Unknown Broadcast | Time and Again & Wild Oranges — Cursed Time, Island Terror & Murder

0:09 Ah my dear, it feels like it's been so long. I'm so happy to see you. Oh what's that Well, I don't quite know, but I recommend you don't look at it for very long. I mean it. Please, please have a seat on my favorite chair. Get comfortable, get cozy. The fire is so delightful, even in the dead of summer, because the cold never truly leaves, It just waits and hides. But of course it is time and.

1:04 Again come in. Welcome, I'm e G. Marshall. Welcome to the fear you can hear, Welcome to the sounds of suspense. It was the ill fated Prince of Denmark, Hamlet, who lamented the time is out of joint, Oh cursed spite that ever, I was born to set it right.

1:51 Many people before and since have echoed the same cry of despair, but none with more compelling justice and reason than Ethan vigil clockmaker and destroyer, Ethan Vidual, for whom a special clock struck, a magic and an evil hour. Got your boxed in. You'll move, Jake, No, don't crush me. I'm thinking. I'm thinking, God, Dian Heaven, eaton. How can you stand that infernal rackety? What why? Oh you're in the clock stracking. I don't even know anymore?

2:31 Gonna go ahead? What do you want to give up? No? No, who can think of a chest move with all terl will breaking loose? Now on start our games after midnight? You can drive a man's stocks, tanman, I swear to Sam Hilty? Can you to live? Sall? Two living things left in the room with a terrifying moment as stood still self le machine actors.

3:13 Our mystery drama Time and Again was written especially for the mystery theater by Ian Martin and stars John Beal. It is sponsored in part by Anheuser Busch Incorporated, brewers of Budweiser, and by the Kellogg Company, makers of Kellogg's special k Cereal. I'll return shortly with Act one. When you drink beer, do you tilt the glass for long haughty swallows or just tip it and sip it? Well, sipping's the thing for wine, but Budweiser beer is a hearty drink, brood for zest and character. The best way to enjoy Bud is to drink it, not chug a lug, just man sized beer drinker swallows.

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4:42 No matter what you saving for, that's what Suburban Saving. Suburban Savings offers you. A regular savings account with flexibility. You can add any amounts of your account whenever you wish, withdraw whenever you want. Suburban Savings pays a five point twenty five percent annual interest rate on regular savings paid quarterly, which earns an annual effective yield of five point forty seven percent. Interest is compounded continuously from day of deposit to day of withdrawal, as long as fifty dollars is maintained in the account to the end of the quarter. Come into Suburban Savings and open an account with flexibility our regular savings account. In New Jersey at they owned Edgewater, Elmwood Park, Emerson, Packettstown, Morris Plains, Nutley, Paramus and Sparta.

5:45 Few of us can resist the fascination of an auction, and I'm no different than most, which is how and why I happen to possess this curious document, which reveals a bone chilling account of how many lives were lost, so manly and eerily to the inhuman demands of what Ethan Vigil called that damnable machine, the tale I'm about to take. No, no, wait, if you can manage to decipher his cramped long hand, let Ethan Vigil confess for himself. Hi Ethan Vigil, clockmaker by trade. I'm writing this in case when the moment comes, I failed to destroy the hour glass clock. For if I failed, someone must destroy it, kill it and.

6:40 Its ghastly existence. Before God knows how many innocent people will die satisfy its to say she will first. The clock itself came into my possession, more or less by accident. I was working late at my shop one night about a year ago, and I heard it tapping on the closed glass door. Sons, nations, some people can't read signs. Who was like to break the glass? Stop back there you see and close and pop there? Let be, I'll get on with you. You want me sorry, give me a chance.

7:20 I'll give you the charms that. I live times. Look, it was raining heavily, the water streaming down the glass, but the object he had drawn from the cover of his pea jacket drew my eyes like a magnet. It was a clock, the life of which I've never seen, shaped like an hour glass, with a strange appearing pendulum hanging in the lower half in the face, and the upper had in the place of the figure twelve at the top of the face. There's the new move thirteen. I had to see that clock more closely. Grish your governess.

8:01 You're a life saver. You are. What do you want? I want you to have a look at this here clock. The clock is the only reason I let you in. I'd like to have a look at it myself. Let's take it over, the bitch. You want this clock prepared? I want to send it to you. It's what I want. I hope I don't regret this, But come on to my place in the back room. There's a fire and then dry effort. Better back up that fire. What do you get this clock? Why it came into my possession when its owner died? It does a run well, now that their clocket doesn't run. I'd be the first to admit it. I'll give you twenty dollars now, look weary dollars.

8:49 Take it or leave it? Maybe down and now. But I know a good thing when I see it, and I don't intend to be taking advantage. O why somebody would be any question of who's being taken advantage of? Harry is Ethan? Who is this person? He's a customer more or less. Here's my sister in law. It's near on the midnight. My poor six sister is pining upstairs for her husband to bring her a little faith and consolation. Oh now, Mama, certainly I'm sorry to intrude on family. Probably, don't Ethan get rid of this man? You better go over the water about our business and the clock. Twenty dollars is all I have to my name, Oh tanking, don't you do it? Ethan? Though, mind your own business for once, Harriet, I had little doubt my sailor, who called himself Harry Stubbs, had dubious title to that strange clock. But like all collectors, to own something totally and unreservedly unique is an overriding obsession.

9:53 Is he gone, yes, Oh, look at this place after you had that that derelict in here, lights on all over the place, eating up money, to say nothing of good heart cash thrown away on that piece of junk on the table. It was my own money. What own money? You and Henrietta wouldn't even have a roof over your heads, let alone a piece of business if it weren't for me. Oh no, it's my money to keep you going. And don't you forget it now you locked the door of the shop. I still have some repairs left to do. You have to get up early tomorrow and do them. I just wanted to have another look at this clock. You'll waste no more time or light or fuel down here tonight. It wasn't a good money paid out. I take that piece of junk on the table and dump it in the rupt.

10:43 Oh I wish she'd done just that. Let the city collected with the morning crash and bury it forever. But fate hadn't planned it that way. So I went upstairs from Harriet to face another problem I didn't know how to resolve my ailing wife, Henrietta. Is that you, Yes, Henrietta, where have you been working? There? Are you hurting. When don't I heard? How's your back? It is in my back, it's my stomach, Ethan. I've been I'm scared. I've been afraid to think of it. But I know Harriet's sure. I've got eyes. No, no, none of that. You just get off to sleep.

11:24 That's what you need. You just don't know how it is to be suffering every blessed minute of every day. As I slipped under the covers and lay wide awake beside Henrietta, snoring away, my mind went back to the strange clock on the table downstairs, the intriguing mystery of a mechanism I had never even imagined in forty years of clockmaking, and the enigma of white thirteen replaced the new Moll twelve on the face.

12:04 All the next. Morning between my infrequent customers, I puzzled Pope Pride to reveal. The workings of this bizarre clock. But by one o'clock in the afternoon, when I was completely stymy my wife surprised me by coming out to the bench in her bathroom. Henrietta, what's wrong, I've been calling for someone? Where's Harry? As she went to market. I'm sorry I didn't hear you. I've got those blinding headaches again. Could we send for doctor Royce? Is that the old clock that Harriet told me you threw a way hard earned money on. It's a very valuable antique and original.

12:47 And it was my money. Does it run? And what good is it? It's worth twenty dollars as it is at least in working conditions, could be personalist. Can you fix it? Nor? Why not? Won't look at it? In me? Have you ever seen anything like it? First of all, our glass shape of the keys. That's inside, well, that's the problem. Except for the two round glass windows and they're not even glass. I don't know what they are. What window one for the clock face in the upper cop if you want to call it that, and the one in the lord inverted cup where you can see what looks like a pendul all.

13:27 It can't just shake it and get that to swing. It doesn't seem to be the way it's activated. It's quite stationary, funny lopsided shape. Maybe it melted or something. Can't you get into. The works and through this lid on the top. Hell, look, there's all you can see the works, very old wooden gearsed wooden pinion, wooden axes, no way to. Lift it out. I can't even get my hand in there to truck. Let me. It's so silly. There must be some with out. What is it? A silly old clock is done? What's a murder? My finger is bleeding? It it sound like something bit me. Come on, let me see it. Just a scratch.

14:10 Scarcely drew blood. Saying I'm not taking any chances with that dirty old clock. I could end up with blood poisoning. I'm going to run this underwater. Now you get me a bandage and some disinfected. Right, it was you. I was suddenly aware that the clock was running and its beat was the sound of the human heart. But Ethan didn't. Follow his wife right away, because suddenly he had become conscious that the dead clock had come to life, that it had started to record time again, and that the sound of its beat was very different from all other clocks.

14:51 It was a sound an, if not completely similar to the beat of the human heart. I shall return shortly with that too. And now another tail of the ball and Change as Kalok. Special case presents the good, the bad, and the heavy. Why is that cowboy wearing a ball and chang? Because carrying around extra pounds. To be just like carrying around a fallen chain. Hopped in bolot. Well, what it is? You aren't give me a special cave breakfort here? You won't special? Okay, it's mean you thank coffee? Hey done? I annoy you from some place. You probably don't recognize me with my ball and shine. I used to be ten pounds ladder, but I'm getting back that way. I exercise with an even smarter than every mere, starting with this year special cave breakfast.

15:38 What's a special? It's less than two hundred four the calories because not a nine percent fat, free and delicious. It's going to. Help me get rid of this year fall and change. I bet your horse will be glad to get off. And how's the ball and change? Like that? Gust your happy ending would begin with the Killogg's special Cave breakfasts. Kellogg Special k that rhyme, Nick. This is w O R New York your mystery theater station? Aymen? What's for dinner? Amen? What she get? Amen? Will it be much longer? My hunger get stronger? Man? I can't wait. She loves the family, she wants the best.

16:23 She does all the cheek. Candy she lets shot right to the red. Hey my, what's for dinner? How about armor? Canham three pounds, size three ninety nine Shopwright great A Frozen green Beans, nine ounce packages, six dollars. Shopwright gairy k'se Holmestyle Biscuits eight ounce packages, five for forty nine cents. Dude, do you see she ain't loved the family. She wants the best. She does, all the cheek candy she lets shop right to the rest. Hey man, what's for dinner? Shopride has the answer.

17:14 Whatever his wife had accidentally touched, the clock had begun to run, and remained running steadily without any sign of stopping. Ethan checked that Henrietta's wound was little more than a surface scratch, and returned to observe. But let him tell his own story for himself. As he wrote it in his confession. My examination of the clock as it ran made it even more of lilignant. Behind the face beneath the lid, the gears I so engage, second by second operated the hands that told the time.

17:56 What motivated them was obvious the strange mass that I had supposed a pendulum weight, but which. Now quite clearly was a dina fa or pump. Opening and closing to create energy in a motion like a human fist or f Yes. Suddenly I knew why the irregular shape was familia, like the human heart. But what in turn motivated that or fueled it. Was the ultimate mystery. Everything about this clock was different and exotic, strange. Even its chime for the hours planned plaintive, almost the sound of a human voice.

18:43 I watched it. It resisted all day, all during the night, while I waited for doctor Jacob Royce to come and examine my wife, even while I waited for the. Result of that examination. What differ do I hear? The poor pup, sorry Jake, just observing this clock. It's got a mesmerized pauls Henriette. Oh what am I going. To tell you? Eton same thing as usual? Yep. Not a trace of any physiological problem. Never is. Oh there's a name for it if it's of any help. Chronic inadequate, someone who just can't handle the simple process of life and has to make excuses for it.

19:25 I'd better go. There's no need I gave her a sedative, Lord hot Un, but it might do you some good. Come on, now, let's play chess. If I set us up out here, all right, with all those clocks rattling away, I want to keep my eye on this baby here. If you can't sit up with one, sake, friend, you gotta sit up with another. And for the next ten or fifteen minutes, I did forget the clock that was to haunt the rest of my days inexorably. As we concentrated on the chessboard, all of the clocks ticked on towards twelve o'clock, and the moment when the explanation of that substitute number thirteen was about to be.

