.

Don't you see what that means? Uh-huh. That Myra wasn't killed in her own house. Now all we have to do is find out where she was killed. Leonard, how well have you got that crow trained? Pretty well. Why? That buckle. If you told her to put it back where she found it, would she do it? I don't think so. She's not that smart. Oh. Besides, it's been hours since she brought it here. All right. Then that letter from Myra might tell us what we want to know.

I want to know the minute that man goes out. Now, let me see. The desk. Oh, he would keep it locked. I don't think he'd be so careless as to leave it under the chair cushions. Now, that would be too obvious. Oh, hello? Ann? Ann?

Oh, what is it, Leonard? Is he coming back? I haven't seen him, but it's getting dark, and I'm afraid I won't be able to keep watch for you much longer. I can't leave now. I've got to find that letter. But it might be dangerous. Suppose he walks in on you. Well, I'll have to take that chance. Hold the wire. I'll go look some more. All right, but hurry. Chair cushions. Oh, no, of course not. Liquor cabinet. Who would think of looking in a liquor cabinet for a letter? Only it didn't get dark so fast. Hello, Leonard. Any luck, Ann? Plenty. Bring it over here right away.

Leonard. What's the matter? Why don't you get out of there? I'm afraid it's too late. Leonard, send for Elisha McComber, quick. Is it Highland? I can't see. It's dark. Get Elisha. Hey, you, Mr. Highland. Huh? Elisha McComber. What's all the excitement about? Where do you think you're going? Not thinking, Your Honor. I'm going for a walk. Where's Miss Walden? Ann. Is she supposed to be here? Yep. Let's go into your house. All right, if you like.

While we're doing that little thing, would you mind telling me what this is all about? In time. Where is she? I don't know. When I left for the village, the house was empty. When I came back, it was still empty. She spoke to Mr. Case on the phone from here. Really? Well, perhaps I should lock my door when I go out. Do you think my neighbors would disapprove? It ain't none of my business. But this matter of Miss Waldron... Mr. Hyland, would you be a gum-chewing character? Gum-chew? Sometimes. Sometimes?

And I want to get rid of a bad taste. How did you get rid of the gum? Spit it out on the floor? What do you mean? Over there, by that table. Maybe you will a lot sooner than you'd be expecting. Are you ready to talk about Miss Waldron? Of course. Yes, I think she's beautiful. I think she's a charming girl. Now, if she were only a bit more friendly... Is that all you've got to say? No, but for the moment, it'll have to do. Mm-hmm.

Well, maybe you'd better come with me. Where? To Miss Van Wick's house. Why there? Me and my boys have given that place a mighty fine once over. Somebody that done a killing could think that we'd have no more reason to go back there. But we have, Mr. Hyland. Come on. Well, are you satisfied, Elisha? There isn't a trace of Ann Waldron upstairs or even down here in the cellar. I ain't through looking yet, Mr. Hyland. Where do you expect to find her? In the coal bin? Maybe. Hand me that shovel. Oh.

On the other hand, maybe you better do the shoveling. I can keep an eye on you. Anything to make a select man happy, especially if he's the chairman of the board. You're a mighty calm young fella, ain't you? Pretty sure of yourself. I was brought up right. What do you know about Miss Van Wick? She's dead. The postman mentioned you got a letter from New York this afternoon. It was in a woman's handwriting. I get lots of letters. From dead people? You can never tell about that, Elisha.

Sometimes you can swear a person is alive and then after you've known him for a while, you change your mind. But this letter, Mr. Highland, the postman had an idea. It was in Miss Van Wick's handwriting. From what he remembers of her handwriting. I didn't kill her, if that's what you're leading up to. Yep, that's what I'm leading up to. You got that letter? I'll suit yourself, Mr. Highland. You don't have to talk now. Wait a minute. That suitcase, it was buried in the coal. Well, I'll be swarmed. Open it.

Jumpin' G-host. Jewel. Diamonds. Well, it must be a million dollars worth. So that's it. That's why Miss Van Wick was killed. Uh-huh. She come back here too soon. Whoever was hidin' this stuff here figured that she'd be in New York, maybe. And maybe not, Mr. Hyland. No? Maybe that person knew she was comin' back.

Maybe him and Miss Van Wick were sort of partners in a business that wasn't legal. Does that make sense to you, Mr. Hyland? I don't know. I don't go in for guesswork. How about cyanide or potassium? You're singing way off key, Elijah. But you've got the right tune, ain't you? Put your hands up, Mr. Hyland. All right. Now, just you walk up them stairs. And no monkey business, my friend. I got an eye like an eagle. Operator, 124.

Elisha, this is Leonard Case. You found Ann Waldron? Good heavens, what are you doing about it? I got searching parties out all over the island. But what about David Highland? It was from his house that she called for help. He'll talk, Mr. Case, about Miss Waldron and about Miss Van Wick, too. You mean that he killed Myra? Yeah. Oh, Mr. Case. Yes? The folks here in the village tell me your car's been parked all day by the general store. I know. My butler, Sam Ray, took it this morning. Send him back if you see him, will you? Nobody's seen him since 2 o'clock this afternoon.

I reckon you'll have to be advertising for a new butler, Mr. Case. That's ridiculous. Sam wouldn't quit me without notice. Maybe not. Okay, sister, on your feet. Shut up. We're going to take a ride now in the open sea. Fresh air and just enough fog to keep me and you out of sight. Nice, isn't it? The way that fog comes in over the water. Perfect hideout. Even better than this stinking old tool shed. Tough, isn't it?

You got so much to say, but that gag don't let you. Okay, get on. Right down to the boat. Then maybe when we get way out in the ocean, I'll tell you a nice, interesting bedtime story. Okay, baby, this is it. Now you're dying to talk, ain't you? Okay, I'll take off the gag. Now you can scream, too.

Ain't a soul around here to hear you, eight miles offshore. Sam Ray. When Leonard Case finds out about this... What's he gonna do, fire me? He'll guard against me. Why did you bring me out here to kill me? I don't like snoopers, baby. I was only trying to protect myself. Elisha McComba suspected me of killing Myra Van Wick. I didn't do it. I had to find out who did. So you went after a letter. Thought it might give me a clue. Did that letter contain any evidence, Sam? No.

Plenty. Kind of evidence. You're sure a dame, ain't you? Well, you can't be afraid to tell me now. I'll never have a chance to... Will I? How right you are. Well, are you going to tell me or aren't you? Baby, that letter meant the difference between a million bucks and zero. That Highland guy... Then he was mixed up with the death of Myra. Shut up. What's the matter? Listen, there's a boat out there. You make one sound... You listen. Are you dirty little...

I'm going to finish you off right now and get out of here. And that's the whole story, Leonard. If it hadn't been for Elisha, I'd be at the bottom of the ocean now. Man, darling, I don't know what to say to you. I feel as though it's all my fault. Nonsense. But Sam worked for me. I trusted him.

How was I to know that he was a diamond thief and that he'd killed Myra? He did kill Myra, didn't he, Elisha? I reckon so. We got in the way of no one now with him at the bottom of the ocean. Well, all I can say is thanks for saving Anne. Now, how about a party to celebrate? Sam Gorn, I guess, will have to rely on Mabel to do the honors. Mabel! Candy! Candy, Mabel, for the lady. She could only cook. Mabel! She flew out the window. Oh!

Leonard, she's flying toward Myra's house. Candy for the lady, eh, Mr. Case? I don't understand what got into that bird. She's never disobeyed orders. Well, I reckon she ain't disobeying them now. She's flying to the only lady she knows. All right, Mr. Case, you can talk now. You've got a mind to it. But I've got nothing to say. That's your privilege.

But you killed Myra Van Wick by sending that bird out last night with a piece of poison candy. And you done it because you knew the lady would take the candy from the bird, maybe as an omen of reconciliation. Miss Walron, did you know that Mr. Case and Miss Van Wick was husband and wife? Married? Yep.

I asked the police in New York to do a routine check on Miss Van Wick, and they come up with a dope. Leonard. All right, so what? I didn't want her around. I told her to stay away from the island, to leave me alone. And you had good reason to. She might have found them diamonds in her coal bin. That would have been too bad, wouldn't it, for you? David. Hmm? Ann. Well, what brings you down to the beach at this hour of night? You, and some of the things you can explain to me about Leonard. Oh.