20:10 Made, the clock itself. Don't think much of your king's pawn variation, Jake, got you boxed in? Don't move, don't rush me, don't rush me. I'm thinking, good Nord Dehan, How can you stand that infinal racket? Hot racket? Oh? I mean the clock's tracking. I don't even notice him anymore. Huh, go ahead, what do you want to give up? No? But who can think of a chess move with all hell breaking? Who's now on? We start our games after midnight, after drive a man's stock staring mad, I swear to Sam Hill, eat and you deliver. After the twelfth stroke of the hour glass clock's chime. There was no sound but the beat of the clock and my own heart.

21:10 Everything else had stopped dead. My friend's mouth was frozen in the act of speaking, his hand poised over at chessman, as though cast in bronze. Outside, like the old child's game, people had turned to statues. A car backing into a parking space was stopped in tracks. The very rain drops hung motionless in the air like a spangled curtain. For everyone else in the world save only me and that damnable clock, time was standing still.

21:54 The next hour was a strange. Delirium, my brain with new ideas for achieving my lifelong dream, a perpetual motion time past. My legs were. As sup on tireless as an eighteen yeuros as I climbed the stairs to look at my wife, frozen in the act of turning in her sleep, my sister in law caught in the middle of the snow. Towards the end of the hour, I returned to the shop, a quick stab of terror parting at me. Was this to be forever? Poor Jake still sat in the middle of the move he had started almost an hour ago. The hands of all the clocks pointed to exactly twelve, except the hour class There the small hands stood directly at thirteen, while the minute hand swept closer and closer to join it.

22:52 With a sense of mounting excitement, I waited for their junction. Like the other clocks, my strange new one had only struck before. Now I felt I knew the reason for thirteen, the extra magic hour of precious time that twice a day it offered to its owner. With baited breath. I waited for the proof, the missing chime, and then it came directly set us up here tonight to get me off my game, I concede it. Don't you want some more time to think it? Old? Oh, Heed, wouldn't matter if you gave me an hour to consider it tonight. I'm to wush to think just one minute after twelve. We've only been at the game ten minutes or so, and I feel as if i'd been here for seventy.

23:42 Is it really only ten minutes? You're the clockmaker, eagon, no call around you at your little knockers. Yes, yes, you're right. So it's true. You're feeling all right. Even never better? Why you look little strange for a minute, and in fact Ethan, I've been meaning to mention it. I'd like to have you drop around to the office someday. So what for, Well, you are not as young as you were, you know, and you've been pushing yourself pretty hardly to him. I want to make a date. Now, I'll call you. I don't forget hey, Now there's something I wish all my patients were as healthy as forty years since I started that old avocado tree. And like topsy, it just grows.

24:31 And don't you believe it. It took a lot of tender, loving care, water just right, pinching it back, bring it along to grow up right, just like the child. I love that old tree. Yon. Man, he's got to have something to learn. And I reckon, you don't think there's anything really long? And no, no, I don't just another of her eternal spells. No, night, old Friend. I didn't stop night Jake for a long time.

25:20 After my old friend drove away, I stood by the door, gazing into the cool, crisp night. I didn't notice the cold. I was too full of a kind of welling. Excitement inside me. What a gift that. Clock had brought me. The dreams were building like castles in my head. Why I was richer and more powerful than a king? Well, now I knew no matter what, for. Two blessed hours every day from a on I was a free man. And the last thing. I heard that nice as my head hit the pillow, was the trial from the beat of the block sounding?

26:07 Or was it the sound of my old heart? How is she? Doctor? I don't know, Harriet. Now, I don't mean to alarm you, but I think we'll put your sister Henrietta in the hospital for a few days for observation. What's the matter with her? That's what I wanted to put her in the hospital for find out. What do you suspect it is. I don't suspect it's anything. I just want to reassure myself. Now, why don't you go up and keep our company while I talk to Ethan. You won't have any trouble convincing him. I don't see why I can't take away.

26:48 Well, you can't this time, Harriet. If you want to help, go sit with her. I'll make the arrangements with Eaton. I uh, I want to put her in the hospital for a few days, even she's that sick. I'm not sure whatever it is this is not just one of her spells. I want her un her observation for a while. Whatever you say, Jake, I wish I knew what to say. I feel a little guilty since that night a few weeks ago and we were playing chess. What do you mean guilty? Well, damn it. For twenty years I've been medicating her, majuriels. I wonder if maybe I got careless that night. There's no doubt that from then on, this debility, anemia, whatever it is, started. Well, I'll get along and make all the arrangements. I'll follow you and to expect the ambulance. I had my own guilty lagging at me. In the months since I'd discovered the secret of the clock. I'd thought of pretty in nothing else. I waited as eager as a child for those two stolen hours every day, not only for the relief from Harriet's nagging and poor Henrietta's everlasting complaints, but for the lift, the joy, the youth, and vigor that

28:19 they brought me. For I'd gone one better than Ponza de Leon for part of the day, anyway. I had found the fountain of youth. But a wave of shocks was about to joke me back to reality. The first was Henny's being taken to the hospital. The second it was the morning the clock stopped. Oh no, no, no, what is it? You can't you can't stop? What is it, Ethan, what's wrong? The clock has stopped?

29:00 That get started? You shake it like that and land up in pieces. Good riddance. I told you it was a waste of money. Yeah here, How dare you talk to me like that? I certainly will. Nobody's going to talk to me like that, particularly not Joe. I was, frankly, my golden hours of solitude gone, my extra gifted precious time and the rebirth of youth. I couldn't let them go. There must be some way to bring them back. Start that damned intricate mechanism again. Flock was dead. It's life blood somehow drained.

29:40 Oh blood, but that's what started in the first place. Maybe, Oh damn nation, I'll let it ring. I've got I've got to find something. Oh all right, hello, oh oh, Jake, look, I don't want to talk now. Oh then you've heard heard what about Henrietta? She's not she's not. I I just got back to my office and got a message from marvel. I'm uh, I'm afraid she's passed away. Are you sure?

30:21 I'm on my way to off from now you just saw on the outside, chaps be there. I'm on my way. We were, we were too late, and he was gone with no goodbyes. I sat by a nurse's desk, waiting for Jake to complete arrangements and. Drive me home. A young nurse came down the hall with a tray of blood samples, putting them on the desk. She came towards me. Yes, nurse, Doctor. Royce asked me to tell you he'll only be a minute or two. Oh, thank you nurse. As she walked away, my eyes following her blindly. Then I was looking at that tray of blood samples.

31:11 Blood. It was Henny's cutting her finger that started the clock. Would that be the answer? I acted without thinking. In a moment, I had slipped one of the tubes into my pocket, and I was back in my seat before Jake came striding down the hall. I was back in the shop at last, a whoa. With shaking fingers, I lifted the lid, exposing. The brain or whatever it was of the clock. Uncapping the tube, I poured in the blood. We looked at the dial. The hands were spinning around to the proper tide, and then the clock was alive again.

31:55 It's heart was beating. It would have been better, far better, and Ethan left it for dead, as we will see. When we returned shortly with Act three, we knew we had a good thing going. But we're absolutely delighted that you know it too. I'm High Brown, producer of Radio Mystery Theater, saying thank you, thank you for those thousands of letters. Our prize drawing is over now, and I wish I could thank each. Of you personally. But here's the rub. So many of you ask questions about all sorts of things having to do with radio that sifting through the letters will take weeks.

32:43 So here's a suggestion. If you need a quick reply, do write again, just the question this time, and we'll try to answer right away. Send it to Mystery Theater Box fifty one fifty two, Radio City Station, New York one. Oh, that's Mystery Theater Box five to one, five to two, Radio City Station, New York one one nine, And again, thanks so very much for your fabulous encouragement. This is w R New York, your station for the mystery theater. Hello, this is Joe Franklin. Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, for the very latest in nostalgia, for the ultimate in remembering.

33:28 Please join with me on Saturday nights from nine oh five to eleven o'clock where memories are truly happening right here over WOR Radio. It is my privilege to present radio's original Memory Lane program, but positively the original, and whether it's Al Jolson or Benny Goodman or Louis Armstrong or Eddie Cantor or Harry James or the Dorseys, Mario Alanza, Gene Crouper, the Young Frank Sinatra, Georgia m Cohen, Bing, Crosby Bollguard, Lombard Cagney, and all those happy times of radios comedy and drama and soap opera, we have it. We have it fascinatingly, and all the sounds are reproduced crystal clear Saturday nights from nine oh five till eleven over WOR Radio. Yours truly, Joe Franklin hosting Memory Lane tunin which of us could resist the temptation of perpetual youth, or, short of that, any extension of life. Two extra hours a day is seven hundred and thirty a year, almost exactly an extra month in our lifetime six or more years.

34:48 But what Eastern vigil forgot is that for every action there is a reaction, for every gift a recompense. The saddest part of my confession is that after my wife's death, I became completely blind to everything but my two periods of escape. Every day, more and more my sister. In law, Harriet took over the ordinary part of life, transforming my beloved clock shop into a nightmare against which I preferred to close my eyes. Ethan, Ethan, what, Harriet, do. You mind helping me dress this one? U? Please? Well, what's the matter with it? As it is?

35:30 You Just get away from that bench of yours for a moment and come here. Perhaps I can show you. All right, Harriet, you know. How I'm branching out now that I'm the actor Parker. In the Star. Oh you yours, Jim crackle, Well, you might. Know you'd lag a mile behind the times. This is novelty jewelry, and to sell it we must display. It cheap clap trap. First off, I want you to get this cheap silly rubber plant out of the window. Rubber plant, that's my avocado tree, and I grew with. My old hair. Well, whatever it is, it takes up the whole window. I want it out of here, most swear and off. My tree needs the sunshine gets. But what use is it? Tall? Does everything have to have a function. It's beautiful, it's bombed my soul. That's enough reason for its existence. Besides, it don't cost nothing, so you leave it alone very well.

36:20 But I must have somewhere to display my costume jewelry. Oh, let's move. That ugly old hourglass clock somewhere else. Why does it have to be right beside your bench where every customer comes out. I'm wanting you you leave that clock where it is. Won't you ever dare lay a hand on you? Hear me? Why aren't we touching? We'll just let me remind you of something. Even with Henrietta gone, her share goes to me. So I am two thirds of this star. I can have it anyway I want to. Over my dead buddy. You can do what you want, all your cheap, tinsely stuff, but you keep your hand. Off that clock. Heaven's sake, all right, don't you have an appointment with doctor Royces and.

37:05 Get right over to his office. Okay, and you can put your shirt back on. I'm all finished examining you. Oh it's the verdict. I couldn't be more pleased. You prove the shape of me. Huh. Before Henriette died, I don't mind telling you, I was plumb worried about you. Your heart was acting up you. I didn't like your blood pressure, and there was a lump in your belly. I could pout paint big as a grapefruit all hour. Now I don't even need the x rays I took know it before I see him practically Noon, I'll go on. You don't need a doctor.

37:47 Get out of here. Let me get around to the sick people outside who do As I went into the outer office, I glanced at the electric clock on the wall. My hands clocked to noon as I did so, and. I was looking at a by now familiar scene. The nurse who had risen to escort the next patient in, was suddenly transfixed. Halfway up from the chair. A child about to scream remained with face comported, the scream not yet uttered. A thought crossed my mind.

38:27 It was a month since I had fed the clock that first transfusion. I went into Jake's small lab, opened the refrigerator, I helped myself to a blood sample, and left. Back at the store. The only sound was the beat of my clock. It seemed a. Little labored to me, but for the moment I was too furious to see what Harriet had. Been at since I left. Draped all over. My avocado tree festoons of cheap tin and glass jeweler in Harriet, the superior smirk on her face was caught immobile in the act of adding more. I choked back my anger because suddenly, before I could move, the clockbeat died.

39:18 Why Ethan, how'd you get back so soon? Why what are you doing to the avocado will I? I? Since I can't take it out of the window, I thought I just use it as a display tree alone. As long as it's there, no one moves. Out of touches it except me. You understand that you certainly don't have to be so abusive. Leave me alone. You're in a mood like this, I'm glad to I'm sorry to tell you that joke. Precious clock seems to be out of order again. I hope this time is broken for good. Good Rittance. World tree, but first on special oil, magic length.

39:59 Please God, You'll still run again? And time stood still again. The pattern for the next months of my life was set. The part of it in my waking moments was only a necessary bridge between the long hours of infinite relief and accomplishments my clock brought me each noon and midnight. My designs for my perpetual motion mechanism were completed. I had already started to build it. That was my real life. Oh. I found, to my dismay that the clock seemed to demand more and more frequent transfusions to stay running, that these were easy to steal from Jake's office in the hours when time stood still, and once again events caught up with Oh, Jake, just a moment, what are you doing here this time of night? Early a young I thought a chess game might get some things up my mind? What were you frowning out in the window when.

41:14 I passed a plant there? Avocata? Oh? Yeah, looks my think it. I can't understand it. It's been wielding and drooping day by day. No reason. Are you any good at diagnosing vegetable life, Jake? No, I'm beginning to think I'm not much better with humans. I wish I knew the secret of yours. Part of you. I think I'm getting old. Should not yourself, Jake, what's wrong? I don't know. In a way it goes back to Henrietta's death or she's done? What does And I never said too much about the way she died at the time.

41:56 He couldn't have congestive heart failures. Oh, that's true enough, that's a condition that produces an end. To live in. But what carget are you asking me now? I am asking myself and I have no answer. Oh, tests will run, and the pathological evidence was clear enough. But in spite of massive transfusions, we couldn't stop Henrietta's blood from simply disintegrating, quite literally turn into order. Well, that's unusually have normal, never seen a case like it before. In the last three months, I've lost three of my patients to the same sort of oh what shall I say, same sort of malady. I might have seen it developing except for a strange thing. What All of them had been to my office and had had routine blood samples drawn for physical.

42:49 Checker And the samples didn't warn you. There weren't any samples to examine unaccountably, they disappeared from my office. And one other strange coincidence, the night your wife died, a blood sample for a patient in the hospital disappeared and that patient died later about four weeks later. But I don't know why I'm worrying you with all this. It's none of your business, but it is. Huh, oh, you mean as far as Henriette is concerned. Don't know why. I mean, I mean much more than that. At death and what is it? I didn't mean to upset.

43:30 You like this all upset. I mean, I just want you to. Understand, understand what. Good Well, I'm sorry, Oh, I'm so sorry. Well, you're a good friendly sent and I guess I don't feel like any chests and I have I run along, Jake. Yeah, I I. Never asked before. But do you remember exactly what time Henny died? Ooh out twenty five to twelve? I think.

44:13 I didn't have to think. I knew it all now. That was the precise moment that that evil clock first stopped. So it was a monster insatiable that, once having tasted blood, continued to suck on its victim till it had drained all life away and I was no better, no less evil. I had been feeding this mechanical vampire at the cost of other human lives. In a daze, unable to explain to him, I saw my old friend jake out and turned to face what I had to face. The shop was dark as I walked to the clock. My ears were so attuned to it by now that I'd been aware that it had started to labor and needed a fresh transfusion. I was more than a little mad by now, as in the dark I said to it, die.

45:16 Damn you, you devil. Die. My moment of triumph was brief. I still had my own expiation to make, not only for my wife, but for all those others. And there was a personal sadness because my hands, in the darkness traced the form of my perpetual motion machine, which would never be completed. Now, a man without love, wife or children would like to leave a small footprint on the sands, his gauge to immortality. All I would leave now was a sick avocado tree I had nourished for twenty years for nothing. And then suddenly I heard stealthy footsteps and pulled back.

46:09 Into the shadows. Harry, I thought you had gone to bed. What are you doing to the plant? Oh, it's just some food to make it easy. It's a weed killer. You've been poisoning my tree. Why you don't you touch me your way? Look what you've done. I've cut my hand, your fault, and finally you've smashed up this ugly old pot for good. It's dead, just as dead as your prices have.

46:49 A cud of tree is gonna be. And don't think you can save it. I knew you'd never agree to take it out of the window, so I've been poisoning. It for weeks. It's as good as. Dead right now. And so were you, Harriet, So were you? Her blood had started the damn thing again, But this was to be the last time. What is there left to say? I have to watch. Another human being die slowly, inexorably, unable to arrest the inevitable, And even though it is someone I despise, my guilt is in no way lessened. The only pleasure I can take is that as Harriet sinks, so does that remorseless, evil, damnable machine. And once its heart is still I shall destroy it forever. The one element I have not tried against it is the enemy, the devil. I shall take it chain to my body when we go to our grave in the river, to share it for eternity. As I finished this confession to mail to my good friend

48:20 doctor Jacob Royce, I can hear the evil labor about to die. It's time for me to write, and so be warned. If you should buy any chance, come across a clock in a curio shop shaped like an hourglass with a dial that bears the number thirteen instead of twelve. Shun it like the plague. I'll be back shortly.

49:12 Hello, mystery fans, this is a Creeping Claw. Yes, this is the claw coming your way. I'm coming your way and I'm gonna get you. Oh, I'd like to play the lead in one of those mysteries. This is a Geene Shepherd gang, and I'm here to tell you that there's been a great time change here on wr and from here on in. I'm going to be heard every night. There's been all kinds of phone calls about it. So here's the answer. Every night at nine fifteen Monday through Friday. Jeane Shepherd, better known as Creeping Claw.

50:00 Good evening. I'm Patricia McCann, Dora McCann, and I hope to have the pleasure of your company this week from eleven fifteen a m To twelve Monday through Friday. And let me tell you what we've got planned. Food prices have gone up again, so tomorrow we'll talk good sheep food and how to make a taste. Then Tuesday, the day we've set aside for our ongoing nutrition series, our guests will be Diane Buckman and she'll tell you how to use herbs to make everything from your own cosmetics and perfume to a natural tranquilizer. Then on Wednesday, we're going to get tough. Our guest will be Ralph Shaw, a lawyer, a consumer and a complainer, and he wants to tell us all how to get satisfaction from mob Bell, Kaned and the local TV repairman. Thursday, Dora mccannn interviews a lady who does a lot of ad libbing in the kitchen, who doesn't think you should be uptight about a lot of the old rules and regulations.

50:47 Her name is Glen Anders. She's author of Impromptu Cooking and their Last but not nast. On Friday, you'll hear Mohammed Salan. We'll talk about his middle Eastern Restaurant, the Tripoli Restaurant here in New York, the best have we got a date Monday through Friday, the McCann program right here on w O r. Oh. The fascination of time, and man's never ending quest to hoard it, to stretch it, to borrow an extra portion for himself alone. As I sit watching the clock ticking away, I too have that irrational impulse. All of us have felt sometime to hold back the hands and bring time itself to stop. And then I remember Ethan vigil and I decide that once around is.

51:46 Enough for all of us. Our cast included John Beale, Grace Matthews, Briana Rayburn, and Ian Martin. The entire production was under the direction of Hyman Brown, and now a preview of our next tale. Deeply, hopelessly, irrevocably in love Now, my boy. I've been a publisher a long time. I've talked to dozens of authors. They all fall in love with characters they've created. It happens all the time. She didn't exist before you created her, that Jack. She exists now, good heavens man, she came. Out of your mind.

52:27 She has no life except the one you gave her. Maybe she did come out of my mind. But now she's got a life. Of her own will in a manner of speaking, of course, she has, and I want to prolong that life, Stephen. I predict great successful Clarissa. And for you. You and Clarissa are one. You might say, no, no, we are not one. We must ever be one. I want her dad, missus E. G. Marshall inviting you to return to our mystery theater for another adventure in the macabre. Until next time, pleasant dreams.

53:31 Ah, well, my dear, I hope this has started your evening off correctly. I want you to enjoy yourself as much as I enjoy sharing your company. Oh what's that? Well, I suppose you're right. Hold on, let me freshen up your tea. There you go, there you go, get that good and hot again. Good to your soul, good to your body, and it even smells like wild oranges.

54:44 You are trapped in the dank darkness of a ruined plantation house, and somewhere in the pitch black room is a homicidal maniac armed with a knife, groping for you, trying to prevent your escape. Escape Produced by William N. Robson, directed tonight by Richard Sandville, and carefully plotted to free you from the four walls of today for a half hour of high adventure. To night, we escaped to a deserted sand pit off the coast of Georgia, where terror.

55:24 Stalks under the Spanish moss. As Joseph Hergesheimer tells it, in wild Oranges, What. Could have appeared more innocent of danger than that barren, low lying shore of southern Georgia. What could have seemed less laden with terror than that lovely little cove, so tranquil and well sheltered, so warmly bathed in late afternoon sun, as we dropped the anchor of our catch and prepared our mooring. And yet there was something. First it was an odor of a grove of wild orange trees in late bloom, growing defiantly amid the tangled undergrowth of the shore.

56:13 The scent was strong and exotic and heavy, and as I smelled it, I felt a vague uneasiness. Then, as I watched the shore and Halvard's sole member of my crew, hurled the sails, the mirror of the cove was shattered by a movement. First I thought it was a fish leaping and playing in the water, came round a spit of land from an inner bay, and then halved was beside me. That's squeer, sir. Well, it would have bet there was nobody but than miles of here. But there's someone swimming. Huh. Yes, it's a girl. Ay, she'll be surprised when she discovers us, no doubt. Huh and embarrassed. Oh she swims, well, doesn't she? If she's been born in the water. Ah, yeah, she's seen us.

56:53 Yes, Now she's running away. That sprint would win an Olympic race? What what she's doing here? Where she comes from? Perhaps there where two to three years ago. There's a house. You can hardly see it. He spotted it a moment ago. Yes, so there is. Oh, but it's a ruin. It's rotting away. No one could have lived in that since the Civil War. There may be others back there, Yes, but this coast is deserted, marked a swamp on the chart. Hey don't know, sir, m it's strange, very strange. Yes, it was strange and strangers. Still was this vague uneasiness I felt as twilight fell The Aroma of the wild Oranges was overpowering. Suddenly, without knowing why, I slipped on a jacket, went to the side, and dropped into the tender. Halbert stood by the cast off.

57:43 He asked no questions, and I said nothing. What could I say? I didn't know myself why I was going. I pulled the tender up on the soft sand of the beach and walked up a dim path through the orange grove. The scent of the blossoms was full of such wild sweetness that I picked an orange and tasted it. It was bitterb of a pungence that was new and rare and strangely delicious. The dim moonlight only accentuated the ruin of the house. There were others, smaller, ramshackled buildings scattered about, overgrown with weeds and creeping vines. This had once been a great plantation. Now it lay still and lifeless.

58:27 Then I saw the light round the side, where a smaller portico held off the weeds. A single doorway was framed in the pale light of an inner lamp. As I approached, I saw a shadow move across it, so swiftly, so furtively, that it was gone Before I realized it had been a man then I saw her sitting on the portico, rocking softly in her chair. What do you want? Er? Nothing? When I came ashore, I thought no one was living here. You're from the white boat that sailed in at sunset. Yes, and I'm returning immediately. Isn't like magic? Suddenly, without a sound, you were anchored in the bay. I I've robbed you too. Some of your oranges are in my pocket.

59:09 You won't like them. They've run wild. We can't sell them. They have a distinct flavor of their own. I should be glad to have some on my boat. All you want, my man will get them and pay you. Please don't, oh, Nicholas attends to that. Won't you sit down? My father was here when you came up, but he went in. Strangers troubled him. Right, I should be getting back. I'm sorry to have disturbed you and your father. No, no, it was nothing. Goodness, good night, then good night. That was all fragment of commonplace conversation. But it was enough. Now. The uneasiness I felt the strangeness of this place took shape for me. I saw it in her lovely, fragile face.