Well, Leonard Case was a smuggler. Sam Ray worked for him. So did a lot of others. It was my job to round up the gang from the top down. Your job? Mm-hmm. I'm an agent of the Treasury Department. Oh. Well, that tells me a lot. Oh. Well, that's why I had to be so tough with you on occasions. I couldn't take the chance of being implicated in a murder. I would have had to explain my position to Elisha. But he's an officer of the law. Rounding up a gang of smugglers was my job. Finding a murderer was his. Yes. Yes.

But what about that letter you received from Mara? That, my dear, was an authorization for me to enter her house and search it. Oh. What a... What a little dope you are. Mr. Highland. David. Come on, let's take a walk. And so closes tonight's Crime Club book, Death Blew Out the Match. Based on the story by Kathleen Moore Knight. Stedman Coles did the radio adaptation. Roger Bower produced and directed. Oh, I beg your pardon.

Hello, I hope I haven't kept you waiting. Yes, this is the crime club. Well, I'm the librarian. Ah, come over a week from tonight. Good. We have a very unusual story about a murderer who was revealed by postage stamps. It's called For the Hangman.

In the meantime, well, in the meantime, there's a new Prime Club book available this week and every week at bookstores everywhere. Mm-hmm. It's available now. Quite all right. And we'll look for you next week.

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So after countless carpools, road trips, and off-road adventures, your Toyota will still have plenty left to give. Shop buyatoyota.com for a great deal today and a great value tomorrow. Vehicles projected resale value is specific to the 2025 model year. For more information, visit kellybluebookskbb.com. Kelly Blue Book is a registered trademark of Kelly Blue Book Co. Inc. Toyota, let's go places. The sounds of darkness.

Lee Masters, FBI, who wages relentless war against crime. Lee Masters, the blind detective who challenges the sounds of darkness.

The sounds of darkness. Tonight, the face of death. The sound of darkness.

Digging into the sake again? In Rome, do as the Romans do. Yeah. That doesn't make sense, does it? The quote, or the fact that we're landing in Tokyo in an hour? Both, I guess. Anyway, the sake's great. It goes down just like water. Hey, what are we going to eat in Japan? Food. Yeah. Are you thinking about the case, huh? Yeah, I'm wondering why Genji Misako wants us here.

Sure, I've worked with them before. Just after 52, when the boys were pulled back to the States. Uh-huh. The occupying forces? Yeah, there was a bit of trouble. A lot of the guys took it out on the civilian population. Maybe you couldn't blame them. The Japs had never liked our army sitting there in Tokyo and elsewhere. Misako was the big boss then? Not as big as he is now. Head of their secret service.

He was a great guy. Quiet like a cat. And as quick. You stayed in Tokyo about a week, huh? Yeah, that's right. Oh, it was soon sorted out. In fact, the feds weren't really needed. It was maybe more of a political move. Just to show the Japanese that we were prepared to fly in the big guns to preserve law and order. I wonder what's up now. We'll find out soon enough, I guess. Sure. Whatever it is, it must be serious.

Japan has one of the finest police forces in the world, and their secret service is second to none. We didn't have to come, Lee. CIA could have stepped in, even though Misako asked for you. Well, let's say I'm in Misako's debt. I'll tell you about it sometime. Announce the arrival of their Flight 052 Transparency. Japanese Airlines arrival of Flight 052 Transparency. Customs delays of

may be exiting the main concourse in 20 minutes. Back there. 20 minutes is an eternity. There are two friends of mine, Bridges Masters, on the flight that has just landed. I want them through customs immediately. No delay. But why, though? Hang on, Johnny.

You okay, Genji? Yes, Lee. I'm well. It was you who got us through customs back there. This is Johnny Bridges, my sidekick. Hi. You never did beat that habit, did you, Genji? Which one? I have many. Abusing that bath lotion. You know, the one you got hooked on when you were still a student. Well, that's what you told me, anyway. Yes. I still use it. One of my more pleasant memories of England...