59:53 I heard it in her voice. There'd been a hidden terror, a terrible controlled fright that approached hysteria that had been warning in it, and something else a plea. By the time I got back to the boat, I was completely unnerved, and Calvert made matters worse. Do you find anything, sir? There are people living there. Well, there'll be watered and maybe we could stay here a couple of days. Huh, what do you mean? Oh, this is good anchorage. I'd like to unship the propeller and the top side could do with a coat of varnish. No, we're going on south er ay, sir. No, no, wait, Alvert, of course you're right. We need a couple of days work before we head into blue water. We'll do it here, and so we stayed in the light of morning. The strange dread I felt seemed foolish, and especially when I went ashore and found the girl, looking young and fresh and fragile, fishing off the little pier in the inner bay.

1:00:51 She had a pathetic little rod and line. So I got our tackle from the boat and landed a big rock fish for her, enough for several dinners. We were carrying the fish to the house when we came on a pail thin ghost of a man sitting on the portico. He started a swift retreat, but too late. Father. Wait, this is my father, litch Fields, stoopid. How do you do mearly? Rely? You are no, I can't strangers. No mother. You must manage yourself better. You know I wouldn't bring any one to the house who had hurt us. And see we're fetching you a splendid rock fish. Ah, yes, so you are? We all alone here, sir. The man is away, my daughter and I the fish. Yes, acceptable, if.

1:01:34 You will carry it in for me. Nicholas would do it, but he's the way, and a father isn't strong this way. We have no eye. Come and put it in water in here right there. Thank you. You've been very nice. Now I suppose you'll go on across the world. Not tonight. We're staying here making repairs. Where do you come from? And where you go from? Cape Cod? I'm going to the Guianas. Isn't that South America? I've traveled far on maps. I was born here in this house, and I've never been fifty miles away. Well that's incredible. But you seem like a girl who's been everywhere in the world and had the best education everything.

1:02:17 My father has many books in there, that's all. Hude. Your eyes are remarkable, gray green like olive leaves, and magnetic. I I I came ashore to ask you if you had a large water supply, and I might fill my casks. Of course, rain water, the systems. I'll send my man Helva. Then, yes, there's something else in your eyes, in your voice. What is it? Fear? Fear? Why? No, of course not. What should I be afraid of? I don't know, but I saw it in your father's face too. It's only your imagination.

1:03:01 Yes, no doubt. Goodbye. Then, thank you for the fishing. Strange how this girl should upset me? So I tried to resist, but that evening I found myself going back to her, tying the tender to the little peer. I watched as she came to meet me. I'm glad you came the fish. Wah, don't tell me. I'd rather not know. I might be tempted to mention it in the future, and I'm sure it would sound like a fish story, but. It was imposant. Nicholas waited, he's our man, he's back. Let's stay here by the sea. It's so lovely in the moonlight. All right, Oh, it is nice here.

1:03:46 I like you today. About fear, I suppose I am afraid. I suppose my father has passed some of his fear on to me. Why is he afraid? Well, that's a long story, going back to the First War. Please tell me. Well, he was a young man then, and he didn't go to war. It wasn't that he was a coward exactly. He just couldn't adjust to it mentally. People mocked him, laughed at him, and threatened him. That's when a sort of perpetual fear started. He ran away. He met my mother and married her. They came here. None of us has ever left this lonely place never will. Perhaps your mother she's dead. Loneliness killed her. Perhaps there's no wonder that I sound timid or afraid. Perhaps I am.

1:04:45 Aren't you lonely too? I don't know anything else. But what about you? Who are you that you go sailing about the world with only you a sailor for company? Oh, I'm nobody. My name is John Wolfolk and you. Do nothing but sail about. The world nothing. Why well, let's say I don't like modern society. Let's say I don't like entanglement. I see, Oh. I didn't mean. You needn't apologize. I envy you your freedom. I sit here a great deal and watch the ships far out there on their water roads. You are enviable, sailing where you like, safe and free.

1:05:29 Safe, I'm free. There is something more than you've told me, more behind the sphere in your voice. No, but perhaps I can help. No, no, please, let's say. It's Nicholas going on the car. I've got to go in. I'll come with you. No, no, please, no, don't come. You'll be going soon tomorrow, perhaps then goodbye, goodbye. Now I knew the terror I had only sensed was real. This girl was possessed by fear. This house held some terrible secret. What could it be? Next morning, Halvard suggested we repaint the engines, and I agreed we'd stay another day or two. Later, Halfard went in to fill a cask of water. He came back without the cask and livid with rage.

1:06:24 I was an idiot in that house. Next time, I'll take the pistol. What do you mean was the cask? It was broken? How he was feeling it at the cistern, and the idiot the huge holking brute came out of the house. He told me to get away when I tried to explain that we had permission, but he came at me for the knife jipper, but I hit him, but it was like hitting an ox. He put his foot on the cask and crushed it. I'll see about this. You'll be careful, sir. The man's not right. He's dangerous, plenty dangerous. I went ashore and around to the back door of the house. Millie wasn't inside when I knocked. A lumbering giant with pig like eyes came. To the door. What do you want, I take it you're Nicholas, the man who broke my water cask was full of all water. I'm not going to argue with you.

1:07:09 I came ashore to instruct you to keep your hands off my property, in my sale, not water. I told you I wouldn't discuss the matter. I don't have to justify myself to you. Just remember, keep your hands on me starting. What do you mean started there? Don't get me started mine. I want you. Don't put down the knife go away now, don't get. Me started away, don't get me shoted. I'm telling you Nicholas stopped. What is this? What's the matter. Nothing, Nicholas and I've had a little misunderstanding, that's all. It's nothing to worry about, Nothing to worry about, I said. When I got back to the boat, I couldn't help asking myself why I'd left her with that brute. I just about made up my mind to go ashore again to check up. When I saw her waving on the beach.

1:07:51 She wanted to visit the boat. I went and got her. There was no hint of terror in her face, now, just shining girlish wonderment at the polished metal and the gleaming wood of the catch. I offered to take her for a sail, and her face lighted up like a child's. But when we reached the heavy swells outside the reef, her face got white and she froze. It's so big. Are you frightened? I'll turn back. I'd rather you didn't. I must learn I'm not a child. No, we're going back. Before we got to the anchorage, her panic was almost out of control, But safely moored once more, she calmed slowly and said.

1:08:36 How strange to be forced back to this place I loathed by my own cowardice. It's not cowardice. The sea is frightening for those unused to it. Come, you must forget it now, how aboud we'll have tea for us in a moment. Uh. How do you like our boat? It's quite wonderful. Have you nothing else to care for? No place or people on land? None? And you are satisfied hardly. All the things most men value were taken from me in an instant. Can you talk about it? Why? I haven't for twelve years, not anybody, But now, yes, I I think I can. You see, we were just married, only a few days, and we were very, very happy.

1:09:26 Then in one instant she was dead. It was a silly, stupid accident, thrown from a horse, without rhyme or reason. So you left everything, taking your revenge on the world. You could put it that way. I suppose. I simply don't want to take a second chance to become involved and be hurt. But that's living to be hurt. Do you think you can escape so easily? I don't know. Oh, I must go, father, We'll be waiting. Why so suddenly there's why? I see that's Nicholas on the beach looking out here. Isn't it, Yes, will be ready. Why do you have a servant like that? That man's dangerous.

1:10:07 Please don't just take me in. Please. Now I knew that she too was afraid of Nicholas. I could see it in her eyes. Why then, did I let her go to him? I don't know. I was confused. I guess. That night a storm broke, a raging wind and rain, and to match my tortured mood, I hardly slept. Her face was always before my eyes, and by morning I knew that I must do something. I rode the tender in through a drizzling rain. I went up through the orange Glove and stopped in the bushes by the house.

1:10:53 Someone was coming out of the house, and I crouched down. Out of sight was Milly. I rose and calledworth, Milly. Oh, it's you. I was just coming out to look. I was afraid you're gone out. The sea is like a pack of wolves. I won't go along, not without you. What do you say? That's madness. No, I've got to talk to you, Millie. There's a lot that needs explaining, things that I have a right to know. No, not here, come. She led me into one of the smaller ruined buildings, but must have been a store in the days of the Great plantation. We crouched far back in the dripping shadows of the corner. No, Milly, Millie, I love you for the first time in twelve years. I'm living again, and I love you.

1:11:37 I know nothing of love. It's easily learned. Well, perhaps if things were different someplace else, I might care very much. Then I'm going to take you away someplace else, make things different, give you the chance. No, it's too late. You came too late. Why, Milly, Why what is it? What is it you fear Nicholas. Oh, he's nothing, nothing to be afraid of. Has he been bothering you? He says he's crazy about me. He says I must marry you. Where is he now? No, you mustn't, John, something frightful would happen. Not frightful, just unfortunate for Nicholas, who don't understand.

1:12:19 He's not not human. There's something about him? What about him? He came here in April. We were glad to get him, serving her impossible to get back here in the wilderness. He would work for the smallest wages. Only a few days ago I found out why he was glad to be here. I was cleaning his room and I found this. Let's see, wanted for murder? Is kun Nicholas homicidal mania. He knows I found it. He knows, and he's been furious. Then you came, and he ran and hid in the pines. But he told me if I spoke about him, then it would happen to me. If I left with you, it would happen to father. You see, he thinks I'm in love with you. He told me to send you away.

1:13:04 He said you must leave today, Milly. I should have realized. He says, I must not be away for longer than an hour. I must go. Look, Milly, you'll take us a couple of hours to get the book ready. I'll come for you tonight at eight. Now tell him you saw me and I promised to go and act quietly. Say you well, say you've been upset. You'll give him his answer tomorrow. Then at eight, bring your father and walk out to the wharf. That's all. But do it without hesitation or preparation. Don't let him hurt it. Oh, please, don't not. Now he's finished, Milly, But do as I say. It won't be long, hardly three hours and then freedom. Now that I knew now that there was to be action, I felt better. Alvin and I got the catch ready for sailing, and eight o'clock we tied it up to the little pier. The storm had abated slightly, but it was still raining. I got up on the dark and waited for Milly. Ten minutes passed, then twenty. Something was wrong. I told Halbert to wait there with the tender. Then I walked slowly up to the house. It was dark. I went up to the side portico to the heavy door. A tiny crack of light showed under it. I pushed it open. The light came from a parlor to the right.

1:14:21 I looked in. On the floor lay a body old Litchfield Stope. He was dead, crushed, his arm twisted grotesquely under him. There was not a sound in the house. Slowly I walked through the downstairs rooms nothing and back in the hall I heard a slight creak up stairs. Someone had moved. Was it Milly alive? On Nicholas lying in wait? I grooked slowly up the stairs. I dared not use my flashlight. It would have made me a target for his knife. The upstairs hall was pitch black, and still there was no sid I inched my way along the wall slowly. Then I stumbled on a loose board. The pistol flew out of my hand, but the stumble saved my life.

1:15:05 The same instant I felt Nicholas Lunch, heard the knife sing, plow my earwn thud into the wall, fell his great bulk, smashing on my shoulders. My gun was somewhere on the dark floor. He's knife was embedded in the wall. Now we were grappling hand to hand, rolling on the floor, chicking, tearing, gauting, crushing my strength and win against the massy bulk of a maniacal killer. I head. How many minutes did that unequal struggle last time? I don't know. It seemed an hour several times, as if by common consent. We rested for minutes at a time, locked in tight embraced. Once we rolled apart and lay panding, the breath aching in my throat. Then I heard him groping along the wall, searching for the knife, for the gun.

1:15:49 I threw myself on him again, but it was too big, too curious. I felt my strength ebbing away. His fingers were closing over my throat. With won my step and I tried to throw it roll off. I. I staggered daysly to my feet and looked up. He had fallen through the banister down the stair. Nicholas had landed on the bottom. He lay there on the stairs, sprawled his head at a grotesque angle. But it was not dead, only stunned. I leaned against the wall looked at him stupidly. There was something, There was something.

1:16:30 I was trying to remember what was it? When she came down the steps, and I remembered Millie. I had to walk right past him. There was no other way right patted head and my skirt. I think we better go away. It's quite impossible here with him in the hall. You have to pass it O close Millie. Yes, we'll leave it once. I must tell you about my father. You know in Virginia the woman tied an apron on the door because he would not go to war, and that preyed on his mind, and he was afraid of the slightest pair. Yes, yes, I know, but we must go. He's upset him, so he had no strength. To hear talk like this like a sidon child. Was almost more than I could there. But now I heard something. Nicholas had gotten up. He stood there and stared for a moment sat us. Then he started slowly up the stairs.

1:17:14 He was going for the nice little thing. Upset to him, Millie, we've got to go. I was to meet a man. We were going away someplace where it'd be peaceful, he said, at eight o'clock. But Nicholas suspected. You see, he asked why Father had put on his heavy window clothes. Then when I tried to go out, he pushed me. And you know what father did to him. He came up and he said, don't do that. Take your hands off my daughter. His lips shook him little, but he said it that's the important thing. Yes, yes, of course your father was a brave man after all. Now come, that man is waiting for you. There's no time to lose.

1:17:54 Father said, take your hands off my daughter. Nicholas killed him, crushed him like a little mosquito. But it was a brave thing to do. I couldn't wait any longer. I had to risk whatever injury it might do to her mind. I could hear Nicholas coming back. I swept her up in my arms and carried her out into the night. Down the path to the little pier. Behind me, I could hear Nicholas crashing through the brush like a giant animal in pursuit. Are you all right, sir? Yes, go done in, but all right here? Help me get her in the book. Yes, sir, there eh, somebody's coming here. It's Nicholas. He's got a knife. Good. He wanted to get back at him.

1:18:35 You get into her, hey, take care of him. Albert went to intercept Nicholas on the path. I heard them meet and struggle for a moment. Then a stoop figure came walking slowly onto the pier. I prepared to shove the boat out into the water, and then all. Right, sir, it's me. Oh Helbert, where's Nicholas? He stopped, heaves all pumpt Are you hurt? Now? Used to scratch. He missed his knife at first in the dark. It's nothing good, let's get away from here. Then I held Milly in my arms. As Halvard wrote to the catch erratically. I suppose, because of the storm we were ready to cast off in two minutes. The last obstacle would be the narrow passing out of the cobe.

1:19:22 In this storm, it would be dangerous, very dangerous. I started to take Milly into the cabin. No, Nicholas in the doorway. Nonsense, Nicholas is dead. You're on my boat, Milly. You're safe, Milly safe. Will John Wolf? I am John Woolfolk, but he. You didn't come? Yes, I did, Milly, and you're safe. Come. I want to stay here, all right. You sit here beside Halvard. I'm going up front to take soundings. In this VENU won't be able to hear me if I call no, but. You can hear me. Remember, we've only three feet clearance. We'll have to hold it steady through the passage.

1:20:06 I'll manage it. Albert, this is no time for pretense. How do you feel, all right? If taken knives before us to scratch? All right, we'll fix it as soon as we get outside. Now, let's go turn over the engines, pull up anchor. The boat headed into the tearing wind of the storm, sped swiftly toward the narrow inlet. A foot too far on either side and we would hit in the sea. That would mean death for us. All I stood far up on the bow, taking soundings, feeling out the passage. All the howling wind carried my call back to Halvard. The boat veered. I realized he must have lost a lot of blood. Albot al about steady here, slowly, haltingly. It came around win a half steady now it was anything blood steady. The boat waving swung as if an eMate.

1:21:01 Her hand were on the wheel. In a moment we might hit three in a quarter. We're in the passage. Oh, steady, Harbard, steady, But just another moment, just one moment, rinner, we're crue. Good boy, Halbard, good boy, Albert, I called. But when I went back, it was not Helvin at the wheel. It was Milly. Milly, her hands steady, her eyes washed clear of any madness, Milly with a tight little smile on her face, but no fear. And Halvard lay rolling with the swells in the bottom of the cockpit.

1:21:49 I'm afraid he's dead, John. He was wounded, worse than your thought, Alvid did. He told me to take the wheel, said it was nice for the Denny slid down like that? When when was this back then on the patty, just when you said three and a half. I'm afraid I wasn't very good, but I held on. Oh, Milly, you were wonderful no, not. Yet, but I'll learn, John, I'll learn.

1:22:44 Escape is produced by William N. Robson and was directed tonight by Richard Sandville. You've just heard Wild Oranges by Joseph Hergersheimer, adapted for radio by John Duncle, with Paul Frieze as John Wolfolk, Jeanette Nolan as Millie Stops, Bill Conrad as how Jack Crushan as Nicholas, and Sherry Hall as Litchfield Stops. The special musical score was conceived and conducted by Sifure. Next week, You've planned it very well. She's dead and you feel no remorse. Her escape has worked out perfectly. There's nothing to worry about, except perhaps an unexpected Christmas present. Next week we escape with John Collier's grim story back for Christmas.

1:23:40 Good Night. Then until this same time next week, when once again we offer you escape. This is CBS, the Columbia Broadcasting System. You know, my dear, Many times in life and other circumstances, I find myself feeling relatively. I don't want to say lost, that's almost too dramatic. No, no, no, but wandering listless, aimless, hoping to find whatever it is you're looking for. Yes, sometimes it feels like in life, and well, you know, I'm wandering and chasing my tail, sort of like The Cross Eyed Bear.

1:25:07 Suspense. This is the Man in Black here again to introduce Columbia's program Suspense to Night Our stars from Hollywood, and it's Virginia Bruce and mister John Loder. Miss Bruce appears as a beautiful and adventurous young lady who went in search of the bright face of danger and risked her life while finding it. Mister Loder's role is that of the smooth and charming gentleman who granted her employment in a perilous enterprise. The story called The Cross Eyed Bear by Dorothy B. Hughes is Tonight's tale of suspense. If you've been with us before, you will know that suspense has compounded of mystery and suspicion of dangerous adventure in this series. Her tales ca alkylated to intrigue you, to stir your nerves, to offer you a precarious situation, and then withhold the solution until the last possible moment. And so it is with the performances of Virginia Bruce as Lizan Stepan and John Loder as Belle Falker, We again hope to keep you in suspense. The cross eyed bear in the subway train, Midtown, New York. A tall blonde

1:26:39 girl reading an item in her newspaper, reading it over and over. An advertisement, A personal advertisement. I wanted a beautiful girl, no special training required, but must not be afraid to look upon the bright face of danger, full war job and liberal expenses, good salary. Applying person whom one thousand, the Lorenzo Hotel East fifty. First drink, fiftyvice, fiftyvice strap. How do you do? I came to answer, and ad, oh is this the place? Yes, so this is the place I should think. Well, am I the only one? I'm not quiet?

1:27:25 But just now you're the only one I see, I thought, listen, miss whatever your name is, Louisanne Uzanne Stefferson, take my advice. Done before it's. Two lydia about that? Oh, someone to see me? This young lady came in answer to the end, mister Foker, Miss Lizanne Stefferson. I see, well, won't you come in, Miss Steffson? Thank you in here? Please my office? Please sit down? Won't you thank you? Ben not bed? Oh excuse me, Miss steveson this is my my associate, mister Hugh a bodyguard. She might as well know these little things. Bill. He was not really rude, Miss Steverson, It's just a mannerism.

1:28:06 Well, Bill did advertise for a beautiful girl. I've always considered myself sort of an authority on that subject. I see, perhaps, mister Foker, you'd be good enough to explain. What Perhaps I might tell you something about the job. Eh, Well, why did you apply for this position? Miss Stefferson? Are you I needed the work? And you're quite sure you're not afraid of danger? As a matter of fact, I suppose I am. I told you I need the work. Well, that makes two of us, Miss Steffson. Have you ever heard of the cross eyed Bear? Yes? Where why are you in the papers? Wasn't that what they called newt Vilius the Swedish nickel King?

1:28:47 Did you know he was dead? Yes, that's how I happened to hear about him, when they had it all in the papers about a year ago. And did you know he had three sons? No, I didn't read much beyond the headlines. He did. One of them is dead. His name was Dean, the youngest. The oldest, Stephan is still in Sweden. The third Lance Villiers, is where your job comes in. I see what she obviously doesn't. I want you to meet Lance Villiers to get acquainted with him. When is confidence? Do you understand? I think so? We know where he is, who he is, but he won't admit it. He pretends he's a piano player named Lance Vort at Jim and Jack's nightclub. We're pretty sure that Lance Vault is actually Lars Villiers, the second son of the Cross Eyed Bear.

1:29:31 Am I supposed to know why you want this done? You might as well tell her bell she is in for it now anyway. Infra, how who means? It? Seems you're hired? You are? Oh? Thank you? You accept? Yes? Oh? Yes? I well? Then the background, Miss Stefferson, is this? When the cross Eyed Bear, that is Old Knute Villias died, he left a will. The will was. Consciously designed to bring about the murder of at least two people. Mud. Yes, he left his estate, which in so did several important minds. Divided equally among his three sons. He left a check for three million dollars, one check torn in three pieces, one piece for each of his sons, and all three pieces must be presented together before the check is valid.

1:30:15 A check corn in three pieces. For sure. It's an old gag, but it's effective. If you want a house, divide him. You see, the old Man knew that one son would eventually kill the others for their shares. And he knew which one, Stephan, the. One in Sweden. Yes, why do such a thing? If he knew survival of the fitters, chum the Fitters to run his empire. The old Boy is what is known as a rugged individualist. And because he hated all of his sons and wanted them to hate each other, they weren't even brought up together. Why they've never even seen each other. But it seems so can't someone bring them together? Isn't there some way? Sure? Stephan's way Frosty killed Dean, and of course there's no proof it happened somewhere up in Vermont.

1:30:57 I thought you said Stephan was in Sweden. Think he is, But there are ways of doing these things. Now he's on the trail of Lance, the second brother, and that's where you come in. We want to get to him before Stephans does. But if you think you know where he is and who he is, why don't run. Have you talked to him? Because he's scared. He doesn't trust anyone. He won't talk to anyone. Now, maybe he'll trust you and mister King Yes, is neutral and so they're scared to do anything about it. Officially, a bill here is like one of those spies in the movies. If he gets caught, his own government is the one to throw the first stone. Besides that, my government is afraid that if Stefan gets control of the minds, he'll turn them over completely to the Germany. Yes, Stephen's pro Nazi, among his other virtues.

1:31:39 Well, miss Stefferson, will you be ready to go to work tonight? Yes, I'll be ready. I'll reserve a table at Jim and Jack's to in fact, for say ten o'clark. We'll meet you around the corner from the bar. I don't want Lance to see us together. I'll be there very well then, Miss Stefferson. Oh, by the way, here's a little cash you may want by yourself an evening dress or two. Thank you, but oh not at all part of the bargain. Goodbye, see you later. Heavens it's a thousand dollars. Well, so you got the job, Yes, you were trying to warn me about something before I went in went to It's no use. Now. I only hope you're better luck with it than I had, will you? Oh, I'm so sorry, Luckily, Dan. I don't know who you are, but you must be somebody. You must be mixed up in this thing somehow.

1:32:29 I must be somebody. If you're not, get out of it while you can. You are, of course, but get out of it anyway. Why it ever occurred to you the dead? You answered, maybe they've been in the papers for weeks, and that there are thousands of beautiful girls in New York, and that hundreds of them must have come up here and been turned away. I wondered, yes, And why do you think out of all those you were chosen? That's it? I don't know, Diarren October twelfth, Yes, why was I chosen?

1:33:10 Who are they really more important? What do they know about me? There's no answer except to work with them and wait. At least I know that at last I found the trail of the cross eyed. There it's true, then, about the torn check divided among the three sons, and one is already dead, Dean the second the man I'm supposed to meet tonight to travel. I'm sure now that I was right to come to New York, and I'm sure I was right to answer the strange ad. As for danger, I always knew it would be there. You're sure Ance hasn't come in yet, Miss Stefferson.