I did not realize the perfume was so strong, though. It isn't. I have a car waiting. A good flight? Very pleasant. Thanks for getting us through so fast. Lee, I heard a rumor a long time ago now that you were injured. The eyes. Yeah, like Johnny does my seeing for me. I am sorry. Don't let it bug you. You are still able to... No, that is impolite.

You would not have come to Japan to me if you were not still capable. He's capable, all right, mister. Okay, okay, can we quit diagnosing Lee Masters? Ah, it's nice to see you again, Genji. What's the beef? I shall explain in the car, if you would come this way. Let the porter bring the bags, please. After all, that is what they're paid for. Oh!

Of course, I could deal with it myself. Or the police could. But the ramifications would be rather hideous, not so. Could be.

So it's straight theft on the surface, eh? At Nara itself. Yes. You know something of our history, Lee? Some. Nara is perhaps the living museum of ancient Japanese art and architecture. Places like Horyuji, the world's oldest extant wooden structure, and the largest...

In Nara, there are some of the most priceless art treasures in the world. Hand-painted pottery, tapestry, exquisite lacquerware, carvings, paintings, screens, everything. And these are being filled from the museums there? From one only, at the Kasuga Shrine. And I know who is doing it. A man called Nathan Sharp, an American. So, why not pick him up? Possibly because he is related to your Secretary of State. Possibly because the thefts, as I told you, conceal something else.

Your laser experiments? As astute as ever, Lee. Yes, our laser experiments. At Osaka, near Nara, there has been a leakage. Sharp, I think, is responsible. Recently, the Chinese have been reproducing our experiments. How?

Again, a leakage. So why not pick this guy up? Is he a citizen of Japan, then? Yes. Oh, piece of cake. It's not that simple, Mr. Bridges. If it were, I would not have invited you both across from America, would I? You want me to do your dirty work? In a manner of speaking, yes. After all, the man was an American. He was the youngest colonel ever in your Air Force. He was something of a hero.

He is related to one of your politicians. And I owe you something. Yes, you do. Let me see how the land lies, Genji. Okay, I'm here officially, but this is a personal angle to it. I want to keep our noses clean. A lovely expression. We shall have lunch and then fly down to Osaka, if you don't mind. It's only an hour and a half from here.

You would like some more music? Uh, yeah, sure, thanks.

Sainly, what are we eating, anyway? I will tell you. It is sukiyaki. As different from mizutaki as tempura is from shushi. Yeah, come again. Different dishes, Johnny, that's all. Would you like to get that music going? Certainly. And we'd like to talk, if you don't mind, if you could leave us alone a while. Certainly. Oh, now, was that nice. A honey like that waiting on his hand and foot, and you give her the brush off. Where are your manners?

You think Genji Misako didn't have her come to our table specially? You mean... Genji's an old friend of mine. But he's still head of the secret service here. He has certain habits he can't get out of. But we're on his side, aren't we? Of course. He's cool, all right. Eyes that look right through your...

What's this laser kick? Japan and the States lead the world in research on laser. Here and back home, it's being investigated for industrial purposes, as you know. Can't be a military weapon, too, of course. You think the Japs are making something out of it? Military? Maybe. They have every right to do so, naturally. And that's where Misako comes into the picture. Right. Whatever plans about Japan's progress with laser are leaking out...

be they military or industrial, he'd be involved. And Japan and Red China don't see eye to eye these days. That still sounds an internal job to me. Not that I mind. I could sit here all day eating this grub. Nathan Sharp. Sure, you told me. Naturalized Japanese now. Lives in Kobe, which is Osaka's harbor.

Something of a nut, huh? That's what I want to find out. Something's fishy, Johnny. Sukiyaki? No, that's meat, I think. Johnny, I... I am happy that you are eating. I am sorry, though, that I could not join you. Something at the office. Yeah, you told us, Genji. You going to sit down? Of course, but I will not eat. I'm not hungry. The food is good. Where is the Maiko who are serving you? You did not like her manner? She was okay.

I didn't like her to listen in too much, that's all. She was a bit too, uh, attentive, you know? Ha ha! I have, uh, Tokita Menchaca's sleeve. My apologies. Hey! Look out! I see her now! He was aiming for Genji Lee. Almost got him, too. You okay? Yeah. It figures.