1:33:52 Positive. I've asked the head waited twice. I don't think it'd be wise to ask again. Perhaps not? Does he do this often? Is stay away like that? No, that's the funny part. They say. He's been at that piano every night for a year. This is the first time. Do you mind if I call you an No, you didn't buy any chance strip by our friend or that people were looking more? Did you? I should I when I'm working for you, I'm sorry. Skip it just a habit. Nobody trust anybody in this thing anymore. But if you don't trust me, because we trust you, Liza. He was a little nervous, that's all. I'm not nervous. I like sitting around nightclubs with a beautiful girl. You do look very charming tonight, Lisan it would be hard not.

1:34:34 Two hundred thousand dollars. Hey, don't look around now, but our boys just come in. I just happened to be looking around the corner, so his back. He's heading for the orchestra. All right, Lizanne, here you go. Don't be nervous, just talk with him, chat along you know what should I not say? And be as frank as you like, as nothing to conceal. All right, Oh, waiter, see you later, on, waiter, I have a table reserved tonight. My escort will be along shortly. Yes, madame, what is the name Stepson? It's table number twenty four. I think everybody orchestra this way? Please and here we are, madame, am happy and you wish to order now? Later I'll wait, Thank you, Thank you, madam?

1:35:25 Excuse me? Yes? May I ask you a question? Why not? Won't you sit down for a minute? All right? Well, I I wanted to ask your name? My name is what via ught board and your first name LUs? Why? It's only because you look like someone I someone whose picture I thought on the paper once. Yeah, don't you believe me? Why should I I guess another one of these people who've been going around here lately with a bad case of mistaken identity. Well you are wrong too, you know about it then, But the cross eyed bear, of course, I don't it's been following me long enough. They think I'm man civilias, that I'm mad or a lot of Swedish though, well I'm not.

1:36:15 You still look like the picture I saw on the paper? Who are you working for? Stepan? No? No, that's just it. Don't you see? Your life's in danger? Not as long as I keep my face shut, it isn't look. You must trust me. I can help. I don't need any help. Are you sure you don't say who are you working for? I noticed you duck that one? No, I didn't. I don't have to lie well. Poison. His name is Bill Falka. I never heard of it. He's working for the Swedish government. He wants to help you too. A lot of people seem to want to help me. Won't you talk to him? Am I? Tonight? They're here at another table, they Bill and his body god, Hugh King.

1:36:58 Since when the representatives of neutral governments need bodyguards? Apparently when they become involved with the cross Eye there? Please call all right for a couple of minutes. I'll admit I'm I'm rather. Curious obi here. I I didn't tell you my name, did I? It's Zangann steps nice here we are, mister mister King, This is mister land Spot. I won't you sit down, mister Vaught please? Thanks? Uh huh. I thought perhaps i'd recognize you. Oh, yes, I've been in here several times. Pleasure own business, a little of both. Look, mister Bot, I'll speak frankly if you can save it.

1:37:45 You're Miss Stepperson has told me all about it. My name is Bot. You're barking up the wrong tree. Got a birth certificate? Why should I show it to you? There comes something? Yeah? Hell here Hi Toby. Oh, don't let me distribute, but you better make some introductions to you. Well, this is Inspector Tobin of the homicide squad. Miss Steffenson. Mister, how do you do? What's up? Toby? Oh? I just thought i'd like to ask a few questions. Well, I'm sure you don't want me. I've got to get back. You better stick around, son. Oh. I don't suppose any of you can give a satisfactory account of your movements between say, eight and ten, this evening with witnesses.

1:38:35 I thought, so how about you, Miss Stefferson. You're a new one. I thought you might at least well. It took me quite a long time to dress. It looks as though it might have. Well, it's better to have too many suspects than none, I guess. Come on, Toby, give there's been a murder. That's right, A certain Lydia Vinton. You're secretary, mister Walker, Lydia surprised. Why, of course, where do I come in on this? Well, now, mister. Wah, the New York Police know a lot more about what's going on in the world than you think, all sorts of things like the cross eyed bear, for instance. I've got nothing to do with the cross eyed bear.

1:39:16 Maybe you have, maybe you haven't, but there are a lot of people who think you have, including me. But Lydia, poor Lydia, she was only my secretary. She had nothing to do with it. She had nothing to do with the cross eyed bear, whether you knew it or not, mister Faulker, Lydia Vinton was in the cross eyed Bear thing up to her neck. She knew the Villia set up. She knew the Villiers family. In fact, she was one of the heirs of the Villiau's fortune. Lydia was Lydia. Mister Polker was the wife of Stephen Villias, And that's why. She was killed.

1:39:58 October fourteen. Lydia, poor Lydia will try to worry me, and no, wonder Lydia was an heir to the Cross Eyed Dare's estate, and she is Deadly Dean was the youngest son and heir, and he is dead. The next plan, of course, he has. Learned silas his disappearing is as good as signing a concession that he has lines. He disappeared not because he was a murderer of Lydia or anyone else. He is afraid of being murdered because he is the second son of the cross eyed Bear. And that means I've got to find him.

1:40:40 Before they do. What lands what? No, I don't know anybody by that name. He might be using some other name, but he's at piano player. No, you don't have any I've got piano player one who's just recently come with him. Ma'am. Sure he belonged to the musician Junion. They all do it. He hasn't worked for over a week, and I'm if he didn't leave any forwarding address at his hotel. I'm sorry. Some of these piano players are funny guys.

1:41:23 Oh yees, yes, I know who you mean. Alright. I used to go buy this. Corner every evening. Oh but that fella's wanted. You don't think you're gonna find it before us cops do, do you. Know? Ma'am? I'm sorry nobody answering that description every registered. Yeah, I know you feel mighty bad about not finding that man. I can see that you want a little advice. Yes, yes, I do. You have be here the forty eighth Club of Mahalem. No, you go up there now, I'll tell you how to get there, and you just hang around. You're sure affair one of these nights.

1:42:06 Why because nobody that's a real musician, and I know that boy is a real musician. Nobody could stay away from there very long. They got a piano team up there. You just got to hear him ever so often? Are you just going up there like I kid? You? Are you sure?

1:42:47 I think I know who you mean. I've been keeping my eye out ever since you told me. I see, well, thank you. Uh, the man you want to wouldn't have a good with. I don't know. There's the gentleman right over there. Oh here. I'm not sure, but I think I'll take a table for a while anyway. Man man, Why are you a little pool? Come here? Land? I'm so glad I found you. I don't know whether to laugh or cry, and I had to do something. Okay, good, I recognize all right? What are you here for?

1:43:27 Put on me? No, that isn't true. Why not you trust me? Don't you? Well? Yes, for some reason? I know why, because I trust you? Know you trust me? Oh? Don't you see? We're all in this together. We're all in danger. How does that apply to you? I'll tell you first listening. Don't you see what you've done? By running away? You've all but made an open confession that you are ladies. The police may think you ran away because you don't kill Lydia. Whoever did kill her knows why you ran way, don't you see? I know I thought of that after a couple of days, but it was too late. Now you are lance studinous, aren't you?

1:44:08 Why should I tell you? Because we can help each other, because if we don't, we're both helpless. How do I know you're not with them? I'm not with anybody. I'm trying to find out just as much as you are. Oh, sister, I don't know if you are or none. I'm gambling with my life. Listen, if you're Lance Dullius, you have a torn piece of a check made out by your father Canoe Business the Cross Eyed Bear, for one third of his estate. There are two others exactly alike, and all three must be presented together before any are valid. I show you another of those pieces of that check. Then will you believe me? Yes? I will. At first, we've got to find a place for you to hide.

1:44:49 Where did you get part of that check? Never mind that? Now, where have you've been staying. Here and there? One broken down hotel after another. I know my place. He's got two rooms, and you can have one of them. No, don't you see? It's like the story of the man who left the Valuable letter and playing sight on his desk. The simplest place to find you is the last place they'll look. Come on, here we are. How do you like it? Well, it's a lot better than I've been used to lately. And there are bolts on the doors. I had that done the second day. I got mixed up in this thing.

1:45:30 Which room do you want me to take? Oh? You might as well have this one, I guess phone in the next room. You won't want to be answering that anyway, we can work and plan here. It'll be our headquarters. We can. There's the phone, now make yourself comfortable. Why don't you drive the piano? Okay? Hello? Hello? Hello? Who is it? Hello? Hello? Bill? How'd you get here? What happened? You can see for yourself. You've killed him?

1:46:10 Bill, callow me. He's right behind me. I can't help that. Come in, Come in the doors open? Yeah, I don't know. I walked in and pandom like that lovers quarrel. I guess Bill, what are you saying? You better take her in. Inspector, come along with Jefferson. Yeah, here we are, Miss. Don't fresh Now, it's no use trying to get a good night's sleep. You can call a lawyer, sure you can. You want me to get intact with someone for you? Who do you want me to call?

1:46:57 I don't know. I don't know who to call. Good October twenty eighth. At least they will let me write. But what I've been such a fool? They asked, Jepain's agents your poker. And who king? And I walked into the trap? You have to followed me, see me locate lines. Perhaps you even heard what we said. Now Lance is dead. The police believe I killed him, and they. Will sweat with with all the power of money, even foreign governments behind them. The worst of all, they must.

1:47:39 Know who I am. You must know where the third piece of the carfie bears checking. That is why I am to be next jean Lydia Lance and now the zan yea she is, mister poker, Phil. Lizn I'm so sorry I couldn't come to you sooner. It was a matter of your life and mine. Too, your life. Didn't you see through it? Oh? You poor child, I've been so blind. But it's all right now we're safe. Oh, come along and I'll tell you about it on the way. Everything's in order, is in the meitron. You didn't really think I'd done such a thing to you, did you. Didn't you see him standing there?

1:48:31 Oh? King, you king? Don't you see it now? He? Of course, he's been Stephan's man all the time, watching me, protecting me, waiting for me, for us to lead him to the answer and then strike him. This way please, and then you can get out right through the courtyard. Thank you. You see now why I had to do it. I didn't actually see him kill Lance. I got there a second later. If I'd accused him, he'd have denied it. They wouldn't have arrested him for a few hours at least, and in those few hours, with the power of Stephan behind him, it would have been you and I next, Lisan. But why did you let me be sent to jail to make him think I believed him? But chiefly because I knew you'd be safe here. And only if I knew you were safe could I do what I have to do? What you won't trouble us again, Lizanne, it's finished at last.

1:49:29 It's so hardly believe that you've who has been so horrible? I know, my poor child. Come along, I'm going to take you home taxi. Razanne. You should have told me who you were gone in. Yeah, just relaxed for a while, like a drink. No, you don't mind if I do go.

1:50:09 As a matter of. Fact, there are still a few things I haven't told. You about this little business of the card. There there must be quite a lot of things. For instance, you never knew I had a wall safe behind this bar, did you. No? And of course you didn't know what I kept in it. Perhaps you'd be interested. To see acrossside Bear's check all three pieces, Yes, Lances who had his part in his pocket, the full yours and my own. You. You know, I rather marvel that my poor brother Dean managed to marry such a naive girl. You believed in me all the way, haven't you, Lizan, even this afternoon?

1:50:56 When did you know? Really, my dear, you don't think you were that beautiful, do you. I knew my younger brother had a wife, someone. I knew she'd turn up eventually if I used the right bait, the a the ad. But you weren't quite as innocent about that ad as you pretended, were you? The beautiful girl went looking for danger. You were trying to find the man who killed Dean, weren't you. Yes? Didn't you realize that he'd only married you for protection so there'd be one more heir to the villier's fortune, so they couldn't all be killed, or so he thought? Yes, sir, I realized that I've tried married him. Then I have a private plane waiting for me, and I have the check. By the way, I got your part out of your safe deposit, Bault copies of your keys, so there's no use, prolonging the agony.

1:51:42 You understand. You're going to kill me. I'm afraid I must Dean Lance, my poor silly wife, Lydia, who became a little two panic stricken. And now, since as Dean's wife, you're the last heir to the villier's fortune, you'll. Never get away with it. I will. Oh, it will look like suicide. Naturally. I've even forged a little note in which you confess to the other murders remorse, and do I make myself clear? Oh, my poor child, you mustn't think you can deceive me by that ancient trick of staring over my shoulder a non existent intruder. Drop it, Bill, you, I said, drop it.

1:52:23 You? You are you all right? Sure? I am all right. It was a close one for you, though, baby. I told total to keep you there. When I got back, I'll call a doctor. Oh that could wait with this kid, O you. November seventeenth, This is the end of you, darling. I'm a married woman now, and. The most appropriate end I can think of is this clipping from Today's Time tainted on the last page, King Villius Eiris wed FBI agent Hugh King, who shatowed notorious Stephen Vilias for six months to.

1:53:07 Break international murder mystery by special distentation of Justice and War Departments. Couple will honeymoon in Sweden. And so closes The Cross Eyed Bears starring Virginia Bruce and John Loder. The Knight's Tale of Suspense. This is your narrator, the Man in Black, who conveys to you Columbia's invitation to spend this half hour with us again next week, when Orson Wells will begin a four week engagement.

1:53:53 This is our very welcome guest on suspense. During the next weeks, mister Wells will star in three on you usual and spectacular suspense plays, The Most Dangerous Game by Richard Connell, The Lost Special by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and Donovan's Brain by Curtsey Oddmack, the last of which will be done in two parts on successive weeks. The producer of these broadcasts is William Spear, who, with Ted Bliss, the director, Bernard Herman and Lucian Merrowick conductor and composer, and Robert L. Richards, the radio author, collaborated on Tonight's Suspense.

1:54:34 This is CBS, the Columbia Broadcasting system. My dear, Sometimes the mind likes to run along and do what it does best, which is dig if you will now, I try not to hand it a spade too often. But well, as they say, a mind is a terrible thing to waste, so restricting it can only lead to negative outcomes. I worry if I can handle the penalty.

1:55:31 Have you heard the strange tales of the whistler. I'm the whistler. I know John Blake isn't here. I know because he's disappeared. I know you're trying to keep it out of the press because you think he's been kidnapped. Another Sunday night, and again Babs presents love Whistler.

1:56:21 I a whistler, know many things, or I walk by night. I know many strange tales, many secrets hidden in the hearts of men and women who have stepped into the shadows. And so I tell you tonight the amazing story of the penalty. Young Alan Harper stands at the window of his small office and stares gloomily out over the city as the lights flicker. On in the dusk. Alan has troubles. Perhaps he should have kept his job as a private detective. Perhaps he shouldn't have taken my law. Course, Well, he hasn't had a single client since the day he passed the bar examination. Better to give up and go back to the detective ation, saying. Then the door opens and the figure steps into the dimly lighted room.

1:57:16 Are you the attorney? Oh, yes, yes, I'm Alan Hopper. I have a little business for you. Business. But what kind of business? I want you to draw a will and later deliver a letter for me a will? Oh yes, yes, of course, of course. Do you know who I am? Well, I've certainly seen you before, but I just can't place you. I'm John Blake, cousin of the Plymouth Building and Loan. Oh. Yes, yes, of course, I've seen your picture many times. Yes, but I have you come to me. You have a staff of the best attorneys in town. I know, But because of the moment peculiar nature of the business at hand, I prefer an unknown, a lawyer who had no previous interest in me or my affairs I see, and also one who was not doing any two will.

1:58:01 Well, I'll have to admit that you pick a good example. In a few moments you'll have guessed what I have in mind. You'll know why I can't have my own attorney's handle this. Why not? You have no personal interest in me, Hafer. This is a cold business proposition, and I'll make it worth your file. Yes, when I walk out of here, and I want you to forget the whole thing for a few days. I agreed, very well. Then take down what I say, and I'll sign it to my daughter Anita Blake. I leave all my property, personal and real, including the painting of her mother Marcia Blake. This will supersedes any and all instruments of this nature previously drawn.

1:58:50 Yes, that's all. Oh, yes, I'll sign it now now here. He's a letter addressed to my brother Hillary in this city. He's recently returned after twenty five years in Australia, so he has written me several times lately. We've been exchanged all these years over a situation which this letter will clear up very well, mister Blake. But just what, no questions, mister Harper. Please, I I want you to keep the will, and better you'll know what to do with him when the time arrives. Are you, I mean, mister Blake, are you afraid of being murdered?

1:59:32 No, Harper, there was a time but not now. It sounds so crazy to me. Tell you are, young man. Your fee what a thousand dollars? But that's most unusual. Why all that. I'm paying you that much because I know you need it badly, and your need will make you keep our agreement that you'll forget all this for a few days and say. Nothing to anyone your planning commits suicide, mister Blake. If I were, and it's my duty to stop you, what would my death matter to you? People die every day, commits suicide. I'm murdered. It means nothing to you, yes, But this is difference to Harper. I'm not planning to commit suicide. You're sure, yes, I assure you. So. If you don't care to go through with the agreement, I'll take the money back and find someone else.

2:00:14 No, now I believe you, miss Blake. I'll keep the agreement. I've got you very well. Good Bye Harper, and good luck. Goodbye, mister Blake. Young Alan Harper sits pondering over the strange events the will the later. He drops the role of attorney and his mind works from the angle of the detective. What a strange situation. Another day has passed and toward noon, and he's a blake. Talks to her fiancee Wilber Martin. I'm sorry to call you out here, Wilburn, how I just have to talk to you.

2:00:55 What is it's wrong? It's about father? If you're a father. He left the office late yesterday afternoon, but he didn't come home. Well, maybe he went to his club. No, Wilber, I mean he didn't come home at all. He still hasn't come. I called his club, I call every place, but way Blood terribly worried. Why. Well, father's been acting strangely of lady. He's somew morosa. I'm afraid, afraid, afraid of what. I'm afraid. Something's happened to. Him, Anita. Maybe maybe he's been kidnapped. Well then kidnapped. What has that it happened? Wouldn't someone contact us by this time? Maybe not? Have you called every place that he might be had to call. A police No, I wanted to wait till I talk to you.

2:01:37 Have you called his brother, Hilary. No, I haven't been. I don't think he'd be there. You know about that situation. They haven't been on good terms for years and years. They've only seen each other once since Uncle Hillary came back from Australia. He's a strange sort of presson that Hillary. I've only seen him once, the time I went to his apartment with you. He's certainly strange, I know. But perhaps that's to me natural. What was it that caused them to become so bitter towards each other? Really don't know. Father never told me, but I think it had something to do with a girl they were both in love with. Did your father know Hillary was coming back to the States. Of course, Hillary wrote him several times that father did announce him.

2:02:18 Is your uncle Hillary well fixed? Certainly you became wealthy in Australia. What are you trying to say? Are you sure he made money over there? Of course? Father told me that many times. Well, your father could have been misled about Hillary being well off. Well, but I don't know what you mean. I think Uncle Hillary is all right, I rather than like him, and I don't care what the differences were between me. Are you insine that Uncle Hillary. I'm not infairing anything, huh, just asking why not call Hillary and ask him to come over here? All right? Don't tell him about your father, Just ask him to come over here. As soon as possible. You're all wrong about this, Wilbert. I know now what you're thinking, but I'm sure you're wrong.

2:02:58 You call him Anita and let him think your father is here. Then we talked to him, call the police. Wilburgh is very clever. He may be right about Hillary. Maybe Hillary knows something about his brother's strange disappearance. But then Hillary is clever too, quite clever. A half hour later, Hillary arrives. What on earth is this all? The fact? I'm not too glad you could come to still, Uncle Hillary? Johnny, Oh, you remember Wilbur Martin, Uncle might fancy? Yes, yes, of course. What's wrong with you too, mister Blake? How long since you've seen your brother?

2:03:39 I have been about four or five months, shortly after I came here from saying. That Wilbur, would you like to have a few words with you? Certainly she will be. Stopped this Monton. Uncle Hillary fother, Well, he isn't here. He disappeared. Disappear, Yes, Wilbur thought maybe you knew where he was. I see, well, wilberd I don't know. I know that now, and I just want to make sure your imagination away with you. Father didn't come home. Last night from the office. I called every police, everything things to kill of him. Well, he's been acting very strangely. I'm afraid that he committed suicide. You were sorry, but Wilby, thinking that somebody may have kidnapped him for ransom. We could both see he could have been murdered.

2:04:22 I suggested you call the police and checked the hospitals among everything. You call, wilbur plea. Now attend to it. Wilburgh calls the police and the hospital and the morgue, but he learns nothing of value. Two days passed by and still not a sign of John Blake or his body. Then Alan Harper, the attorney, visits for John Blake home coming. Mister Harper, thank you, miss Blake, it is my fiance.

2:05:04 Is your father here? This Blake my father? Why? No? Well, what did you want to see him about? Harper? Why? I wanted to see him on some uh personal business? Why don't you try to find him in his office? I did, but he isn't there. He hasn't been there for several days. What is your business, mister Harper? Why do you want to see mister Blake. I don't want to see mister Blake because I don't think he's here. I came to see miss Blake. What do you want, mister Harper? Who are you? I'm a detective detective. Yes, go on, mister Harper. I know John Blake isn't here. I know because he's disappeared. And I know you're trying to keep it out of the press because you think he's been kidnapped. We call the police, we asked them to keep it quiet. Yes, yes, I know that, but I'm I'm working in the background.

2:05:50 But if you don't think he's here, then where do you think he is? I think he's dead. Why do you think that? Just what do you know? Mister Harper? Oh? Here you are. I wanted to talk to you and Blake? What and who is this? Mister Blake? What you were? You seems startled, young man? What's wrong? Oh? Yes, I am sir that I thought did you think? Well, I thought you were DN sir, that is hees as a detective. I'm sorry, I'm sorry, mister blakefer Well, I guess curiosity got the better of me.

2:06:31 What are you talking about? Well, you remember the agreement? What agreement? Wait a minute, do you know who you're talking to? Yes? Yes, of course John Blake. No, mister Harper, this is my uncle, my father's brother. Hillary Hillary Hillary Blake. Yes, my father's twin brother, twins, John and Hillary were twins. Because I didn't know that. And apparently you know my father, John Blake. Yes, what did you know about him? You know where he is? Well, I excuse me just a moment. I've never been so startled. In all my life. Yes, yes, now that I look at him, now that.

2:07:12 I recall his beech stairs a difference. And why do you think John Blake is dead? Mister Harland, I've just come from police headquarters. You mean he's been murdered. No, No, not murdered. From all indications, he's committed suicide suicide? Are you sure? I was afraid of this? This morning? A hatton coat and overcoat were found on the river docks in the coast. Was the type of uncopy of a will made the day before yesterday? The half fairs the initials JD. There was a wild you're saying, yes, could you identify the hatton coat and spray? Of course? Very well, Kevin Sarger, this is Sergeant Henley. Do you recognize this coach and Hapten spray kids if.

2:08:01 I don't live the father. Oh well, sir, I conferd, but the hadn't crow to not conclusive evidence. What about the will found in the park? Showed them the will? Sergeant, you read it will book. To my daughter Anita Blake. I leave all my property, personal and real, including the painting of her mother, Marcia Blake. This will supersedes. Any and all instruments of this nature previously drawn for no signature. I have the original here you are. It's the original and sign Where did you get this?

2:08:43 Harper? Look at the signature of the witness, Alan Harper, you witnessed. The signature I did. And how do you explain that, mister Harper? Because I typed the will for John Blake the night he disappeared, he signed, and I witnessed the signature. Why should he come to you. It's true that I'm a detective, but I'm also an attorney's law. But mister Blake has his own attorney. Nevertheless, he came to me to draw this will, and if I hadn't recognized him from his pictures, I wouldn't have witnessed the signature. You recognize your father's signature? Needed is because it is like I still can't have a stand the reason for his doing such a thing. He's did everything in the world, everything that lived on money position. He must have been out of his name. Well. I didn't know if he did act very strangely, but he seemed to be rational enough.