Did you have to gun him down? He tried to kill me. Not so. Sure, but from the way Johnny tells it, you had him cornered at the end of the street. You could have taken him in. That is not my way. Apparently. I do not question your methods, Lee. Do not question mine. Sure. And you reckon it was a grudge, Kenji? Possibly. Possibly someone working for our friend, Mr. Sharp. It was a pity, if it is that.

I am the only one who knows of the leakages. At least, that is what I thought. We get to see him when we arrive? You get to see him, Lee. On a pretext of some kind. I think you are able enough to invent one. Jurors kick again? Maybe. We shall be landing at Osaka in a few minutes. Would all passengers kindly fasten their seatbelts? We shall be landing at Osaka in a few minutes. Would all passengers kindly fasten their seatbelts?

That is obviously how it is happening. The treasure that Sharp is stealing... are being got out at Corby, at the harbour. I should think on a number of ships...

Where he is selling them, I do not know. Europe, perhaps. America, even. Could be. And the dope on the laser? Perhaps hidden with the paintings, the scrolls, the tapestries. He's taking one heck of a chance. If those treasures are picked up, the dope will be found. Sharp will be a goner. There are other means of smuggling plans out. This seems unnecessary. Let me put it this way, Lee.

I work hand in hand with police perfecture, insofar as the thefts are concerned. It has been going on for some time, two years. We know the treasures are going. We believe Sharp is responsible. But the system is working, you understand. Now that he steals plans as well, he uses the same system, even though to us it seems foolhardy. To say the least. He's been questioned? Many times. Nothing. How did you get onto him? Sudden affluence.

His wife has money. A little, this we know. But from reports, the shops are now rich. It coincides. That's all you have on him, huh? That is all. I have solved cases on less. So have I, but how come the laser? From the Japanese embassy in Nanking. China's experiments with laser are conducted there. That is where our plans have been going. Who blew it at the embassy? One of the staff. Friends with some of the locals, you know.

There was talk of an American here in Japan who was selling secrets to China. It was pinpointed to Nara, where Sharp lives. Plus a thousand other foreigners. Even the Christian name? That was mentioned. Nathan. And this came back to you from your embassy in Nanking? I have said so. What would you, uh, like us to do to Sharp? Kill him. ♪♪

So he wants to fake it? Make it look like suicide, huh? Yeah, that's it, Johnny. Well, why can't he do it himself? Or get it done? Quietly. He's a tough baby, that Masako. You should have seen the way he gunned down that guy that shot at him back there in Tokyo.

Level the gun on him, slowly. And, as slowly, pull the trigger. Hey, you reckon I'm going the right way? You asked where to find the U.S. consul, didn't you? Sure, it's just that all Japs look alike. And all Jap streets look alike. Hang on. There she blows, the stars and stripes forever. Pull up outside. A neat little car, Miss Akalandes. It's okay. Johnny, the Oriental is a funny man. His sense of honor is fantastic.

He'll even kill himself if his honor is found wanting. So? So I don't think Red China have a laser plant at Nanking. What gives, then? I'm not sure yet. Let's go in there, find out. No, Lee, further down south. Yeah, they have military and paramilitary research centers, but Nanking... No, I'm pretty sure not. Again, it figures. What does? Thanks for the help, Jim. Okay. Okay.

Hey, look us up when you get back to the States. I'll buy you a meal. Oh, thanks. I won't be till the end of the year, though. You CIA guys got much to do around here? Not much, Johnny, except when two FBI guys like you come marching in in Kobe, of all places, asking for information. You, uh, you didn't call on me, huh? Yeah, we did. We'd have been watched anyway. Okay, Jim, thanks again. Okay. You get some time off. I can show you the place, you know. Thanks, but right now, I'm working against time.

That's pretty, huh? Very formal. Neat little shrubs, gardens. Typical. Like the Japanese mind. Neat. And devious. No, it only seems so. Because we don't understand their code of thinking. Tell me something. What did Misaka do for you way back? Saved my life. Came along at the right time. A couple of our own boys, too. Canned. One of them had a .45 .