2:09:27 But this still isn't proof. That he did. There's no body, no proof that he committed suicide. The body may not be found for days, but this evidence at hands certainly indicates that our body will be found. Investor maybe not, mister Harper, It's possible they could have er. What do you want to say, nothing. Miss Blake. In a way, I blame myself for your father's death side him. While he was dictating the will, I had a premonission he was planning to kill himself. When I confronted him with my suspicion, he was able to convince me that he had no such intentions. It's obvious now why he came to me. Why he wanted someone who didn't know him personally. His own attendants would have been able to see through his plan and prevent his carrying it out.

2:10:09 Why did he make this new will if he'd already made one. Yes, that's what I'd like to know. Well, I'm still not convinced that he committed suicide. No, well, maybe this will help. Here's the letter he asked me to deliver to Hillary Blake, a letter to me. Yes, he said it would clear up a few things. Mmmm, well what does it say? Uncle? It says several things things he'd never have said unless he were going to die. Suppose you read his driver. Yes, Hillary, for twenty five years now, jealousy bitterness have kept us across. I know why you stayed over there in a spare all these years. I know you loved Marcia, which he was rightfully yours. But I loved her too, and I couldn't go on without her. I know you despised us both all these years, and I've pretended to despise you. I had to pretend because I lied to Marcia.

2:11:10 I told her you were engaged to a woman in Australia. Marcia is innocent. I was to blame. When Marcia died last year, he wrote that you were coming back. I knew that your resentment had faded, but I didn't answer. I've kept away from you because I just couldn't face it. I told you all this because things have happened, which you will learn soon enough. That have decided me to close my book and write for the need. I have made a new will, leading everything I possessed to when meet her. Anita is young, only I beg of you to watch after her as though she were your own, which but for myselfness, she might well have dined. Forgive me, John well this letter in the case suicide?

2:12:01 What does he mean by things have happened? That's, miss Blake, is the motive for which we just have to wait, Yes for that and no body. Everyone seems to be convinced that John Blake has convinced suicide, that is, everyone except Wilde Martin. But still the body has not been found. Then one morning, four days later, Alan Harper calls Anita and Hillary to police headquarters. Morning, miss Blake, mister Blake, what have you found? John? I hope you don't mind my coming along, mister Harper.

2:12:45 No, no, not at all. Mister Martin, what's happened? They found a body this morning on the rocks at the mouth of the river. It's rather badly bruised and shuttered. Well, it's in a bad condition that I think you should look at it. Oh, I know how you feel, miss Blake, But I afraid it's necessary. There you won Oh all right, I come true? Please do it this way, please. M here we are. What are you saying, miss Brake? No, now, get hold yourself, Neather, it's please you money.

2:13:27 Yeah, that's fun and you. Mister Blake really certainly can't to say it to take It might be John, but often no means of identification on his body. I'm sure never would. There was nothing but the suit here, nothing in the pockets will be fatherhood? All right, it's father right? No, but why why did he do it? Come alongest Blake? I needn't stay here any longer. No, no, don. Well, I still can't understand. I have a word with you. Yes, all right? Oh would you your uncle wait here for a moment? This way, Martin? All right, Martin, why did you phone me?

2:14:11 I want a permission to see the body. Do you think it was John Blake? LA certainly should know. Well we're from the start. You've been skeptical about the suicide theory. Why why, well, who are you trying to frame? You're crazy? I'm not trying to frame anybody. You think he was murdered, Yes I do, but not by you. Of course, certainly not. But how do you account for the fact that John came to my office, signed the will he dictated, and gave me the letter to Hillary. He must have contemplated suicide. Are you sure it was John Blake who made the will? You think Hillary? It could have been, But John's temples were quite great, and he had no trace of an accent. Hillary could have dropped the accent and grated temples. Go on. He could have gotten hold of John's clothes and hat. And after we left you, he could have killed John and thrown him in the river and left the evidence of the riverfront.

2:14:54 And why would Hillary kill John? Well, I'm there been several reasons, Maybe because of Marsher maybe well, several reasons. Did John Blake object to your engagement to Anita? No? Why should he? Anita Blake identified her father's handwriting on the will and the letter to Hillary. She identified the body, But you keep hopping about murder. Maybe she only thought it was his handwriting. You better be careful, Wilbur If you're trying to make a murder out of this, you may hang yourself. How false accusation. I've still got the will and the letter to Hillary. I checked the papers of John's office. The writing is the same. Maybe Hillary is clever and forgery. Maybe did you have the experts check the writing? Not yet?

2:15:37 Well, then how can you tell them that you had a sample of Hillary's writing? I think if you have a sample of Hilary writing. You found the letters from Hillary to John. Yes, found a packet of John's desk. Good. Good that Wilburg I was waiting for. Well, now they are several of them tied together. Now I'll tell you something. I never thought John from suicide. I think he was murdered. You you do, yes, And before you go, Wilbert, I'd like to have a same with your handwriting here on his head. Hm. Very well, thank you, Wilbur. I'll see you tomorrow. Well, Sawting, have you finished checking?

2:16:27 Yes, Harper, have finished. And what's the Betty? Well, this is the cleverest bit of forgery I've ever come across. This would have passed any place question had come up, So this will and the letter to Hillary would certainly get by anyone as having been written by John Blake. Yes on comparing the suicide letter from John to Hillary with this letter Hillary wrote from Australia, we notice a difference, but a basic similarity. Would the fact that their twins be the reason for that? No. On closer examination, we find characteristics which couldn't appear in both letters if they were twins. Then you agree with me that Hillary must have written the suicide letter and signed the will. I certainly do. It's a tough thing to prove. I think you're on the right track, but well.

2:17:09 All I can do is left it. Truly, I'm afraid you'll have to work on forcing a confession on this case. Did you did you check all these letters from Hillary? No? Just those on top. Well, i'd appreciate it to check them all. Just as you're saying, now, what about young Wilburmartin, Well. So far I can't see much in him to worry about the Then you never can tell. I think Hillary's the man, all right, I thought that for some time. But I'll just phone out to the house and tell Wilbur Martin that we've uncovered the whole thing. And if Wilbur's in on it, he'll be gone when I get there. He can be picked up later. Okay, I'll check the rest of Hillary's letters. Go ahead, I won't phone out there until you'll finished.

2:17:49 Ten minutes later, a startling piece of news breaks. The headlines are screamed by newsboys. Extras flood the streets, and Wilbur Martin rushes to the Blake home and faces Anita and Hillary Blake. What is it? Will? But what rooms? Yes? For heaven's sake, what's happened? You haven't heard? You don't know when he is? No? What do you mean? Well, look look at these headlines. Him building and loan cracious. But what does it mean? I'll tell you John Blake and batrel of the company funds and they've gone to the war. What, yes, close the door? But no, I can't believe that. I'm sorry. Here, it is black and white and that's the multi pretty suicide. Why why? Because he knew he was caught? What else he could have put the money back? Couldn't he?

2:18:31 Yes? But maybe he lost it by trying to make more to cover. Up the shortage. I don't think he lost. You don't know, nonsense, he must have. Why would kill himself? Maybe he didn't kill himself? Please, and you mustn't worry. I know this is very embarrassing for you, but it isn't your fault. Let me take you away for a fire, recommend that in Mexico. This blows over. You won't take her to Mexico. You won't take her anyplace. Just what do you mean? What's wrong with you? Will be your acting? Stupid? Do you want to go to make ago with a murderer? What? Your father may have built the company, but I don't believe he lost the money. Well, he hit it, and your uncle Hillary found out where he hit it, and he set up the suicide to cover your father's murder.

2:19:11 Crazy out of your mind. This doesn't make sense. I have all the money I need. Yes, you have now a fool tech of things anything, and yeah for the reservation. You won't leave this room. Do you know what to be done to you for affecting people with hire arms? I don't call the police. You don't need to call the police. They're on away here now. Just talk to that detective, mister Harper. They've proved that you wrote the John's will and the suicide letter. You kill John and you have the money will. You're crazy, You're out of your mind. I know what I'm talking about. Get out here, get out, get out. No, I won't leave. No one will leave till they come. Yeah, you got here just in time, mister Harper. Hillary was going to Mexico and the next plain and taking Anita with him Mexico. Yes, he knows everything.

2:20:03 I just told him about the handwriting discovery. John Blake stole the money from the loan company. Hillary here found out about it and learned where it was hidden and chilled John. He's talking not mister Blake. Sergeant Evans here is the police handwriting expert. He's examined the will and the suicide letter from John. He's also checked them with your recent letters from Australia. What and Jue letters from Australia show a definite resemblance the same characteristics which appear in the will and the suicide letter. You brought the still side letter. Definitely we can get a conviction on ridiculous that. There's something else. The will mentions painting of Marcia Blake and Eata's mother. U. Where's that painting?

2:20:44 There? It is on the wall. Just a moment. I hope you don't mind this Slake you're tearing off the betch. Yes, yes, and there you are. There's the reason why. What thousands in the negotiable Barnes. Then Hillary did know about the money. He did kill John for all that. I did no such thing. No, No, that's right. You didn't kill John Blake for that? Then who did? Look at these two letters from Hillary Blake to John What are the. Dates Stamber and in November nineteen. Forty Those were Hillary's last letters to John. Now look at these June and July nineteen twenty, you notice any difference.

2:21:26 We're all are signed by Hillary, But the ones dated nineteen twenty are not at all like the ones written in nineteen. Forty, not the least similarity. We just discovered these old letters. The ones dated nineteen twenty were written by Hillary, but the ones dated nineteen forty were written by John. John, what do you mean? You're under arrest as to Blake. Not for murder, because there's been no murder. You're under arrest on a charge of embezzlement, and you, miss Blake, are under arrest as an accomplice. But what are you saying? At first, we overlooked the earlier letters of Hillary Blake, but when we saw them, we knew they were not the same. Hand, we knew John Ford's the recent ones. Furthermore, I checked with auspilian. Hillary Blake died in Sydney ten years ago. This man is John Blake, posing as Hillary to escape the penalty for looting the company. Nea, you, Anita knew all about it. She's an on the plan. Oh, it was a clever one and they might have gotten away with the phony suicide. But he picked the wrong attorney. Oh, here's your thousand dollars, Blake. But I'm afraid it won't do either of you much good. Now, Well that's the story.

2:22:38 John had gone to great length in laying his plan, but he made a mistake by failing to destroy the early letters from Hillary, and he underestimated Wilbur's intelligence. John had covered every point. He had even. Established residence in an apartment as Hillary had used the story of estrangements as an excuse for not associating with Hillary. And what of the body in the morgue? That's where they slipped again. The police knew the identity of the body. That was merely a trap laid by Alan Hopper. Anita was too quick and identifying the first body she saw too anxious. It was obviously not her father, but the. Finding of an unidentified body seemed so convenient that she jumped at the chance to declare it was John Blake.

2:23:26 Yes, there's many a slip TwixT, but you know the rest. Sebs. I've presented The Whistler. Oh. Original music for this production was composed and conducted by Wilbur Hatch. The Whistler is written and directed by J.

2:24:11 Donald Wilson and originates from Columbia Square in Hollywood. Next week, same time, I the Whistler will return to tell you another unusual story. Good night, This is the Columbia Broadcasting System. Well, my dear, the evening has run its course. The darkness will soon have to retreat as the tyranny of the day returns. But you must be heading home, and I too, Well it's not important, but please do join me again and soon. I enjoy your presence more than you could imagine. I'll be right here, same time, same place, ready to share something delightful with you. But if I may ask one more favor, as you make your way home, as you wander through the twilight, as you enter your door, as you lay your head on that soft, cool pillow, take one moment as you gnawed away and be thankful

2:25:42 for what you have. I'll be seeing you soon. You remumbling privately of favent for Pollium