I just used it. Was going to use it on me. Yeah. 1952. Any sign of Nathan Sharp yet? No? Why did Miss Sarko lie about Nanking? Knowing I could check it. Funny way of thinking. A Jap never lies. He may not tell the truth, but he won't lie. Sounds odd, I know, but it's the way it goes. I owe Miss Sarko something. He brings me out here. Ostensibly to help him out of a fix. Pick up Sharp...

Get him bumped off, like accidentally. No more treasure stolen from here at Nara. No more leakages. Do him a favor. And yet, Anna, Misako has lied. In his cult, that should make me despise him. Lee, maybe he wants you to despise him. Yeah. Why? Maybe because when we get picked up, he can do it without losing face. Because it's lost already.

Because he lied. You mean, you're enemies now? He wants us to be enemies, so his honor is satisfied. He can do anything to me now, and you. We are nothing now. He's broken free of the bond that sort of held us together. We masters share a philosophy. Hey, wait a minute. You said something about us being picked up. Sure. When we've had Nathan Sharp killed. Masako, is it? Hmm?

Sharp is stealing treasure, but he isn't stealing plans. Masako is? I think so. Someone's onto him. Maybe even Sharp himself. That would make it even cozier. There's a tall, thin guy over there now. I've seen the description. Okay. Let's go say hello to Nathan Sharp.

I told you it was a long story. I hate war. I hate the trappings of war. That's why you didn't tell on Misako. Who was I to tell it to? Why? I love Japan. I found peace here. I don't want that peace disturbed. And yet, you've been stealing our treasures. Yeah. From the temples here. From the priests themselves for a few dollars. Shipping them out.

Yeah, no way, John. Why did you start it? I'm not a young man, Johnny. I don't get a pension. I'm a Jap citizen now. I have to eat. So does my wife. I was going to start it. Funny enough, I believe you. And Genji Masako? By accident. I used to consign what I stole to Shinko Piers in Kobe. Complicated system, but it would be picked up there and smuggled on board a ship taken away.

The treasures were packed in cases labeled consumer goods. One fell at the pier. Broke. My contact hid the stuff quickly enough. Not before he found out something else was in that piece of tapestry. The dope on the lazy? The stolen plant? Yeah. So Misako was using your way to get his stuff out.

Where to? Shangjian, China coast. Where my loot was picked up and his too. And he called us in to bump you up? I've been expecting something. I just hoped that things would go on as they were. I am a thief, but peace... But Miss Sarko couldn't take that chance. If you split, he was finished. How did you tie it up with him? Because I was there when the fucking case fell. And Brock, I had to be there. Sharp noticed my agitation...

That is all. Yeah. Well, Genji, what happens now? You gonna knock us all off here in the park? No, not here. Here, in the Horiote, in this wooden room.

The priests are away at the moment. The sound of the gun will not be heard. It'll sound great when your newspapers get hold of it, as they will. Not one of you will be alive to talk to them. No, but they'll dig it up in time. How you and I had a bond between us because you saved my life. And how you killed me. Killed not only me, but the bond of honor that lay between us. Nonsense. You may have been educated at Oxford Genji, but you're Japanese.

You're oriental through and through. And even if the papers don't get it eventually, what about you yourself? What about your honor, your face? That does not obtain her. You think not. You pull that trigger, you'll damn yourself until the day you die. You'll want to die because you'll have betrayed yourself. I know you, Genji. Nathan, get out of here. Yeah, yeah. Quit stealing from now on or you'll be turned in.

I let him walk out. Why? For the same reason that you'll let us walk out. Sure, someone's going to die right now. You. That a ceremonial sword I heard when Nathan slammed that door, Johnny? Yeah, on the wall. Get it. Give it to Genji. He'll know what to do with it. How does that... Tanka, that poem go again? A man's life is honor...

His honor is his life. Tokahita wrote that, I believe. You know me so well, Lee Masters. We won't stay here, will you? One thing, why the laser plans? A small thing called money. Again, a thing dishonor. We'll wait outside. Okay, Johnny, let's go. You have been listening to The Sounds of Darkness.

Join the world of Lee Masters, the blind detective, next Tuesday and every Tuesday night at 7.30 in The Sounds of Darkness. The Sounds of Darkness is produced by Henry Van Dyke.

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